Joe Bonamassa Chats with Premier Guitar on 2017 Summer Tour

The prolific blues-rocker takes time before his gig in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to show us his three favorite road axes and field questions from PG fans.

[@guitarmama3831]

Wow! That's my son who was referenced in the last 5 minutes. JB has been so instrumental (no pun) in my 9 yr olds life in giving him something he is passionate about and a hero to look up to. He is a class act in every way and I'm so thankful for his influence on my son, as this last year has been a long, desperately needed change for the better in Jax's life. A million thanks to all JB did for Jax in Peoria.

[@3cardmonty602]

Guitar Mama That's cool to be that passionate. I'm 57 & still have that passion. Don't ever ever give up - when you stop learning, you might as well pack it in.

[@racoonlover3000]

Guitar Mama that's so cool! Does he have a guitar?

[@WOHBuckeye]

He did the same for my daughter a few weeks ago. We ran into him at a local music show, then invited us backstage so she could meet his backup singers. We hung out for about 20 minutes. I interviewed him about 10 years ago. Definitely one of the nicest guys I've met.

[@tuib]

Would Jax please share here, the list of albums JB gave him? It would mean a lot to me. Thanks in advance!

[@stratguy823]

Joe doesn't deserve the hate he gets. This is a great interview. I wish I could hang out with him once. He is such a wealth of information and seems very down to earth.

[@marsattacks7071]

He gets hate because he's telling the truth ! That truth is enough to close big mouths from the internet until they die...

[@jamesreeves4600]

@@marsattacks7071 what truth?

[@cromBumny]

@Mars attacks he is honest...but I don't see that as a draw for anger...just crazy bored people. He talks about music, he isn't Jesus.

[@DMEB]

I enjoy watching Joe just talking about guitars. He sounds so enthusiastic all the time. Great player.

[@Godsman1982]

Joe your a classy fellow! Love the fact that kids inspire him. Thank you for your foundation and your kindness. You will keep the blues alive.

[@tjerkheringa937]

Saw him play in Amsterdam yesterday. Joe is absolutely awesome as a player and such a nice humble fellow.

[@dabradguy]

i love what he said at the end "passion about something that requires dedication and a skill set" That is what builds character and humility.

[@fendertweed]

Great comments Joe Love his passion for vintage plus he is a a cool down to earth fella

[@hettarstrat1197]

Great moment. Really nice to see Joe taking time like this. thanks

[@markviereck4547]

Joe is an awesome human being. He is just like anybody else. He doesn't want people to think he's a star.. real down to earth. He says I'm not cool and I never will be ..

[@davidpevsner4515]

Pure class. Everytime I watch one of these where you take time to connect and lift up the rest of your community I always click over and give a couple of bucks to the Foundation. JB, you are one steely eyed ax man.

[@DerredmaxTRIAX]

I hope you wright a book someday Joe. It would give me a reason to learn to read. Its a rare thing when I here someone talk about something with so much compassion and knowledge. Thanks for being here and making life better!

[@XLBiker13]

Joe Bonamassa, as always, you are a righteous dude who impresses me with remarkable talent and musicianship and exceptional character. Thank you.

[@02stanggt]

Great video. Joe has become more candid through the years. I find that endearing.

[@HeROsiNhEaVeN]

I love the fact that besides being a great blues guitarist...Joe is also a guitar and amp nerd...🎸

[@tfaucette87]

Joe will always be my guitar hero. Love his playing and love the stories. Keep it up Joe.

[@staffansvahn]

Class Act...and a lovely person. Thank you for uploading this fine video. Best wishes

[@ducati750d]

What an awesome interview ! Gotta love a guy who loves what he does, because without passion creativity is doomed . Joe tells it like it is , and has the knowledge to back it up . Thanks for sharing Joe .

[@GordonTillmanTexas]

Thank you Shawn & Joe. Really enjoyed this video.

[@chrisjames1924]

Joe always comes across like a decent chap. I've been listening to his music for years but it's only recently that I've come to truly appreciate the genius of the man. His music screams of quality and grown-up sophistication. I know it's not a competition but I honestly think he's the first blues rock guitarist to overtake SRV in the virtuoso stakes. He's that good! Amazing songs, albums, DVD's, the lot, yet he hasn't let any of it go to his head. He's just a regular guy; a guitar geek who happens to also be the worlds best blues rock guitarist. Watch one of his live performances of Blues Deluxe to see what this man can do. He's the best in the game bar none.

[@gbmwaz]

I love the honesty as much as the playing.......rare qualities

[@VikingTorolf]

Thank you Joe Bonamassa for sharing your thoughts and showing those amazing guitars, especially that V!

[@billdehey1300]

Just saw this. Sweet guitars Joe. Thanks for sharing again.

[@georgeshaw8925]

All aspects aside you do a iot for holding the truth of blues to the flame. No true fan or musician could ask for more, thanks Joe.

[@thedoobiesistersandsackbla5718]

im so glad joe and you and me think guitar. love old guitars in any shape or name.

[@peterbonanno846]

Great conversation - thank you so much for the details about each guitar, so interesting - God bless Joe

[@thomasschweitzer3368]

Joe forget all the haters - you are the man !

[@RockyH.]

I'll be honest I can't stand the fact that this dude can straight rip....I'm extremely jealous of his mastery.

[@DanHains]

Good chat, great playing. Thanks Joe and Shawn.

[@mikelembo6657]

What a great guy Joe is. Very entertaining and fun to listen to.

[@TOOBBIINN1]

Best JB interview on you tube. Well done!

[@papotorres9064]

I was very sad when Gray' Moore passed away , I really loved the way he played and is tone . But Joe takes away that sadness in a way , Joe has the talent and the tools , I am also glad Joe is also bringing back some quality in guitars & amps , that in a way were gone , so for me it's HaTS oFF TO Joe , you inspired me to keep playing and to love my guitars , thank you for that . Alfred Puerto Rico .

[@marsattacks7071]

Joe is a real class act ! Not only he's a great guitar player (with great articulation), he's also an amp guru. All the pieces of equipment he puts on the market is top notch ! From Gibson to Epiphone to Fender amps. Great stuff ! I trust that guy.

[@jasonlee8497]

Joe, lots of us guitar players are genuinely interested in great players, great gear, great performances, great songs, great interviews......i have a feeling most of us guitarists hate trolls as much as you do. Keep up the awesome playing Joe! You are one of the greats.

[@reol5880]

Thank you for this interesting video! He is the BEST out there

[@marsattacks7071]

Excellent interview !

[@demuthjesse]

Joe Bonamassa is one bad, bad man on that guitar!!! It never ceases to amaze me!... The guy just has a way of making the note sound like more then just a note, or more then one instrument? I don't know what I'm trying to say, it's so hard to explain!!! Just listen and you too shall understand. He plays those fast runs and instead of sounding like a storm of mashed up notes, each and every note sings and always rings out harmonically as if it's being double tracked?!?!?! 🤔🤨🙃😱🤯God bless your soul, Mr. Bonamassa!

[@metalmulisha0143]

Jesse De Muth conviction. He plays the note with solid intent and conviction, he knows exactly how he wants it to sound before he even plays the note and knows he's put in the hours practising to make it happen

[@bluespig1]

Great guy, good heart. Good things happen to good people. Thats why JB succeeds.

[@metalmulisha0143]

I think it's his experience that keeps him humble and gives him his humility. Over the past decade or so his touring has been pretty safe and he's drawn in the big crowds so people just assume he's some fat cat but he put in a lot of hard work and dedication to get to that point and he has a lot of experience because of it

[@yucatown2]

This is the best non rig rundown Rig Rundown y'all have done

[@jeffreymuckey2205]

Cedar Rapids IA holy crap. Love it. Neighbor in Nebraska. Love it Joe!

[@joeltoste938]

Hey Freddie! My gold speed knobs arrived today for my JB Amos Korina Flying V!!! Great recommendation. The stock black top hat knobs just get lost in the black pickguard. The gold speed knobs make it POP, baby!!! Thanks for the brilliant idea!

[@smacman68]

I love this guy. A class act and he could be just another one of the guys.

[@fundorgon]

loving this interview :)

[@SixStringShooter]

I think Joe's favorite, go-to phrase is "but, truth be told..." lmao Love ya, Joe. Keep up the amazing work!

[@hollowillusion4732]

Very cool💖💖👍👍. Greetings from Norway🇳🇴

[@johnbohlinger]

This is awesome. Great musician. 11s on a tele tuned up to F. Respect.

[@3cardmonty602]

You Go Joe! We all Love Ya!

[@Skippymizzle]

Joe is cool,he was the first time he signed a cd for me after a gig he played at in downtown Toledo way way back in the 90's

[@Tony_Leonardi.]

He has become my favorite guitarist

[@jobckts682]

Joe loves music & guitars more than Most of us. He can enjoy his toys. He earns it.

[@lukecassidy6300]

Great guy, amazing player!

[@Guitaural.]

Joe seems a good guy - and probably exceeds even MY guitar geekiness : ) So happy for his success - he bought a 57 Black Beauty at his Ohio tour stop and is constantly looking for stuff. His tour receipts must be pretty amazing these days! Just very happy for him. It's encouraging that in 2017 ALL the money isn't going to the Beyonce/Jay Z school of Music/Dance/Posing

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

I've found very few V's in my life that I have any soft spot for but dang that guitar is insanely beautiful and sounds unbelievable.

[@douglaswalther8489]

What a down to earth Superstar. Thanks PG

[@elephantricity]

i love joe interviews...truth be told

[@vmat1000]

I have over 10 releases by Joe B and thought i'd hit the wall. This vid reminds me why i've loved this guy for over 10 years now. Proud owner of a IBZ RRSR, which some think were better that the Gibson '82 RI so i was in right away. Great player, great historian (i guess Amos is at home) and seemingly a great guy,

[@Joe-xe6ev]

Joe is a cool guy and I'm glad he is not just paying tribute to the blues as so many players do.... he's actually progressing the blues and helping take it into new territories and helping keep it fresh. I recently bought the Joe's signature Epiphone Firebird I model. Its a Sunburst,1 pickup, 63' Firebird w/ neck thru construction and banjo tuners... Its sounds AMAZING !! I have a Gibson Firebird V as well. The EPI and the Gibson play almost the same... the Gibson has a little bit better "feel' in the neck, but the EPI just sounds better. So the EPI is the one I will keep and play for the rest of my life. If you get a chance please check them out. I got mine used on Reverb for $550 !! I stole it !! :{)

[@telemaster]

Was hoping they'd ask about how this new V compared with Amos.

[@vmat1000]

Thank you for the nice reply, Joe C :) I was actually excited about the Ltd Treasure Firebirds but couldn't play one before buying it. For $800 i was not too comfortable that way. I only had played a Firebird a short time, taking care of an '80s Cardinal red example while a friend was in the hospital. Didn't get on with it that well (mostly a home sit down player). The Treasure still was inviting, though. $550 ? I'd probably have taken the plunge. Nice score.

[@philfyphil]

There’s a big difference between a collector who can’t play and one like Joe who is a brilliant guitarist who collects as well. Thanks for a great gig at Genting Arena, 16th March 2018, I was there center stage 5 rows from the front. Great to see Bernie Marsden on form as well.

[@limpindug]

Nice to hear a wee bit of sense, cheers

[@kaneo67]

oh lordy...i am gona play my brand new hamer vector with inspiration from this vid.jb's re-fret,the whole thing.my guitar is new frets,everything responds.and people sometimes say he plays robotically but in this vid he plays amazingly,with soul.i play al the time now.i have 3 mexi strats(all as good as any American strat,)and my vector that I received yesterday.I am gona play and play/Thanks JB you legend

[@jeffreymonroe153]

You are a good man Joe

[@strangedean]

I've got to be honest I'm not into Joe's music at all but I appreciate how talented a musician he is plus he comes across as a decent person. great video, very interesting. I never found the flying V to be an attractive guitar until this video.

[@ankerguitar]

His tone is just to die for

[@tylergavin4757]

You're talking about his sound. His tone is coming from that Deluxe and his V.

[@metalmulisha0143]

It's too thick and dark to me... SORRY

[@sixslinger9951]

@@metalmulisha0143 you must hate BB King's tone then? more of an Albert King Ice Picky fan?

[@susannelson7216]

As they say he is just an average Joe , with many talents and a heart full of greatness, awesome Joe , he must had a great up bringing !!! 💕✌😃🎼🎶🎵🎤

[@gamesandcake4892]

Joe Bonamassa just made me deaf. Thank you, Joe! I made the mistake of listening to this video through ear buds. lol Having said that, I love JB. He's such a huge guitar and music geek and I can totally connect with him in that area.

[@ceejohansson]

Nice info, nice interview!

[@nunoandrade9018]

what a great guy!

[@RevMishka]

Joe, you are a Class Act!

[@jfrockon]

Love Joe..

[@jacobprice2879]

"Truth be told" - Joe Bonamassa

[@DMEB]

Jacob Price haha was looking for this comment. Excellent.

[@joemamma4324]

awesome!!!!!!

[@Setright230]

Joe it would be great for you to start writing a book. Bits of your life and can't forget some of the guitars and amp infos. But also how you climbed the big Blues ladder to become what I think one of the top blues/rock players in the world. Sure there are great guitarists but it's the fact that you talk to the people not at them. I would love to read it also after being medically discharged from the army now on veterans affairs pension. I'm in my mid 40's and u only did one concert in Brisbane Australia last yr. my ptsd is a problem but my Drs are so impressed with how playing talking or just enjoying my guitars has helped my ptsd from the dark side. I have started a little collection. Some Fender tube amps plus one of your Pelham blue les paul Epiphone but wanted a Gibson version. I got my first Gibson this yr a Standard Traditional Lp but have few Fender's. I will i hope save enough for a JB Gibson LP on my pension. But live alone family left. So seeing you live took 3 months with my Drs to help my ptsd to go see you. No partner fingers crossed find one that doesn't mind my slow collection but I play everyone of them. But I was second row center stage wearing my blues hat lol. Thank you for helping me guide my thoughts to enjoying guitars and amps and anything musical. You have been a inspiration I have all your CDs and blu Rays. So I get to see your concerts, hope to see you again as there where no meet greets when u did Brisbane. But the concert didn't let me think of my problems I was just having a ball. Can only hope to meet you, I'd love to just chat over a drink but your busy. Thank you for being there for others that have taken up music to help ptsd and other problems. Cheers Matt from down under. If you do a book I'll have to get a signed copy. As be some fantastic pictures, boy it be great to meet you and abit of a chat not just a signature that someone would sell. It would be passed on to my kids when I'm gone. I'd fit into Nerdville just in amazement to look and talk guitars.

[@adamnichols2762]

Sounds like that 70s Champ from an older video Joe was in!! I love that tone!!

[@BrentHarmon]

Tweed Deluxe

[@fernandoayala2477]

Most rich celebrities buy boats and planes, this awesome man buys guitars/amps and cases.

[@123optimusprime]

Joe' Classy and informative as always

[@janvandamm1864]

Go to see the 12 year old Dustin Tomsen playing and sing Joe Bonamassa's song Blue and Evil. Included guitar solo. He reminds me a lot of the young Joe...

[@guitarsimon1]

Oooo, can't wait for the JB Fender Twins!!

[@GTRJohnny66]

I appreciate where he is coming from in trying to preserve both music history, and the gear. He probably knows more about Fender and Gibson than anyone working at either place now. I think the eye contact is in how close they had to sit to get both in frame. It's uncomfortable to look people in the eye, when you're sitting that close.

[@HuterDerSchwelle]

I think one of the unsung attractions of the flying V/Explorer is the headstock size relative to the Les Paul/ES size. I've always found the latter's headstocks to be disproportionately small relative to the body size. I'm not saying either headstock is better than or should replace the other, just the commenting on the proportions.

[@PD-ld5sq]

God damn he’s a legend.

[@georgeshaw8925]

Joe B. the guitar guru, all hail to the master of neck gymnastics....

[@racerx1918]

In 2010 a friend of mine stopped at a yard sale and bought a 1965 Gibson SG Jr cardinal red with maestro vibrato for 10 bucks. He wasn't a player and let me have it for about 400. Truly a once in a lifetime event.

[@metalmulisha0143]

Tyler L sounds like the yard sale owner is owed some money, as is your "friend"

[@tetra3000]

13:54 So damn true, I appreciate Joe's honesty

[@gravyblue]

Is Joe the nicest guy in the world?

[@jerryhernandez5865]

Doug Cook yes

[@davecarsley8773]

No. John Bollenger is. Lol

[@FM-mj8pr]

Joe don't take my iPhone speakers ever sounded so good .nice guitar😄

[@kutsbothways]

I like Joe. Is Joe the greatest thing since white bread? No. He is one of the hardest working, most successful guitarists on the planet. He didn't reinvent the wheel, he has made the wheel roll just the way he wants it to. If you have never seen him play in concert, I would suggest you do. He is accused regularly of stealing licks from his predecessors...please, we all stand on the shoulders of giants. The very few who genuinely come up with something truly original is a painfully small percentage. Am I wrong? Well, I still like the Beatles, Eric Clapton the Rolling Stones, in an age when it is fashionable to trash the sound and abilities of those who came before; and I don't feel dated. At least Joe doesn't spout off a bunch of political bull that I don't care to hear, he just plays his guitar and sings....very well. Ymmv.

[@metalmulisha0143]

kutsbothways its actually modern fashion to only cite the oldest inspirations as gospel and not to trash it at all, that's why we have a bunch of crappy "classic rock" bands now that think they're led zeppelin *cough cough* greta van fleet *cough cough*

[@patrickmayersr9623]

Someone who's still down to earth........😶........rare,vintage,cool.......dude.

[@racerx8335]

the strat rocks Duuude

[@brutalbeetle]

I agree with the pots being super important. I put the same two bridge pickups in two different guitars and it just sounded great in one and not great in the other.

[@akc5150]

25.45.... 'these things are old and cranky man'..... NEVER have I heard a BETTER expression of a vintage guitar!! Everyone thinks they are like some sort of Golden tone machines.... Yes they are but you have to fight them to get the best out of them!!

[@tdunster2011]

I wonder if Joe has any Squier Classic Vibes in his collection?

[@RockyH.]

Uhhh! He might he owns every thing else haaaaaa!!!!

[@sixslinger9951]

it is the rarest one, Maybe?

[@georgeshaw8925]

Hey Joe, where you going with those (Mr.Shades) in your hand....

[@DanChanVideoGames]

yo Cedar Rapids squad lets go

[@blakjack3053]

Side note, I saw a video on Norman's rare guitars channel where JB shows another similar 58 flying-V he bought from Norm, but I think it was made of Korina wood not mahogony.

[@bernarddover1442]

nobody and i mean nobody is a better blues player than him !!fact !!!

[@thomasadams675]

What Magnet #’s are those pickups? I know “Amos” has Alnico 6.

[@kungstu22]

Bonamassa high powered twin. Dude.....

[@MrProwler101477]

Dont get me wrong I like Bonamassa was just at his concert here at Usana all I am saying he stays at 10 too long like show the volume knob some love .its not fair to compare guitarist and one isn't better than the next just different but when it comes to Blues Rock I think Garry Moore holds the Yardstick that man had it all could shred like a beast but with a melodic mastery what is interesting is that Moore is one of his musical influences A Les Paul straight into a a Plexi.. as he said .. Think I just miss Moore too much ..

[@marknorris3769]

i would love to hear what he thinks about les paul recording guitars early 70's , they are so under appreciated and relatively inexpensive

[@pczTV]

Joes right: we need to take a moment And share positive affirmation to drown out the small percentage of trolls. I feel memory serves, he had a video series where he talked about one of his guitars every week or so. I could sit and watch him talk about guitars and whatever. Decent bloke!

[@janvandamm1864]

Go to see the 12 year old Dustin Tomsen playing and sing Joe Bonamassa's song "Blue and Evil" (Included guitar solo) here on youtube!!! Dustin is very very good...he reminds me a lot of the young Joe Bonamassa .. .. .. ..

[@simonandrews3466]

Top bloke