Joe Bonamassa demos his 1958 Gibson Flying V

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[@marcflickinger7476]

Kudos to whoever recorded this video’s sound - absolutely captured it, stings even through an IPhone speaker

[@DMSProduktions]

Played thru a DUMBLE amp!

[@azt3ca]

I thought the same thing

[@Mhammer1943]

Back in 1961, I was attending Carson Newman College in Jefferson City, TN, and in that little town was a nice Freeman's Furniture Store who also carried Gibson Guitars. Every chance I got, I would go over and play their assortment of Gibsons which included a J-45, J-50, a Flying V, an Explorer and I believe a Firebird! All were priced under $300.00, but with the Tuition for a Semester being $600, I just could not afford to purchase one of those babies. They had been in stock for more than a year, can you only imagine what they would be worth today? I used to kid my Dad that the guitars were worth more than my education! Later, I worked in a Music Store in Knoxville, prior to entering the Army in 1966, and realized then what an opportunity I had missed. Today, I own a few Gibsons, including a 1968 Dove, as well as a newer model, and an L-4, a 1968 ES150 DW, and an ES 339. I also have the 1960 Melody Maker that I bought in 1963. My favorite is my D-42 Martin, and the 1977 HD28 that I purchased in 1977. But I still regret not buying one of the early Gibsons.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

I love the tones of a Flying V.

[@Grizzilyultra]

Thanks for the show-off. Love the back story ✌️

[@danielkroha5440]

$265 in 1958 money is $2,700 in today’s money.

[@greensombrero3641]

beautiful sound from a great player - thanks JB

[@riittahatinen4579]

Amazing sounds JOE❤ Great guitar🎸🥰💕🙋🏻‍♀️

[@flycorvus]

Really beautiful instrument, I love it.

[@LyonByTheSea]

Man I had to turn vol down up down up 😂 it really rocks sounds fantastic. Thanks for sharing with us❤ Some of us APPRECIATE it. 😊

[@jeremythornton433]

Just great!

[@MichaelSorensen-bl3ec]

Nice. Most people don't realise that a lot of the tracks on Van Halen's 1984 album were recorded with a Flying V.

[@Ottophil]

Most people don’t actually care to be honest

[@dougdavis8986]

​@@Ottophilwell, it's good that you're honest Beavis.

[@kevinr.3542]

That's because mos people SUCK and would rather be a troll than learn new things

[@mtk7744]

​@@OttophilSays the Nobody.

[@A_Final_Hit]

@@OttophilThank you for contributing absolutely nothing to the conversation. I suspect that happens with you quite a bit.

[@Magik1369]

Sounds amazing. It barks and sings.

[@user-et7br6ir1h]

That’s very kind I notice that myself for value and who I’m dealing with

[@marcflickinger7476]

I love the disappointment in his voice from never having owned ‘58 explorer. Everyone’s blues are different. Love you Joe, been a fan since I watched you tear it up with Eric Czarr and Kenny Kramer at Wetzel motorcycle festival in Ohio (maybe 2004 or 5?). I was maybe just barely 21 - still the most raucous 3 piece performance I’ve ever seen. Would love to see a reunion 😀

[@walterjr.steinert6054]

Excellent video Joe. Love how passionate you are with your guitars. Albert King’s main V was a custom Dan Erlewine, walnut species. Anyway, great tone on your 58 V.

[@Drforrester31]

The most shocking thing to learn is Joe Bonamassa is only 46. For some reason I always had it in my head that he had been in some 70s bands, but it turns out he wasn't even born until 1977

[@HarmonsHarbor]

That still gave him enough time. 😂

[@mattbopp3977]

Sweet! I had an Ibanez V 40 years ago. It was a smooth player. I could kick myself in the ass for ever letting it go....aahh the good old days!

[@garycastronova7939]

You should...a big kick in the arse.

[@PNWGuitar]

The old rocket roll?

[@glenkepic3208]

Great!! Nice to see the real deal. Had an AirBorne again poster. Later get an IBZ RR Sr. This '82 or so. Blk guards.

[@waronthesaints2063]

Dave Mason ... "Only You Know and I Know" is a 58 V through a tweed champ...... check it out.

[@TheChadPad]

That was sick! Thank you!

[@VariusSep]

Sweet!! 😊

[@spaghettimeatballswow]

Never knew Joe was a metalhead back in the day

[@brianwarner308]

my god that clip at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="176">2:56</a> sounds sooooo goood!!

[@tedboom9550]

Being born in 1989 I find it insane they actually made Vs that early! WOW MAN... Wasnt there mainly blues, doowop, funk, mayyyybe prof or classic rock sound juuust starting??? Or am I wrong?... That's crazy though! '59!!!! Things got BALLS

[@Stefan-]

There was Rockn roll in the 50´s as well and the V might have fit in pretty well there but it was a very radical design so it took some time for people to appreciate it.

[@babagadoush1]

Hell yes

[@markbreaux6613]

Like .. From THE "Actress" Tara Reid's House?? What an Amazing Sound that thing Put's Out !!

[@ryanhurst3859]

He could convince me of anything. Just captivating to listen to. If the music thing doesn't work out he can be a great car salesman.

[@fergusadkins4506]

Imagine what his car collection would be like

[@alexthompson6390]

I don't know if you guys even know each other, but Mark Morton and yourself should get together to talk about guitars and jam. Love these videos!

[@christopherwall444]

Such a fun video! I have seen the video of Joe in Middle School profiled on local news of the time...must see! Hard to know where that young transcendent talent comes from...brilliant!

[@robinleebraun7739]

That was a year’s tuition at a big 10 school in that year.

[@williamrobinson7435]

I've never really had a good look at one of these. A great insight from a true Master. Nice one Sir! ⭐👍

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

Whatever happened to Lonnie Mack's Flying V? Him and Albert King are who I most associate the guitar with. It would be awesome if Joe could get Lonnie's V. I'm sure he would agree.

[@walterjr.steinert6054]

Joe is spot on correct about wood and the tone it provides. My 50’s les paul does not have the bright bite of this Les Paul. It’s different, not as “woody” or punchy. But in a good way.

[@user-qq6rr3hw8o]

Wish I had the money to buy up all the old collectables. Joe is a cool dude and awesome player just watching some hoard all is rough to see.

[@robertdiehl1281]

Awesome guitar. Very distinct sound.

[@ParanoidGoblinoid]

That sits nicely in classical guitar posture, the way I play my 16” archtop. How does one stop the neck from diving with a Flying V? Does the fretting hand side leg keep it up?

[@TheChadPad]

Actually, the side of your right leg helps keep the V up! The fretting hand helps, but it doesn’t have to do all the work. Once you have a V sitting in between your legs, you’ll know what I mean. Go try one!

[@Twirlyhead]

I owned a Gibson Flying V once. I was never happy with the tone which always sounded like something was _missing_ for me so I sold it on. Years later I kind of wish I still had it as I have a collection now with no Flying V in it and I do like the look and feel of them plus what we look like when we play them but I don't miss the sound.

[@TheChadPad]

It was probably the pickups. Ceramic?

[@Twirlyhead]

@@TheChadPad It was a black Flying V 67 Reissue which I bought new in the 1990s, I believe the pickups were ceramic, yes. It had some great sounds for distorted rock on the bridge pickup but not so good, thin elsewhere. I had forgotten that comment which may reveal a slight pining for the V shaped guitar. Funny thing is a couple of months back I bought one of the new Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop Epiphone 1958 Korina Flying Vs and I love it, it is the Flying V I wanted all along: genuine Gibson Burstbucker 2 & 3 btw. Only downers are "Epiphone" on the headstock and a poor hardcase , great guitar though.

[@TheChadPad]

@@Twirlyhead yes sir! Awesome that you snagged one of those. There’s no shame in that at all. Those Epiphone Flying V’s are great guitars, and because they are owned by Gibson and officially licensed to produce V’s, it has some Gibson authority behind it. I’ve heard nothing but good things about those, and have seen many demos, including from Joe Bonamassa. He gave em his stamp of approval. Glad you scored some nice alnico pups for that too. I had 490r and 500t pickups in my 2008 Faded Cherry V and I hated em. Loved the guitar to death, but was missing that sound that I had gotten used to from my Epiphone Les Paul with Alnico Classics. They sounded world’s better than my Gibson ceramic pickups! So I’ve replaced the pickups with Throbak KZ-115 paf replicas, and man let me tell you. Opened up a whole new world. This guitar sings as it should. Cheers!🍻

[@user-cp2fk1nv6x]

Kewl 😎

[@bobdillon1138]

Always wondered if Mr King was drawn to the V for the look or tone.

[@jerry-st7rc]

If I hit the lottery I would try to buy it from him. I go to that guitar center every weekend.. we only have two guitar places. I always keep an eye out online for local guitar listings. Crazy to think this thing was lurking around. I have a feeling the guy lived around me. Wish I could have bought it for $500😢 coulda been in my neighborhood. UGH!

[@thebaneofyourexistence.3377]

He’s the same age as John Mayer?!?

[@guntherlunzchinz3095]

Seams like a great dude!

[@robertleslie2467]

I have 2 Gibson Vs both with Lollar p90 pup’s and Bigsbys. The Flying V is the best strat that Fender never made.

[@trevorgwelch7412]

JOE BONAMASSA IS THE LAST OF OLD STYLE BLUES GUITAR VIRTUOSOS . ✨✨✨✨🇺🇸✨✨✨✨🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@user-mo8lj7ow8d]

So when will he finally get an explorer?

[@eddieholmes3236]

Amazing! Joe knows his stuff and history.

[@mikearlington6748]

I love the fact that Joe continues to share his vast collection and knowledge with the world. I also love how he is currently prone to the random unexpected F-bomb. He's my kind of people.

[@brianwood7237]

Shout out to Leo's music in Oakland one of the coolest stores ever remember going there watching a guy play Van Halen licks on a 76 Ibanez explorer with the price tag of $350 in 1983

[@davidmahoherrezuelo]

Offtopic....his song called "Win-o" it's a gem

[@SeriousPoo]

Killer sounding guitar!

[@jonnyb2532]

Hey Joe, how many Flying Vees are enough?

[@SDPickups]

GREAT VIDEO! With THIS video, we get to hear the REAL PAF's doing their rawest, nastiest, gut wrenching Heavenly tones. A far cry from the really strange Custom Buckers being used in mass produced modern whatness.....There IS ONE HUGE reason the flying V's are brighter. There are only 3 controls, there is no LONG SWITCH WIRING like the Les Pauls have, which adds a ton of capacitance; thats why Les Pauls are much warmer, plus the obvious fact that they are wood sandwiches with alot of heavy woods. Generally the lower capacitance of the minimalist harness is why the V's are brighter, the much less harness capacitance. The switch is the pancake type you find in SG's, not that has any tonal significance. I bought Joe's "Amos" Epiphone, which is ALL Korina wood and a decent guitar, except they used the cheap Chibson type bridges on them with anchors. I need to throw the anchors away and plug with hardwood, then install one of our Four Uncles ABR1 replicas. I am one of the "Four Uncles" and did all the reverse-engineering work, by destroying one of my vintage ABR1's, to get the metallurgy information, only to find that the materials in the originals have no DIRECT modern equivalency, so we had to mix our own alloys. This video is one of the best Flying V demo's I've seen so far, except for JD Simo's demo of one. Drop by my channel if vintage PAF's interest players, and subscribe. I spent 20+ years reverse engineering vintage PAF's in a long complex series of science-based events and research with PAF's from every single year they were made. Its a very long story. I do demo's of real vintage PAF's from many different years and compare them to my own work. I also have done many debunking videos on PAF myths, and things that Gibson has just gotten completely wrong thru many years. I have an articles in Burst Believers books, a book on PAF's, a PAF shootout with Dave Hunter in Guitar Player Magazine and I think I even did one here for Guitarist if I remember right. This era of history interests me to no end in sight, and have done much to demystify myths and disinformation coming from certain companies. Thanks for the great demo, Joe, you are a true "keeper of the Faith." Dave Stephens Stephens Design Pickups www.youtube.com/@SDPickups/videos

[@paultaylor2968]

Thanks Joe. Everydays a good day when Joe's in it .

[@walterjr.steinert6054]

“This V” i meant.

[@LPCustom3]

I remember when you got it Joe! You brought it for us all to see at our “HGC” get together!

[@geraldponce8336]

That is one sweet guitar, definitely one guitar that I can't build.. and it has aged perfectly (the pickups as well, the windings loosen up just a little bit, just adds to the rumble of the whole guitar). Can't believe that thing was in a garbage bag. Actually I do. My grandma has my great grandfather's pre war Martin in a closet. All dried up cracking and in dire need of a neck reset among other things. Definitely scored on that flying V.

[@jimboslice9472]

always wanted 2 ask joe 1 question, are the vintage guitars like almost everything else we experience in life, just never living up to 100% of the hype.

[@rickjason215]

For some reason, I am not jealous when Joe shows off his latest guitar.

[@j_freed]

You feel Joe's a steward and a caretaker rather than a grasping materialist collector, because what he curates he also explicates in exquisite detail to share it with the Bona-Masses. I will now stop speaking like Billy Gibbons... hu huh huh... 🌵

[@jbar260d2]

he is the most overrated tool in the shed.. @@j_freed

[@FrankJmClarke]

I now keep my Epiphone Flying V in a black bin bag.

[@bozeeke]

I reckon this is the next Nerdville Epiphone replica.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

I hope so

[@AvnerRosenstein-ULTRA-LXV]

The actress Tara Reid??

[@adriancarroll6995]

Yo Joe! Nice Lix

[@johnhartley3022]

Then why does my explorer sound different from my les paul and both sound different from my 335? My paul and 335 have the same pickups and wiring. So…..

[@Peter-ff1tp]

Did… did he just say he got this guitar from Tara Reid? What a very strange thing that is.

[@guitarist]

Terry Reid - British rock guitarist and vocalist

[@emilefeltesse]

What do you mean Hor For Teacher is a Korina Flying V? 🤔<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="154">2:34</a> Never heard Van Halen with a flying V...

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

In the recording studio.

[@easter_sunday]

It sounds like a bell...from Hell!!! Oh yeah!!!

[@vgbondarev]

If you ever need to be sold on a V, just remember: Albert played a V. You gonna argue with a man who was nicknamed "The Velvet Bulldozer"?

[@sipius22]

I'm gonna make that intro my ring tone......wow.....that guitar sounds like vintage gold.

[@rustycockering9925]

Loved that episode of "Confessions of a Gear-Whore"!😂

[@p-Claud73]

Why haven’t he and John Mayer collaborated?

[@dcaudwell]

Completely different musical visions for a start. One a great technician, one a great musician and song writer.

[@damfunk.]

Hopefully it’s an instrumental song if they do ever collaborate… both amazing players but for me personally I can’t stand either of their voices.

[@danielkroha5440]

Don’t forget Lonnie Mack.

[@DMSProduktions]

NOTE noobs: Joe is playing that guitar thru a DUMBLE ODS!

[@kkrsnn5632]

Can somebidy tell me why isbthere so much of Bonamassa? Is he like the new Hendrix or Eddie 🤷‍♂️?

[@user-et7br6ir1h]

I would just go buy a Gretch brand new

[@andrewtate8303]

Love a V espescialy a 58.😂

[@RickMcCargar]

Every guitar has a different circuit. Even if they say they have the same parts..due to +/- tolerance difference in each part...they'll never be identical. Those factual circuit differences make any "tone wood" difference impossible to discern.

[@TheKaiminator]

Keep shoving that head in the sand bud.

[@Ottophil]

Part tolerance is a joke. People act like they can hear a difference between types of caps or solder joints. Its mostly snake oil and bs

[@RickMcCargar]

@@Ottophil Nice straw man you have there. I didn't mention hearing a difference between types of caps or solder joints. The tolerance differences in cheap caps means that when you think you have one thing, you may have 10% or 20% or even higher difference between parts...add them all up, and your circuit is different. The fact you don't understand that is your problem. I explained it to you, but cannot also understand it for you. edit: to save myself time, I'm muting you. You don't get to waste more of my time.

[@TheKaiminator]

@@RickMcCargar Good job proving my point and telling me exactly how you're burying your head in the sand.

[@MrDblStop]

Oh be quiet.

[@torzsokszilveszter2444]

....the tonewood is different...sure buddy...tonewood.

[@MightKillDawn]

The most dad rock player ever

[@bmp-2267]

When there were only a hundred or so explorers, vees and a small number of 58 59 60 Les Paul's around, they were special. After so many reissues and copies have been made they're just not that special anymore.

[@hyrulesurfer1]

I never noticed before, but they really do have a distinct sound. Too bad they're so expensive, even for a reissue.

[@soulsideout3732]

He sounds upset about the explorer....🤣

[@uncleremus64]

Time for another $1800 made in China Epiphone.

[@stratmagic6893]

My favorite comment on the video is when Joe nonchalantly says" I have 3 of them". 😊😊

[@yetimatzenightcat8702]

Yes, a V, why not, but somehow I never wanted one because they seem very, very unwieldy. 🤷‍♂️

[@halimmuslu]

This is actually sad. This guy is looking for some mystical tone all his life. He spent millions looking for an unicorn. I bet Eric Clapton, Dave Gilmour could pick up a Fender Squier from Guitar Center, and they would sound just like them. IMO, if a gear excites you, and allows you to create better music, melody, GREAT. Then, it's worth the price. I don't remember a single tune from Bonamassa even though I heard him play a thousand times. He is forgettable. I am not trying to be hater. It is the truth too. He should focus on composition, and melodies instead of being like that friend of his Norman dude.

[@Pnanasnoic]

This guy just really enjoys screwing with guitars

[@roycedot]

Wow what a find. $500k+ guitar in a trash bag

[@whatarefriends4]

Yeah but I don’t have a ‘58 V Joe and by the way you hoard shit😂

[@sgeggbub1008]

That's setup awfully though, saddles aren't set properly

[@twanger644]

I very much doubt that

[@sgeggbub1008]

@@twanger644 You can see on the guitar, according to luthier physics, on a standard 3 wound 3 plain string guitar, the saddles should look like 2 stepladders. Unless his frets are in dreadful condition, in which case it needs a crown or refret anyway.

[@babydaddy1930]

​@@twanger644the guy owns 600 vintage guitars every cool amp ever built, makes his living playing on every stage around and has guitar techs that that's Thier job, plus that's a 500 thousand dollar guitar, and dude can tell by a video the intonation is way off and the setup sucks....lol

[@ogopogo1397]

Nice Lashing "58"

[@jbar260d2]

if my daddy owned a guitar store my entire life, i woulda mastered the pentatonic scale too 🤡

[@Ottophil]

You could have done that anyway. Clown

[@LyonByTheSea]

But his dad didn't own one Joe's entire life. (I may have missed the tone of your comment)

[@warlikesoad]

Correct, it’s bullshit

[@Stringprodigy]

weird outfit

[@gregmize01]

$2,600.00 in 2023 dollars!

[@toffee2125]

He never really demos any of his guitars. Its like he cant really be arsed. This is a typical JB demo, sit and noodle for 30 seconds and then tell half a story.

[@LyonByTheSea]

And tour all year long for over 30yrs. Get to hear him for hours if you check out his 46 albums, his KZbin channel or attend a gig.

[@rogeeeferrari]

He can buy all the guitars in the world and I will never like this guy....

[@LyonByTheSea]

Why are you here if you don't? Follow someone you do like.

[@rogeeeferrari]

@@LyonByTheSea I have to like him to make you happy ? LOL

[@LyonByTheSea]

@@rogeeeferrari No you do not. Why not post comments on people you like? Why would your spend time looking at and commenting about someone you don't?

[@rogeeeferrari]

@@LyonByTheSea I comment on things I like, plenty, also comment if I feel like it on things I don't like. It's called freedom of speech, you're allowed to disagree, that's what a discussion thread is for.

[@njuham]

Don't get too woke. Daughters never wanted these in 1958.

[@graysongerni]

Joe again, showing off stuff that he owns to get attention. I have never come across a more self inflated individual that always talks down to others in his industry.

[@ericandrews1661]

It kinda sucks that this guy's version of whiteboy blues was popular enough to enable him to hoard so many guitars and amps. I can never be a fan. I guffawed when I first heard of the term "cultural appropriation", but this guy is actually doing it! Lol

[@MrDblStop]

And todays sour grapes award goes to...

[@LyonByTheSea]

Unreal .... do you realize how many other people own (hoard) far greater number? And the musicians that do, do NOT share them with fans and do not tour with them for the fans to experience?

[@ericandrews1661]

@@LyonByTheSea no, I don't know but I don't doubt it. I think it's sad. Even more so for the hoarder than for the rest of us.

[@LyonByTheSea]

@@ericandrews1661 lots of people collect lots of things for many different reasons it seems unfair to single one person out

[@ericandrews1661]

@@LyonByTheSea collecting is one thing, hoarding is another. Just my two cents.

[@RS-yt3tk]

nothing special

[@clemclemson9259]

lol they are bad ass bro...

[@dontsaythetruthytwillkillu5784]

​@@clemclemson9259He's talking about JB

[@davidfaustino4476]

Sounds splatty/fuzzy and harsh though.