Joe Bonamassa “Lazarus” 1959 Les Paul Standard

Epiphone and Joe Bonamassa are proud, no, really nerding out to present the Joe Bonamassa “Lazarus” 1959 Les Paul Standard. A guitar inspired in part by a conversation over a plate of meatballs at a favorite Hollywood guitar nerd hangout.
As the story goes, a red, dinged-up Les Paul was literally brought to Joe’s table at Barone’s in Hollywood, which in turn launched an impromptu investigation into the true identity and origin of the guitar in question. Kim LaFleur, of Historic Makeovers, confirmed Joe’s nagging suspicions that the guitar was indeed a 1959 Les Paul Standard. Joe was ecstatic and so moved by this stroke of good fortune that he named the guitar Lazarus. Much like Lazarus of the Bible, this ’59 Les Paul literally came back from the dead. Not wanting that to be the end of the story, Joe teamed up with Epiphone to honor this great guitar with an artist model aptly named the Epiphone Joe Bonamassa “Lazarus” 1959 Les Paul Standard. Try saying that with a mouth full of meatballs. The Lazarus features a mahogany body with a maple cap that is topped with a wide-grain AAAA flame maple veneer. The sweet tone comes from some of Joe’s favorite pickups; Gibson BurstBuckers paired with 50s style wiring and CTS® potentiometers and Mallory™ capacitors. Lazarus comes with a vintage-style case sporting Bonamassa graphics and a certificate of authenticity.
Learn more at: www.epiphone.com/Guitar/EPIYE...
“It’s gig-ready, and it’s a great tool to have whether you’re playing out live, in the studio, or just having fun at home annoying your neighbors.”
For more information on Joe Bonamassa, visit: jbonamassa.com
#epiphone #foreverystage #lazarus #joebonamassa
CONNECT WITH GIBSON
www.gibson.com/
/ gibson
/ gibsonguitar
/ gibsonguitar
SHOP GIBSON BRANDS
www.gibson.com/
www.epiphone.com/
www.kramerguitars.com/
www.steinberger.com/
www.krkmusic.com/
www.mesaboogie.com
ABOUT GIBSON BRANDS
Gibson, the world’s most iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for more than 100 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, TN, with a premier acoustic facility in Bozeman, MT, Gibson Brands has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson Brands portfolio includes Gibson, the number one guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, Kramer, Steinberger, MESA/Boogie and the Gibson Pro Audio Division, KRK Systems. Gibson Brands is dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by Gibson Brands.

[@mbgmail5911]

"It looks and feels like the original." :D And he said it with a straight face....hahah this is legendary.

[@jamiebutler7370]

It’s amazing what$$$ can make someone say

[@pgroove163]

they sound and feel great though..

[@modergav]

To be honest tho some 600 bucks Epis play better than 2000 usd Les Pauls. BUT i really doubt that it could come close to a burst tonewise and feel. But Epiphones are cool tho

[@Dad-Gad]

Why can't it , a 59 Les Paul is just wood and electrics , it's not witchcraft .

[@takitezy7]

@@Dad-Gad It is. Expensive guitars sound bigger than cheaper guitars..

[@jinbyun]

Joe, you present so much great guitar to us, affordable too! What did we do to deserve you! Great guitar!

[@epoch71]

Mine arrived this morning and I can't put it down. Well, except to type this. I love it! Thank you Gibson/Epiphone and Joe for bringing this to us.

[@JJ-nq3ll]

What a find, what a guitar! Joe you truly are very fortunate.

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

Love hearing Joe talk guitars....

[@randylantz7951]

I definitely want one of these. It looks gorgeous.

[@achill3usoverclocking874]

just ordered mine, love these Joe B special runs and the fact that these are actual reissues with a full story behind.

[@4wardfr3ak23]

Lucky you!

[@christopherballard3560]

You order from his site? Didn’t see it listed.

[@christopherballard3560]

@@DavidOakesMusic What’s 10k? Never heard of buying a guitar that’s throwing money away.

[@Hades_88]

@@DavidOakesMusic Its like £800, not £10,000. Its basically a new finish on the Epi '59s

[@billroosa5802]

I enjoy listening to Joe B’s stories about guitars, amp and music.

[@gibsonguitar]

He's a great storyteller

[@dananthony6258]

I’m back after 2 weeks and my comment underneath shows I’ve been thinking about this for a while. That might be the best guitar on the planet.

[@anthonygonzalez8684]

I picked up a 50s Standard Epiphone inspired Gibson LP. All i can say is OMG. It was set so right out of the BOX. Great Job Gibson. Your Traditional Pro ES 335 is Inspired for real. I love them both. Thanks a Million. I have two amazing Epis now I can enjoy and perform with. 🥰🙏🏻

[@reddsshaker3477]

Agreed. They really ARE killer guitars. I have the 2020 ‘60s Standard in Bourbon Burst. You just can’t get a nicer Les Paul for the $$$.

[@anthonygonzalez8684]

@@reddsshaker3477 Yes. Very true sir. Every time I them up to play I just love the feel async tone. Thanks. Have a great musical journey.

[@AlexRGuitar]

Absolutely LOVE this satin feel to the finish. Looks amazing!

[@TrueFireTV]

🎸 Introducing Joe Bonamassa's Blues-Masterclass & In The Jam interactive video guitar lessons! Learn, practice, and play with Joe: tfir.es/3BRhapG

[@shanebolender851]

I got mine yesterday. One of the best Epiphones I have ever owned.

[@pat475]

Stunningly beautiful 59! Very nice Epiphone. I wish they added a pic of the 59 in red as Joe got it

[@andrewcapobianco9845]

That is the best top I have ever seen on a solid guitar

[@HashiAkitaPuppy]

Everyone from Albert Lee to Seymour Duncan", wow Joe, that's a stellar lineup.

[@d179654582248]

David Neely set up my Les Paul!! Hah I used to live a few blocks from his shop. Lovely dude and super friendly. Very cool to see him and his spot again in this video!

[@hikinguphigh]

59 les paul out of an m5. You are winning at life joe 😁

[@stipeur]

What a great video, thx Joe and Gibson!

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Beautiful guitar... I likey alot!

[@paulcatarino2209]

This guitar and all the '59 lineup look and sound killer. It great that Epiphone are dipping their toes into "custom shop" finishes, and with the success of this lineup I hope the Epi custom shop takes it to the next level and offers a Kirk Hammett "greeny" in a relic version...at a price much lowers than Murphy Lab.

[@robnamowicz8073]

"You can take the factory out of Kalamazoo, but you can't take the Kalamazoo out of the guitar." God Bless those Kzoo kings who brought these instruments into our world.

[@montyjohnson2708]

Yeah but isn’t this guitar made in China on a factory line? It would be hard to believe his line is hand made in the USA.

[@robnamowicz8073]

@@montyjohnson2708 My reference was really to the fellows in Kalamazoo Michigan who produced and designed these originally more so than the new imitations. And I sure hope these aren't made in a Chinese sweat shop, say it ain't so, Joe!

[@CentaurusRelax314]

David Neely-very cool to see him in this-worked on a few of my guitars. Great guy. Look him up if you need a tech in Hollywood/LA.

[@dragan4658]

Nice guitar! Great story!

[@LuisGForero777]

Si Joe la recomienda es porque es una máquina para crear Rock And Roll, Aparte está muy bonita 🤘🤘🤘

[@renodavid]

I had to watch this twice because, the first time through, I couldn’t hear what Joe was saying because that gorgeous ‘59 held me spellbound. 😵‍💫

[@GarryWan666]

I have been waiting for this guitar since day 1! Edit: I just purchased one on Thomann for a little over 1000 dollar due to the Swedish VAT, now I will just wait until next week. Have a nice weekend!

[@thebaneofyourexistence.3377]

I’ll never forget that he called his Epiphone Les Paul gold top a ‘kids guitar’.

[@necromancerification]

When did he say that?

[@American-Dragon]

Epiphone because of the lower price is considered entry or student level guitar. Doesn't mean it is anything less then an awesome guitar.

[@thebaneofyourexistence.3377]

@@necromancerification 2011, when the guitar was released.

[@efwfew]

What more can you expect from the guy who's hoarding all vintage gear ? He can't know what's it like for us peasants

[@blastofo]

No, he said it was an affordable guitar so that kids would be able to get it. Which is true, kids have less money than working adults.

[@Holden-C.]

gorgeous

[@a.j.garrett9639]

Sounds great!😍 I'll take 2.

[@Allguitarinfo]

Joe. We love the Epis... Most of us cant afford Custom shop Gibsons ir certainly not vintage Pauls .. so thanks man. These guitars are awrsome

[@dragon7590]

EPIC!

[@BigCarmine]

If you have Les Paul Guitars and good Italian food together in the same room, you have the best life has to offer!!

[@jcsk8]

What a history. Lazarus is lucky as Joe is.

[@adaptableadventurerider]

I really really hope that they docsome of these higher end epiphones for us Lefties I've been playing my lefty 1999 Epi since I was a kid n I'd love one of the new ones :)

[@stricknine8623]

That is top 5 in the most beautiful finish jobs / color along with the maple top figuring thay I've ever seen.

[@brettsnowball]

This Epiphone Lazarus model looks great! Clearly, the team over at Epi & Gibson have taken the time to craft an excellent guitar that has it's own mojo, but still inspired by Joe's original 59 Les Paul. With a more affordable price point, there's lots of great features here to enjoy!

[@Edward1312]

Like the custom you wont be able to get hold of them easily though I'm afraid.

[@adamscottv]

Pretty nice guitar for $800. I like what Gibson is doing with the Epiphone line these days. Teaming up with someone like Joe has made a lot of sense for them.

[@mulemusic]

The Epi Lps around this price point are really a great deal! The Burst Buckers sound so good!!

[@voyager7]

I have a serious brand-addiction to Epis...the quality and hence value of these 2020+ guitars is outrageously good.

[@bambrick37]

love the valvestate amp under dave's bench

[@WMD116]

Joe is great, what a cool story.

[@kakarottoalejandro]

Super guitar !!!

[@BrianOboylemusic]

Joe B is the man!! I love all things Gibson!

[@rodrigotkdkoryo]

Great car and great guitar... Joe Rulez!

[@sonnydaze6071]

Great job Joe

[@russellscott5199]

Joe is a great musician, a great collector, and a great salesman.

[@shreyashshrestha6085]

@@servethesongs doesnt make him any less of a musician.

[@ShadyLeo66]

He only does a limit number run because they can only risk a certain number they think they can sell. Why aren't you complaining about other players that have their guitars copied and sold?

[@denispirvu7304]

No one observed the good taste that Joe has into cars! Nice m5 bro 👌

[@mj6582]

Wished it was finished gloss but it looks good! Defo one of the best looking epiphone

[@gunkanjima3408]

If it were finished in high gloss I’d buy it right now. Website lists “aged gloss” - possibly a satin look without the wear

[@jaredthode562]

so cool

[@michael4591]

Cool M5 Joe! Greetings from Germany, hope to see you soon

[@brentpreppernau1304]

This is in the "Inspired by Gibson" line so it's not meant to be a repro. If it was, it would be in the Gibson line and cost $6K. $900 plus a hard case is pretty good. The new higher end Epiphones are really good. You won't mistake it for a '59 though.

[@alicegay4286]

You are right. And if epi uses more satin ni lac finish on their children, more more people are gonna get it

[@TheEvdavis7]

@@alicegay4286 is this new epi guitar has satin nitro ?

[@eldyko]

@@TheEvdavis7 I don’t believe it’s nitro but does appear to be a satin like finish

[@alicegay4286]

@@TheEvdavis7 it is probably a satin with thin gloss

[@joojoosasa]

Lol $900 is absolutely batshit crazy. You'd have to be an idiot to pay that much money for an Epiphone.

[@glenkepic3208]

I dig the guitar and story. '06 Epi LP Std Plus so i'm set.

[@anotherstart1]

I just got one and am completely blown away by it. Got a 2020 Gibson standard a 2020 Gibson classic and this plays as good as the others. This is a one piece neck with no scarf joint. A two piece body and Gibson electronics. The other two are not $1500 better ( gibsons now $2659 for standard) I’m not a huge bonamassa fan but this guitar is fabulous. Guitar center has them in stock, you won’t be disappointed

[@user-tb9rw7dh2t]

What the pitch on the headstock, correct vintage or 14 degrees like on the Greeny Epi? Thanks

[@user-lv7ph7hs7l]

​@@user-tb9rw7dh2t I'm looking at my 14° Epiphone my 17° Gibson and a picture of the Epi "Lazarus" and it looks like 17° but it's pretty close. 14 is better for tuning stability... the high angle from the nut sideways and downwards is why Gibsons often go out of tune. Needs nut lube and even making the slots a little wider in the back so the strings don't snag on corners. For poor people take a pencil and colour in the slot, nut lube is graphite based. I do that on mine. Wound upwards on the spool.

[@mrangryeyes4789]

Not a fan of this guys music but I do appreciate his enthusiasm and dedication to his craft

[@eldyko]

These are really cool. I got a cherry burst epi 59 earlier this year and I really love it. I wish the burst was nicer but it plays and sounds really great. Might sell my other 3 epis though and start looking at getting a Gibson. Heading down to Nashville with my dad next spring. Who know what will happen. I pretty much want to be as cool as Joe in this video lol. Cool hat and jacket!! Haha, and his real Lazarus is such a beauty.

[@deepdoodoo3252]

I agree with you my man. Go for it! I was thinking about buying the black beauty or the cherry burst myself but I joined a Gibson Les Paul group on Facebook. They talked me out of , it bought a les Paul Trad Pro V instead. Not disappointed at all but for the price I could have bought both and still have money to spare for a new amp. Both choices was a win in my book.

[@sergejkrynycky728]

"If it looks like a duck.. if it acts like a duck... I'm pretty sure it's a 59 Les Paul." - Joe Bonamassa

[@LuckyKoman7]

NICE!!!!

[@agungwayne3090]

Damn Joe!!

[@rfamilytrips4475]

Finally!!!!

[@emreemre369]

Well I am stuck with Bonamassa's M5 in the beginning, that teaches me surely he is great.

[@patroche550]

Pulled up in the m5 comp too

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Ya, I want one....

[@brivington2011]

Cool.

[@01157ify]

Just bought its Gibson younger brother from Sweetwater. Except for tuning heads, it is the same. Mine is a 2021 according to the serial number, Standard 60's.

[@johnm3152]

Sold American ! finally on order. The story (& electronics) really sell it. Lazarus has got everything I need, except the crippling price tag

[@adamwatson6916]

I wonder if we will get a Joe B signature les paul based om the vintage les Paul that was found in a closet in England. It was electronically dead. The pafs were shot and it needed a refrett . Joe had it brought back life and is playing it live now . He had the frets done and a friend Gave him a set of vintage Pafs for it . I watched a rig rundown video and Joe was playing that les paul and it sounded fantastic. Very fat but also very clear and it had a killer bottom end . Chance of a signature version in the couple of years are probably quite high considering the cool backstory .

[@benjaminsnoize]

I bought and Epi LP as a broken headstock, I do custom wood just wanted to repair one and it was quite affordable, the headstock was not broken, just finish cracks, the axevis amazing, I've owed Gibson's as well, would not trade this for any of them, Epi has their shit together, great axes indeed, maybe a Lazarus in my future..who knows, if your on the fence, just pull the trigger...

[@tonepilot]

Joe’s a great story teller. The Epiphone needs a gloss finish though.

[@yekto711]

Maybe it (dove finish) is for anti-scratch

[@papasmamas1]

Yes, the Epiphone satin finish makes guitars look extra cheap. And the wood looses all movement. Bad desition on that.

[@vincebauerle5942]

Agreed on the Gloss. The Matte makes it look cheap and crappy. They should have did this one in gloss. Its Basically the 59 Epi w/a diff color top. They're supposed to be a little nicer, but we'll see once they get out there and prod pics are common.

[@reddsshaker3477]

Agree. I’d prefer a bit of gloss myself. But that’s fairly easy to do. I have a 2021 Epi 1959 Standard, which also comes with the matte poly finish. I used polishing compound to gloss it up a bit. Makes a WORLD of difference on these guitars.

[@stanislavmigra]

dont worry, there will be another 10 Joe Bonamassa sig Epis soon ;)

[@dna4817]

🎸🎼🎶show de guitarra

[@ViaAvione]

Saweeeeet !!! :D

[@artneville5994]

Joe, already have a LP but it did inspire me to make a pot of spaghetti & meatballs

[@anarchywon4170]

Great story

[@darthdurf9611]

Bursts just fall into his lap....its raining bursts... halajula

[@stratman9449]

Joe is as lovable as is his guitar collection.....i'd like to "stumble" across a burst too.......:-=

[@mulemusic]

I bought the JB Epi Goldtop years ago, and the Black Beauty last year. Kicking myself for missing out on the Amos Flying V. Not sure why I sold the Gold Top, but got more than I paid for it, and the Black Beauty prices are off the charts as well. I have no problem with higher end Epiphone guitars, especially the JB models. People tend to forget that back in the 70s, you could buy 3 Gibson Les Pauls for what a good Epi costs now.. Too many snobs, but that's the way people are. I have 2 Gibson Lps (a 75 Deluxe and a 79 Custom) and 2 high end Epi Lps (an 09 59th Anniversary and the JB Black Beauty Custom) and I love them all. Should probably get this one ordered before it is gone. They last a couple of months when released and then they are GONE....

[@deviprasadgarnayak4016]

Ohh boy this is historic

[@johnora3857]

I like his M5

[@curlybilly]

Nice car!

[@carsgunsandguitars]

My LP looks similar!

[@strings53notlob50]

I have the black, looks like I have to get this one.

[@maxwellfan55]

Hmmm. The satin top was underwhelming (should be gloss), and the milky brown fingerboard doesn't cut it either. Guys at Epi missed a great sales opportunity, did they even look at the original?.

[@alexmlm]

Eu quero!!!

[@philcory5043]

Looks and sounds sweet! Epiphone are really giving Gibson some healthy competition. Well Done! 😎

[@danielbarza8600]

The problem is that the Epiphones now cost what Gibson studios used to cost. In turn , Gibson’s are too expensive

[@Jerac-X]

Seeing as they are the same company, I wouldn't exactly call it competition. It's more like a broader portfolio if anything. But I get what you are saying overall, higher quality guitars from what has been the "looked down upon" brand for far too many years.

[@rkh7169]

Until you play one. Gibson is far and beyond a better instrument.

[@philcory5043]

@@rkh7169 I would always buy a Gibson too and have 3 of them ☺ my point is that with this you get. Long Neck Tenon, Gibson Pups, One Piece Neck. Yeah it's a veneer of flame maple over actual plain maple cap but for the price those are pretty good specs. ☺

[@jeromewade4110]

@@rkh7169 But for those of us who don't have enough bucks for a real Gibson,there's always Epiphone,since Gibson owns the Epiphone brand.

[@rrapeez]

Would love to see the Squire/Sambora burst released in some form.

[@bryonkidder6199]

Still waiting for that Charlie Starr Signature Series Gibson...

[@DarrenJohnson1973]

Lazarus looks really nice, the epi looks nothing like it and that paint job looks really cheap, almost ready to buy my 1st Burst after having several R9 R8 and R0. The most expensive parts on the epi guitar are the Burstbuckers then the strings

[@automatoncollectives7237]

I have the Epiphone ‘59 on back order but my swap it out for this as the neck is a bit smaller.

[@TUUK2006]

"Look good as it's played in and ages". Well, it won't. Epiphone just call it a "gloss finish", so I'll bed my left nut that it's a poly finish and it'll look exactly the same in 40 years as it does now.

[@bazitube390]

You're 100% correct.

[@thomasdempsey4870]

It's a matt/satin finish. Not poly

[@_dmfd]

@@thomasdempsey4870 matte, semi gloss, and satin are still polyester. They just use a cutting agent to delete the gloss.

[@lulimas]

I have a 2013 epi standard and i can swear the color changed over The years, am i crazy? Because i does not make sense

[@charlesbolton8471]

@@lulimas It is very rare, but some guitars that have poly finishes do change color over time. I have a 1996 Squier Pro Tone Strat that is Sapphire Blue transparent on an ash body. Mine still looks basically the same as it did new as far the color, but I have seen many of them over the years that have faded to a teal green color. I keep mine in its case when I’m not playing it, and it seems that the ones that have faded are ones that have not been kept in cases and were exposed to sunlight/bright lights.

[@stevehughes1510]

What a ripper of a LP, with a good story too!!

[@daboosreviews8819]

If the Lazarus is even half as good as the Bonamassa Black Beauty from last year it will be a killer instrument. That Epiphone Black Beauty is easily as good as my 70’s Gibson Black Beauty. I don’t know how Epiphone got the vibes into those guitars but it is unbelievably impressive. The value of those things is going to just keep escalating. Might be the same for the Lazarus if it’s limited and anywhere near as good.

[@mkguitarproject]

Does it feature a real flame maple top or just a veneer? If it's the latter than it is just a regular Epi 1959 with a different colour.

[@f.duranleau4416]

The best Les Paul model guitars that were made by Epiphone using the right woods were the Japanese Elite and Elitist series. I think that they were made from 2003 to 2009 or so. They were as good as an American made Gibson Les Paul Standard.

[@Andrew_M_Ward]

Agreed, I played one of them for years.... the stupidest thing I ever did was sell it to a kid that couldn't afford a new guitar (but I was feeling sorry for the little dude)

[@lettuce_spray]

Sadly, at the moment, all I could afford is the spaghetti and meatballs……barely

[@MichaelDouglasSkewes]

I'm just take those aspicey meatballs ! Burn the Gibson ,gimme the Epiphone, they play better.

[@bluespig1]

Change your diet to Raman noodles & maybe you can afford the repayments.

[@Vor_Tex_Sun]

@@MichaelDouglasSkewes lol - I own a Gibson and an Epiphone LP and the Epiphone plays nothing like the Gibson

[@stricknine8623]

I know a lot of Les Paul enthusiasts like a dark fretboard and I do as well. But I have seen plenty of more "woody" brown looking fretboard boards that are Indian rosewood (laurel) that are just as beautiful to me and sort of compliment the guitar as an accent rather than the "contrast" of the dark rosewood or ebony fretboards.

[@ayeapprove]

Fretboard on the epi looks like it needs to be oiled, or it's just really bright.

[@robertschultz7612]

I love Joes playing & personality - I started out owning vintage Gibson les Paul’s & 335 - sold them all to buy a house -replaced with Harley Benton’s - they sound & play identical … or better … don’t miss my Gibson’s at all …just throwing money away on Gibson & Epiphone …

[@bluespig1]

Luthier says 'Your a lucky guy Joe'. Luck has nothing to do with it, hard work does. I may backorder one of these.

[@Johngonefishin]

Does that Gibson GA-79 RVT come with it ??

[@thomasdempsey4870]

I'm done listening to all the haters out there. I love this guitar. Already ordered 8:30 this morning! It's going to go well, with my 2 epiphone 1959 les pauls. I grew up with the 90s epiphones, and they were trash. These are the nicest epiphones to ever hit stores! I remember getting an epiphone, and needing to replace EVERYTHING!. If you don't like it for some reason, fine! Keep it to your selves, let those who actually appreciate guitars in all flavors....enjoy it!!

[@michaelglass3993]

I agree with that. I gigged an Epiphone V around 20 years ago and the only thing stock left of it was the basic husk. I ended up loving the guitar but as it came, it sure wasn't that great. All the Epiphone's today seem to be light years ahead of what they were making previously. There are exceptions though. The Epiphone Elite series from the early 2000's (Made in Japan) are killer guitars.

[@automatoncollectives7237]

Thomas, is there a huge difference between a '59 Rounded Medium C and ‘59 Rounded C?

[@gunkanjima3408]

👍 I’m sure you’ll enjoy the guitar, it looks great

[@automatoncollectives7237]

@@gunkanjima3408 Some of these new Epiphones-replica ‘59 and this Joe signature-are more “Gibson” than some actual Gibsons, spec-wise. For example, the Tribute.

[@pashtrik6174]

you need to release the epiphone les paul standard 50s in the lemon burst finish.

[@carlbullaro7616]

I got all the greco super reals i need now go buy one leave this thing where it is