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Joe Bonamassa reveals the most money he’s ever spent on a guitar – and it’s eye-watering
The guitar forms part of his 500-piece strong collection of vintage gear.
Image: Mickey Bernal / Getty
Joe Bonamassa has revealed which of his guitars is the most expensive, and spoiler alert – the price tag is eye watering.
Bonamassa is believed to own a 500-strong collection of vintage gear, yet a certain Flying V model which he purchased in 2019 was the most costly.
In an interview for the print edition of Guitarist, Bonamassa reveals that the pricey axe was purchased from a good friend: “This is a mint-condition ‘58 Flying V I call Donny J. I got it from my friend Don in Oklahoma. He bought it in 1976 for $1,100, which was a lot of money.
“It belonged to a preacher outside of Oklahoma City. I always thought it would be an odd sight going to church and seeing your pastor rocking a Flying V,” he says.
“All my Korinas have provenance going back to day one, pretty much. This one’s mint and is the cleanest I’ve ever seen – although, allegedly, there’s one in New Hampshire that’s just as clean. It also has a mint case.
“When I made the deal with Don I said, ‘Don, in 1976, it wasn’t cheap. And it’s not cheap in 2019, either.’ He goes, ‘No. It isn’t.’ In fact, it’s the most money I’ve ever paid for a guitar in my life: over $400,000.”
Bonamassa released his latest album Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 earlier this month, which expands on his original Blues Deluxe album which landed back in 2003 and celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
Also speaking to Guitarist, the blues rock artist shares how he views himself as an entertainer after being in the music industry for so long: “I’m in the entertainment business. I’m not in the guitar business. I’m not in the vintage guitar business. I’m not in the blues business. I’m not in the singing business. I’m not in any other business apart from the entertainment business,” he states.
View all of Bonamassa’s live dates via his website.