Epiphone faithfully recreates the magic of this unique guitar
Over the years, Joe Bonamassa has earned a reputation as one of the preeminent guitarists of his generation—and an avid collector of guitars, including a 1963 SG Custom that is now available as a signature model from Epiphone.
Among his prized possessions is a 1963 Gibson SG™ Custom, distinguished by characteristics such as a gracefully contoured neck heel joint and a rare Dark Cherry Red finish, which was an uncommon choice for that model and year. It was a special order, and both the Gibson ledger and the original owner’s documentation bear that out. In the video, Joe shows the original hang tag for the guitar, plus a PennySaver article with a photo of the original owner holding the instrument back in 1965, as well as a band photo featuring the guitar—an interesting tidbit of tangible lore.
In describing the features of the guitar, Bonamassa says, “It’s got the smooth neck heel, which is kind of a unicorn for SGs back in this era. It’s a nice feel. It’s a nice feeling neck.”
Joe is notable for his impeccable technique, emotive playing, and deep appreciation for the blues. In addition to releasing several Gibson and Epiphone signature guitars, he has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, including “Blues Deluxe,” “The Ballad of John Henry,” and “Blues of Desperation,” showcasing his mastery of both traditional blues and contemporary rock elements.
His electrifying live performances and dedication to preserving and evolving the blues genre have solidified his status as a modern blues icon, winning him a legion of fans worldwide and a well-deserved place among the greats. In the video, he says he’s been playing more SGs in the past few years, including the instrument in question, and you’ll get plenty of exposure to the tone of this fine SG Custom as Joe demonstrates the varied shades of expression on tap.
Epiphone has faithfully recreated the essence of this exceptional guitar with the Joe Bonamassa 1963 SG Custom. This faithful reproduction includes the same seamless neck joint contour, a Maestro™ Vibrola™, classic SG Custom aesthetics, gold-plated hardware including “waffle tuners,” and three high-powered Epiphone ProBucker™ pickups.
The package comes complete with a Custom Hardshell case featuring a luxurious goldenrod plush interior adorned with Epiphone and Joe Bonamassa exterior graphics and a certificate of authenticity.
