A recreation of a rare gem from the 1955 NAMM Show
Epiphone presents the Joe Bonamassa 1955 Les Paul Standard, a faithful recreation of one of the jewels of Joe Bonamassa’s guitar collection—a 1955 Gibson Les Paul Standard in Copper Iridescent. Crafted initially for display at the 1955 NAMM Show, this guitar’s rare configuration is now available from Epiphone for a new generation of players.
The standout feature of this signature Les Paul is its Copper Iridescent finish, which Bonamassa himself describes as a blend of browns and golds that changes in the light. This extraordinarily scarce color has only appeared on a few guitars, making it a truly special piece for collectors and players alike. In conversation with Dinesh Lekhraj on the Gibson Gear Guide, Bonamassa reveals that he owns two of them, and also that the third original Les Paul in was recently discovered in this finish.
Gibson Vice President of Products Mat Koehler lifts the lid on the work that went into recreating this rare hue. “Replicating the color of Joe’s guitar was more difficult than we imagined,” Koehler admits. “Richard Akers from Epiphone and Cody Higbee from Custom Shop collaborated on the reverse-engineering process, which required a lot of trial and error.
“The result of all that work was great! A dark brown metallic that looks copper in different lighting. The other cool detail is the knobs, which match the finish of the guitar. In order to do that, we had to work with our supplier and paint each knob using the same custom formula.”
Image: The Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1955 Les Paul Standard pays tribute to one of the rarest vintage Les Pauls of all
High-quality P-90 PRO pickups for tonal versatility
The Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1955 Les Paul Standard is equipped with Epiphone P-90 PRO pickups, known for their dynamic, punchy tone. These pickups offer incredible versatility—whether you’re after crisp, bell-like clarity or gritty, snarling overdrive, the P-90 PRO pickups deliver it all. Paired with CTS® potentiometers and Mallory™ capacitors, it’s a combination that ensures top-notch sound quality and control.
A Custom ’59 Rounded C neck profile for vintage feel
Another standout feature of the guitar is its Custom ’59 Rounded C neck profile. This neck strikes the perfect balance, offering a substantial 1950s feel without being too bulky, ensuring a smooth and comfortable playing experience. The neck also features a vintage-style long tenon.
Nerdville hardshell case—a tribute to Joe’s world
Each Joe Bonamassa 1955 Les Paul Standard comes with a custom Nerdville graphic hardshell case. Named after Joe’s personal guitar haven, this case offers first-rate protection and a fun nod to Bonamassa’s passion for collecting rare instruments.
A guitar for collectors and players alike
This Epiphone release is a nod to a pivotal period in the evolution of the Gibson Les Paul, in a finish guaranteed to turn heads. Whether you’re a Joe Bonamassa fan, a Les Paul enthusiast, or a musician seeking an instrument that stands out in both tone and appearance, the Joe Bonamassa 1955 Les Paul Standard is the perfect addition to your collection.
Check out the Joe Bonamassa 1955 Les Paul Standard and take your playing to the next level.
