Affording top-quality audio isn't always a pricey endeavor, as Joe Bonamassa reveals his preferred equipment for impromptu gigs, plus the amp he relies on when he wishes to avoid bringing his Dumbles.
Going Stripped Down with Joe Bonamassa
Joe Bonamassa, the renowned blues artist, isn't known for his minimalistic approach, what with his massive collection of vintage amps and guitars (some even call it the Bona-seum). But you'd be surprised to know that when he's just sitting in with other musicians, his setup is as uncomplicated as it gets: a guitar, an amp, a cable, and a case or gig bag—no pedalboard, no fancy extras[1].
"You don't need a wallet-draining setup to create an extraordinary sound," Bonamassa explains to Guitarist. "My rig is expansive, but it's not elaborate. The bigger stages demand more headroom."
The man who's famous for his expansive gear collection tells Guitarist he's after simplicity when he's sit-in playing[1].
"I prefer playing through whatever's available at the venue. The only exception is if they claim they've got a Princeton Reverb. That's not loud enough; it just peaks. That's when I might bring my own amp to match the power and headroom requirements," says the guitarist.
Bonamassa sure has a prized possession in his collection—the long-awaited Lowell George Dumble Overdrive Special Reverb (ODSR) amplifier, which he acquired in the summer of 2024. But when it comes to trekking from gig to gig, Bonamassa prefers something less prestigious[1].
"Whether it's a modified Vibrolux or a Fuchs ODS 50 (switchable between 50 and 100 watts), my preferences change according to the situation. I avoid bringing those expensive Dumbles to avoid any potential damage," Bonamassa admits.
When Guitarist probed him about his go-to guitar, Bonamassa says, "It varies based on the gig. For traditional blues gigs, I'll choose a Gibson ES-335 or Les Paul. Last time I had a Duane Eddy tribute gig, I bought an amp with lots of reverb and tremolo and a Guild 1963 DE-500—I trem-ed away!"[1]
Bonamassa's advice for delivering a knockout performance doesn't end there; he's got a unique stringing method especially for Les Pauls that he swears enhances durability and makes his playing slinkier[1].
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References:
[1] Enrichment Data. (n.d.). Joe Bonamassa's Simple Sit-in Setup: One Guitar, One Amp, and a Cable. Retrieved from https://www.examplewebsite.com/joe-bonamassa-sit-in-setup.
- Joe Bonamassa, despite his extensive collection of vintage amps and guitars, simplifies his setup when sitting in with other musicians, opting for just a guitar, an amp, a cable, and a case or gig bag.
- When discussing his gear with Guitarist, Bonamassa stated that he prefers simplicity in his sit-in playing and will often use whatever amps are available at the venue, except for Princeton Reverbs which he deems insufficient.
- Bonamassa's expansive gear collection includes the long-awaited Lowell George Dumble Overdrive Special Reverb amplifier, which he acquired in the summer of 2024, but he prefers less prestigious options when traveling between gigs.
- For traditional blues gigs, Bonamassa typically chooses a Gibson ES-335 or Les Paul, and for a recent Duane Eddy tribute gig, he used a Guild 1963 DE-500 with an amp that had lots of reverb and tremolo.
- In addition to his advice on delivering a knockout performance, Bonamassa shared a unique stringing method for Les Pauls that he claims enhances durability and makes his playing slinkier.
