Joe Bonamassa’s 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard “Lazarus”

Joe Bonamassa Shows Mark Agnesi his Legendary 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard “Lazarus”.

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In this excerpt from The Collection: Joe Bonamassa, Joe tells Gibson TV host Mark Agnesi about the incredible story behind his 1959 Gibson Les Paul™ Standard, “Lazarus” – a 1959 Les Paul that was painted over in candy apple red by its previous owner, who simply didn’t like the sunburst look at the time!

Watch as Joe retells this incredible story of this once-lost 1959 Les Paul and how he came to own this storied guitar that was originally bought in 1963 for just $100 and painted candy apple red by its previous owner. It was hiding its true identity when Joe and his fellow guitar collectors discovered it. Joe shares how he uncovered this gem at a Christmas party in Sherman Oaks, California, and after identifying the actual year of the guitar via specific sections of the guitar that the original owner failed to paint over, Joe realized that this was a special guitar. Learn how it was carefully restored to its original glory after making an offer to the new owner who kindly sold it to him, and see why Joe named it “Lazarus” and what makes this guitar so special compared to other Les Pauls in his collection. Not only does it now have a unique finish, but the amount of people it took to restore “Lazarus” and the journey it took to get back to its original form makes it a very special guitar indeed. For guitar enthusiasts, this story is incredible and, as Joe puts it, one of his best discoveries ever.

Guitar enthusiasts and those who love a good 1959 Gibson Les Paul lost and found story will appreciate the intricate details and history behind “Lazarus,” a guitar that was thought to be lost to time but has been resurrected through careful restoration. Thanks to Joe and his guitar collector friends and historians, this Les Paul now (rightly so) features a beautiful sunburst finish, the period-correct original pickups, and hardware that had been stored away for decades. It’s definitely in good hands, safely tucked away in Joe’s Nerdville East guitar museum!

#Gibson #JoeBonamassa #LesPaul #Lazarus

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[gibsonguitar]

▶ Get your OWN guitars like the ones in the video:

[DebbieWise-fk]

What a happy ending for a truly gorgeously restored Les Paul that couldn't breath for 50 years. Kudos to Kim for restoring and Joe, you, for saving this beauty!❤❤❤❤❤❤ love, debbie, sc

[TheGuitarKing]

When I went to see Joe live, I think he used this guitar. If so, it's an absolute beauty

[davidcraft]

What a cool story, and a great restoration/preservation.

[Atlantean-]

what a perfect looking guitar, and what a fitting name.
currently trying to save up to buy my first ever gibson les paul after 30 years of playing.

time to get that dream guitar....prob gonna have to buy a used standard, in ice tea burst ideally.
i would have gone for that entry level greeny but i dont want a satin finish.

i have had loads of epiphones, currently have a tokai that is a dream.

but my eastman and tokai are up for sale, the proceeds will get me that proper Gibson Les Paul.

and if i win the lottery im gonna buy a 50k greeny relic.

if we cant dream, we aint got nothing

[leonwhildenjr]

That one is Rare! 😎👍Thanks for the Share Joe and for the show Mark! 🙏💀⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🕊🦋🕊✌️🎉🇺🇸🇬🇧🎉

[davidcaro]

It's beautiful, with an interesting story too! Of course JB would find it, and man, oh man, what a find !

[williamrobinson]

Wonderful story and a beautiful instrument! It looks like a Lemondrop in that condition. Excellent. 🎶🌟👍

[williammazzotta]

As a fellow musician and New Yorker niw transplanted as Joe himself is...We love to Talk...We love telling stories...
And if your Italian like Joe and myself...The stories never stop.They are endless and deal with it!

[CentaurusRelax]

David Neely—really good guy/tech.
I don't know Joe, but he walks the walk and drives the drive. I was at Neely one day and was crossing the street to go to Guitar Center, and Joe pulls in right in front of me, in a convertible boat (Ford Fairlane?). Seemed like the most absurdly long car i've ever seen.

[Nordic_Sky]

Kim LaFleur did a reproduction for me. Great guitar. Love it.

[chrislancaster]

Time for my boring down the pub story. When Joe found this originally he would post pics on his Instagram page about how it was being restored, from the red paint job to the re-finish and wiring. He then asked for names and various ones were being thrown about I.e the lester, Les Joe etc and I threw in ‘Lazarus’ as my two cents from the bible reference about being brought back to life. Got a few likes and that was it. Joe then posted a pic of the finished completed article and announced the name as Lazarus! He then deleted the original post of the names being discussed so my 15 mins of game within my friends group couldn’t be verified. I’m 50/50 I can’t have been the only person to come up with the name as it’s quite an obvious choice when all is said and done but a little part of me does hope it was my input (especially as it sounds so great!) 😂

[MarcCarriage]

Beautiful guitar 🎸 thanks for the story on it.👍😎

[PietroBencini-hk]

Bella chitarra anche il colore è stupendo

[RRW]

What did Joe mean by the Carmelita range, Niki range, Snakebite etc.? I’m assuming it’s the neck but I don’t know how it correlates. That guitar is absolutely stunning and was restored brilliantly. I’ve heard it and it’s beautiful, especially the cleans.

I would love to know what he paid for it and what its value is now. I’m curious also if the owner has any regrets selling.

[Arthagnou]

so when do we see the New York Nerville? Have we seen a Gibson video on the LA nerdville? When is the next Bonamassa CustomShop?

[thesoulthatburns]

Is this the 'holy grail' of guitars or is that another model of the Les Paul?

[Pastor_Grant]

Had the Epipi Lazarus and it was nice, but the new 1959 Epiphones with the Gibson are better, really great guitars for the price and they stay in tune better than Gibsons.

[mylogify]

Gibson, we just need a Les Paul Standard just with a weight relief. I know Modern's and other models have that, but to be closer to the light weight mahogany on 59'. We need to get it chambered. Many people will be agree with me, and buy it...

[adamhotrod]

It's definitely still out there. There were approximately 1600 bursts made between '58 and '60, but today there are only about 5000 left.