Joe Bonamassa reveals how many Gibson and Epiphone signature models he’s sold – and it’s a lot: “They weren’t expecting to sell those kinds of guitars that fast”

Portrait of American blues-rock musician Joe Bonamassa posing with his signature Les Paul Goldtop Outfit guitar, taken on January 27, 2009 in London.

Joe Bonamassa may now be the reigning king of signature models – only last week, he added a new Martin signature to his roster. However, two decades ago, the Nerdville owner’s first artist model wasn’t deemed a surefire hit – so much so that it was limited to a run of 300.

“Mat Koehler over at Gibson told me that next year is the 20th anniversary… Time flies!” he says on the Gear Gab Podcast with Eric Dahl. “We originally started with 300 Custom Shop ‘Inspired By’ Les Pauls – that was my take on an old Goldtop.”