Epiphone and Joe Bonamassa recently teamed up for a super rare Les Paul finish, and now it’s Gibson’s turn for a collaboration. Gibson has just unveiled their Joe Bonamassa “Amos” 1958 Flying V Collector’s Edition, which is limited to 50 and was handmade by the expert luthiers of the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, TN.
The story behind the Amos is pretty interesting. Amos got its name and customized truss rod cover from a gentleman named Amos Arthur, the owner of Arthur’s Music in Indianapolis, IN. Gibson’s ledgers show that this particular Flying V was shipped to his store on May 29, 1958. The guitar was eventually sold to Pete Mitchell of Ernest Tubb’s band, and in the mid-70s, it ended up in the hands of none other than Norm Harris of Norman’s Rare Guitars.
Over the years, this guitar has appeared in many notable guitar books and even in the 1984 movie, This Is Spinal Tap. Joe purchased Amos from Norm Harris almost ten years ago and this beautiful instrument continues to inspire him to this day, regularly featured both live and in the studio.
This Collector’s Edition limited run of replications uses new 3D scanning technology and ultra-precise Murphy Lab aging techniques to aid in handcrafting an effective clone of Amos. Every detail has been thoughtfully replicated, from the exact playing wear to the sonic character and solid Brazilian rosewood fretboard.
