Despite the refinish, the guitar retains the core components that define a high-performance pre-CBS Stratocaster:
became so influential to Joe’s modern sound that he collaborated with the to replicate its specific tone. Signature Pickup Set : The Joe Bonamassa '64 Greenburst Strat Set
Joe Bonamassa acquired the 1964 Stratocaster at in California. Originally a standard three-tone sunburst model, the guitar underwent a radical transformation in the 1970s when it was refinished in an unusual Green Sunburst
: Bonamassa immediately noted the guitar's resonance and feel, stating it was "going right on the road" to be used as a primary stage instrument rather than a museum piece. : Joe also owns a 1964 Candy Apple Red Hardtail Strat
was engineered to capture the "magic" of the original’s gray-bottom pickups, utilizing period-correct wiring and staggered Alnico 5 magnets.
. This non-stock finish, which Bonamassa has humorously called "the coolest, most hideous guitar" in his collection, is what gives the instrument its signature look and nickname. Technical Features and Tone
: Collectors can find these replicas at retailers like Joe Bonamassa’s Official Store and Guitar Center .
For many, this 1964 Stratocaster serves as a reminder that in the hands of a professional like Bonamassa, the "mojo" and sound of an instrument often outweigh its technical "book value" as a stock original.