Joe Bonamassa, a name synonymous with blues-rock guitar mastery, is as renowned for his breathtaking vintage guitar collection as he is for his prodigious playing. The sheer scale of his collection has reached epic proportions, now encompassing an estimated 500 guitars and 500 amplifiers, totaling a staggering 1,000 to 1,200 pieces of gear. For most guitar enthusiasts, the idea of owning even a fraction of this collection is a dream, but for Bonamassa, it’s a reality – and sometimes, even he finds it overwhelming.
In a recent interview on Kenny Aronoff’s podcast, Bonamassa openly discussed the immensity of his collection, most of which resides in his Los Angeles home. “People come to my house and they are overwhelmed, and it is overwhelming!” Bonamassa admits. He elaborates on the impact of such a vast assemblage: “If I went into it blind – not knowing what to expect or just seeing a few pictures on Instagram – the sheer magnitude of it all, would overwhelm even the most jaded collector.” Living amongst this treasure trove daily, Bonamassa describes his mornings starting with coffee surrounded by “hundreds of guitar amps.”
Bonamassa humorously refers to his collecting habits as “organised hoarding,” suggesting a compulsion that goes beyond mere passion. As the son of a former guitar dealer, his lifelong exposure to guitars might explain part of his drive, but Bonamassa delves deeper into the psychology of collecting. “When people get down to asking the critical questions, it’s: ‘Why?’” Bonamassa explains. “Well, I have an addictive personality and my answer is always: ‘If you have to ask that question, why? Well, you don’t get what it’s like being a collector.’” This insight offers a glimpse into the mindset of a dedicated collector, highlighting the intrinsic motivations that fuel such extensive accumulations.
Joe Bonamassa's Nerdville: A glimpse inside his extensive guitar collection as featured on Reverb.com.
Despite the overwhelming size and personal attachment to his instruments, Bonamassa acknowledges the temporary nature of his custodianship. “You’re doing something temporarily that will eventually be broken up into bits,” he reflects. He understands that his massive collection, including the iconic “Nerdville” sign, will eventually outlive him. “I know that 500 guitars, 500 amps, 1,000-1,200 pieces in the collection… eventually, I’m not going to be around and this whole thing will break down.” This acknowledgement brings a sense of perspective to his collecting, recognizing that its future is beyond his control.
The numbers Bonamassa cites point to significant growth in his collection since 2019, when he reported owning around 400 guitars and amps. Adding to the dynamic nature of his collection, Bonamassa mentions an annual clearance of approximately 5%, which translates to around 20-25 guitar amps and electric guitars leaving his possession each year. To reach his current count, it’s estimated he’s been adding 40-50 guitars and amps annually since 2019, showcasing a continuous acquisition that fuels the growth of his already vast Joe Bonamassa Guitar Collection.
While the ultimate destiny of his entire collection remains uncertain, Bonamassa humorously concedes that some pieces are non-negotiable. “There are certain things they’re going to bury me with – it’s just non-negotiable!” he jokes, highlighting the deep personal connection he has with select instruments within his expansive joe bonamassa guitar collection. Even with such an impressive collection, Bonamassa humbly acknowledged another guitar aficionado who surpasses his own dedication, stating that this individual makes him “look like a hobbyist,” suggesting that in the world of guitar collecting, there are always new heights to reach.
