Joe Bonamassa performs with Gary Moore’s Soldano amplifier
Joe Bonamassa made headlines when he acquired Gary Moore’s legendary Soldano SLO-100 amp head at an auction last year. This iconic piece of gear had been resting unused for 20 years until Bonamassa brought it to the No Cover Charge podcast studio for a test drive. While Bonamassa usually steers clear of celebrity gear purchases, the opportunity to own Moore’s Soldano was too good to pass up.
Gary Moore, known for his time with Thin Lizzy, his successful solo career, and for being the second owner of the famous “Greeny” Les Paul, extensively toured with this amp. It also made its mark on Moore’s album, After Hours, following his departure from Still Got The Blues era.
During the test drive, there was a sense of anticipation as Bonamassa turned on the Soldano for the first time in two decades. Despite some initial crackling and gargling sounds coming from the amp, it proved to be in good working condition and demonstrated its remarkable sound quality. However, Bonamassa noted that the amp tended to power down at higher settings, prompting him to consider a visit to his trusted amp tech for a check-up.
Despite the minor technical glitches, Bonamassa’s satisfaction was evident during the test drive, emphasizing that the amp’s performance more than justified the hefty price tag of £19,200 (approximately $25,100). This price included not only the cost of the amp but also the necessary maintenance needed to ensure its optimal functioning.
Bonamassa revealed that acquiring Moore’s Soldano marked the end of a long quest for him, having previously considered similar amps owned by renowned musicians. He had his eye on amps previously belonging to Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler before finally securing Moore’s iconic piece of equipment. Reflecting on his collection of high-profile gear, Bonamassa shared his enthusiasm for each unique piece he has acquired over the years.
In addition to his gear acquisitions, Bonamassa has also paid tribute to the legendary B.B. King, recognizing the profound impact King had on shaping the blues genre. As a prominent figure in the blues world himself, Bonamassa acknowledges King’s contribution to the essence and evolution of blues music.
Through his collection of iconic gear and his admiration for blues legends like Gary Moore and B.B. King, Joe Bonamassa continues to shape his legacy in the world of music. His appreciation for the craftsmanship and history behind each piece of equipment further solidifies his role as a leading authority in the realm of blues guitarists.