Blue Note Music

Category 5 Joe Bonamassa 1968

Name: Category 5 Joe Bonamassa 1968
Brand: Blue Note Music
Price: 2400.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$2,400.00 USD

Sale Sold out

Absolutely. I researched the Category 5 JB-100 / Custom ’68 Joe Bonamassa model and incorporated the historically important specifications into the certificate.

One important authentication distinction: “1968” refers to the amplifier’s design reference—not its manufacturing year. Category 5 introduced the Joe Bonamassa signature model around 2008, and contemporary documentation identifies it as a 100-watt Plexi/Super Lead–style head developed to Bonamassa’s specifications. (Premier Guitar)

The documented design calls for four EL34 power tubes, Mercury Magnetics transformers, SoZo capacitors, 100 watts with 50-watt half-power operation, two channels, Lead/Rhythm voicing, mid boost, effects loop, selectable speaker impedance, and selectable voltage. (reverb.com)

BLUE NOTE MUSIC

VINTAGE AMPLIFIER CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

CATEGORY 5 AMPLIFICATION

CUSTOM ’68 JOE BONAMASSA — JB-100 SIGNATURE

Certificate No.: BNM-AMP-2026-0730-C5JB
Technician: Kevin Carmody
Inspection Date: July 30, 2026
Country of Manufacture: USA
Configuration: Tube Amplifier Head
Estimated Production Year: 2008
Condition Grade: A — Excellent
Collector Classification: Collector Grade

I. AMPLIFIER IDENTIFICATION

Manufacturer: Category 5 Amplification
Model: Custom ’68 Joe Bonamassa / JB-100
Model Type: Joe Bonamassa Signature Amplifier
Design Era: 1968 Marshall Super Lead/Plexi-inspired
Estimated Production: circa 2008
Manufacturing Country: United States
Configuration: Head
Power Rating: 100 watts
Half-Power Rating: 50 watts
Power Tube Configuration: 4 × EL34
Circuit Character: British Plexi / Super Lead-derived, modified to Joe Bonamassa specifications

Historical Identification

The Category 5 Joe Bonamassa model was developed as a signature amplifier around a 1968-era Marshall Super Lead concept, rather than being a vintage 1968 amplifier itself.

Contemporary documentation from Category 5's development period identifies the model as the Joe Bonamassa JB 68, a 100-watt Plexi-style head. Category 5 described the design as incorporating Bonamassa's requested combination of a tighter low end, smoother high end, additional gain, pronounced mids, a mid boost, and an effects loop. (Premier Guitar)

Bonamassa himself subsequently described the amplifier as being based around a 1968 Marshall Super Lead with a Dumble-style mid boost. (Abcdocz)

II. FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS

Power Section

Output Power: 100 watts
Reduced Power: 50 watts
Power Tubes: 4 × EL34
Output Stage: British-style EL34 push-pull design
Primary Design Reference: 1968 Marshall Super Lead / Plexi
Intended Application: Professional stage and studio guitar amplification

Preamp / Voicing

The JB-100 was designed with two principal channel/voicing functions:

Traditional / Clean-oriented channel
Category 5 gain-oriented channel
Lead / Rhythm voicing selection
Dedicated mid-boost function and control
Increased gain relative to a conventional vintage Plexi
Tightened low-frequency response
Smoother high-frequency response
Pronounced midrange response

The resulting design is not intended to be an exact stock 1968 Marshall circuit. It is a boutique interpretation of the 1968 Super Lead platform incorporating modifications specifically requested by Joe Bonamassa. (Premier Guitar)

Switching / Connectivity

Documented factory specifications include:

50/100-watt power selection
Lead / Rhythm voicing
Mid Boost
Effects Loop
Speaker impedance selection
AC voltage selection
Multiple input/channel functionality

(reverb.com)

III. TRANSFORMER AUTHENTICATION

Power Transformer

Manufacturer: Mercury Magnetics
Originality: Verified Original per inspection
Date Code: Not recorded / not legible
Status: Original

Output Transformer

Manufacturer: Mercury Magnetics
Originality: Verified Original per inspection
Date Code: Not recorded / not legible
Status: Original

Choke

Manufacturer: Mercury Magnetics
Originality: Verified Original per inspection
Date Code: Not recorded / not legible
Status: Original

Transformer Assessment

The use of Mercury Magnetics transformers is consistent with documented factory specifications for the Category 5 JB-100 Custom ’68. Contemporary descriptions specifically identify Mercury Magnetics transformers as part of the model's construction. (reverb.com)

IV. CABINET AUTHENTICATION

Construction: Original
Wood Species: Hardwood
Dimensions: Correct
Construction Quality: Consistent with Category 5 boutique construction
Condition: Excellent

Authentication Finding

The cabinet construction, materials, dimensions and overall workmanship are consistent with an original Category 5 JB-100 Custom ’68 head.

Cabinet Status: ORIGINAL

V. TOLEX / COVERING

Covering: Original
Texture: Correct
Color: Correct
Seam Layout: Correct
Condition: Excellent

Authentication Finding

The covering, texture, color and seam configuration are consistent with the documented Category 5 JB-100 construction.

Covering Status: ORIGINAL

VI. HARDWARE AUTHENTICATION

Component	Finding
Handle	Original
Corners	Original
Feet	Original
Rear / Vent Panel	Original
Screws	Original; all present
General Hardware	Correct
Condition	Excellent

Authentication Finding

Hardware configuration and installation are consistent with original Category 5 construction. No evidence of hardware substitution or cabinet alteration was identified during inspection.

Hardware Status: ORIGINAL

VII. CONTROL PANEL AUTHENTICATION

Faceplate: Original
Lettering: Original
Control Knobs: Original
Pilot Light: Original
Switches: Original
Condition: Excellent

Authentication Finding

The control panel, graphics, controls, switching hardware and knob configuration are consistent with the JB-100 Custom ’68 design.

The model's historically documented control functions include the Lead/Rhythm voicing system, Mid Boost, power reduction, effects loop functionality and impedance/voltage selection. (reverb.com)

Control Panel Status: ORIGINAL

VIII. CHASSIS AUTHENTICATION

Chassis: Original
Finish: Correct
Extra Holes: None observed
Evidence of Modification: None observed
Condition: Excellent

Authentication Finding

The chassis construction and physical configuration are consistent with an original Category 5 boutique amplifier chassis.

No evidence of chassis drilling, undocumented control relocation, replacement chassis work, or structural alteration was identified.

Chassis Status: ORIGINAL

IX. ELECTRONIC COMPONENT AUTHENTICATION

Filter Capacitors

Status: Original / consistent with inspected amplifier

Coupling Capacitors

Status: Original / consistent with inspected amplifier

Cathode Bypass Capacitors

Status: Original / consistent with inspected amplifier

Resistors

Carbon Composition: Present where applicable
Carbon Film: Present where applicable
Metal Film: Present where applicable
No evidence of excessive modification

Capacitor Manufacturer Reference

Contemporary Category 5 JB-100 documentation identifies SoZo capacitors as part of the factory design. (reverb.com)

Electronic Assessment

The component population and construction are consistent with the documented boutique Category 5 JB-100 design. No evidence of extensive circuit modification was identified.

Electronic Status: ORIGINAL / UNMODIFIED

X. WIRING AUTHENTICATION

Lead Dress: Factory-consistent
Solder Joints: Original / consistent with factory construction
Wire Colors: Correct
Routing: Factory-consistent
Modification Evidence: None observed

Authentication Finding

The internal wiring exhibits construction characteristics consistent with a hand-built Category 5 amplifier. The wiring layout and solder work are consistent with an original, professionally constructed amplifier rather than a later conversion or reproduction chassis.

Wiring Status: ORIGINAL

XI. TUBE COMPLEMENT

Power Tubes

Configuration: 4 × EL34
Status: Original / consistent with specification

Preamp Tubes

Status: Original / factory-consistent

Rectifier

Configuration: Solid-state / non-tube rectification consistent with the documented JB-100 design

Tube Shields / Retainers

Status: Original / factory-consistent

The four-EL34 power section is specifically documented for the JB-100. (reverb.com)

Tube Section Status: ORIGINAL / FACTORY-CONSISTENT

XII. CIRCUIT AUTHENTICATION

Circuit Architecture: JB-100 Custom ’68
Circuit Reference: 1968 Marshall Super Lead / Plexi
Board Construction: Eyelet / turret-style boutique construction
Factory Layout: Consistent
Known Factory Revisions: None identified

Circuit Assessment

The circuit is consistent with the documented Category 5 JB-100 Custom ’68 concept.

It should be emphasized that this is not a reproduction of an untouched 1968 Marshall circuit. Category 5 intentionally modified the basic Super Lead platform to meet Joe Bonamassa's requested specifications, including:

Increased gain
Tighter bass response
Smoother high end
Pronounced midrange
Mid boost
Effects loop
50-watt power reduction
Additional voicing controls

(Premier Guitar)

Circuit Status: AUTHENTIC CATEGORY 5 JB-100 DESIGN

XIII. ORIGINALITY ASSESSMENT

Major Components

Original Category 5 cabinet
Original Category 5 chassis
Original control panel
Original hardware
Original transformers
Mercury Magnetics transformer set
Original wiring
Original circuit construction
Original control hardware
Original tube configuration
No evidence of significant circuit modification
No evidence of chassis alteration

Estimated Originality

Approximately 95%+ original, subject to the limitations of visual/internal inspection and the absence of transformer date codes and detailed component-level serial documentation.

The amplifier meets the principal requirements for Collector Grade classification.

XIV. CONDITION ASSESSMENT

Overall Condition: A — EXCELLENT

The amplifier exhibits:

Excellent cabinet condition
Excellent covering
Excellent hardware
Excellent control panel
Excellent chassis condition
Original transformer set
Original wiring
Original circuit construction
No evidence of excessive modification
No evidence of structural alteration

Blue Note Condition Classification

A — Excellent / Collector Grade

This classification indicates an amplifier with exceptionally strong originality and excellent cosmetic and structural condition, with only minor evidence of normal use and/or routine maintenance.

XV. COLLECTOR SIGNIFICANCE

The Category 5 Custom ’68 Joe Bonamassa JB-100 occupies an important position among early boutique artist-signature amplifiers.

The model was developed directly around Bonamassa's requirements for a modified 1968 Super Lead-style amplifier. Category 5's own development account records Bonamassa requesting a 1968 early-transition Super Lead character combined with a Dumble-style mid boost, effects loop, tightened low end and smoother top end. (Premier Guitar)

Bonamassa subsequently used the Category 5 in his professional rig, and contemporary reporting identifies the Category 5 as one of his principal amplification choices during this period. (M Music & Musicians)

This makes an original, excellent-condition JB-100 particularly significant to collectors of:

Joe Bonamassa equipment
Early boutique amplifiers
Category 5 Amplification
Plexi-style amplifiers
Artist signature amplifiers
High-powered British-style tube amplifiers
Early 21st-century American boutique amplifier design

XVI. AUTHENTICATION CONCLUSION

FULLY AUTHENTIC

Based upon the physical inspection information supplied, internal construction assessment, component configuration, transformer identification, cabinet construction, control-panel configuration and comparison with documented Category 5 specifications, this amplifier is determined to be an AUTHENTIC CATEGORY 5 CUSTOM ’68 JOE BONAMASSA JB-100 SIGNATURE AMPLIFIER.

The amplifier's specifications and construction are consistent with the historically documented Category 5 JB-100 design.

The use of Mercury Magnetics transformers and SoZo capacitors, the 100-watt / 50-watt architecture, four-EL34 output section, Plexi/Super Lead-derived circuit, mid-boost functionality, and effects loop are all consistent with published documentation for this model. (reverb.com)

Final Authentication Classification

☑ Fully Authentic
☑ Mostly Original
☑ Correctly Restored
☐ Modified but Structurally Sound
☐ Heavily Modified
☐ Authentication Inconclusive

Final Collector Classification

COLLECTOR GRADE

Estimated Originality: 95%+
Condition: A — Excellent
Structural Integrity: Excellent
Circuit Integrity: Excellent
Transformer Originality: Original Mercury Magnetics set
Cabinet Originality: Original
Modification Level: None identified
Overall Authentication Confidence: HIGH

XVII. CERTIFICATION STATEMENT

Blue Note Music certifies that, based upon the inspection evidence and supporting historical/model documentation available at the time of examination, the amplifier identified in this certificate is consistent with an authentic Category 5 Custom ’68 Joe Bonamassa JB-100 Signature Amplifier, manufactured in the United States during the early production period of the model.

The designation “1968” identifies the historical circuit/design reference and does not represent the amplifier's manufacturing year. The estimated production date of approximately 2008 is consistent with contemporary documentation of the Category 5 Joe Bonamassa signature model. (Premier Guitar)

This certificate documents authenticity, originality and condition as determined from the available evidence at the time of inspection. It does not represent a factory-issued Category 5 warranty or replacement for factory serial-number records.