Joe Bonamassa, the acclaimed blues guitarist, has once again made headlines with his latest acquisition—a piece of vintage gear with rich musical history. This time, it’s Rory Gallagher's number one Dallas Rangemaster treble booster, gifted to Bonamassa by Gallagher's family just before his performance at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on February 27, 2025.
Bonamassa, who has built one of the largest collections of vintage guitar gear, shared the news of this significant gift through his Instagram account, expressing his astonishment and gratitude. "There are moments in my life when I need to step back and pinch myself," Bonamassa wrote. "Tonight before our show at the Beacon Theatre, my friend Daniel Gallagher, with his father Donal's blessing, gifted me Rory's number one Rangemaster. I had noticed it had gone missing from the auction a few months back, and I am beyond blown away to have this in my possession."
The Rangemaster treble booster is not just another piece of equipment; it is one of the most iconic guitar effects units, integral to Gallagher's signature sound. Designed to sit atop an amplifier rather than on the pedalboard, the Rangemaster features no footswitch, eliminating the common conveniences of modern gear. Instead, it relies entirely on its unique treble-boosting capabilities, which help produce clearness and presence when paired with amps such as the Vox AC30.
Bonamassa's excitement mirrors the historical significance of the Rangemaster, as it’s also associated with other legendary musicians. Brian May of Queen famously referenced Gallagher's setup during his early career, which led May to seek out similar equipment. "I was able to ask him how he got his guitar to sound so good. He said, 'Well, it’s easy; I have the AC30 and this little box, and I turn it up and it sings for me.' The next day, I went to a guitar shop and found two secondhand AC30s for £30 each," May recounted.
This connection highlights the legacy of Gallagher's gear and the community among guitarists who respect and admire one another's work. With the Rangemaster now firmly placed within his collection, Bonamassa plans to honor Gallagher by using the pedal during his special tribute shows scheduled for July 2025 at The Marquee in Cork, Ireland.
Bonamassa expressed his intent to keep the spirit of Gallagher's music alive, saying, "I am so honored; you will see it onstage again in Cork! Humbled and blessed. Thank you so much." He emphasized how such iconic gear should never become mere display pieces, urging for its active use: "The worst-case scenario is if you just hang the guitar on the wall and brag to your rich buddies about it. These things are tools to make music."
Before the notorious Gallagher auction, which featured many of the late guitarist's beloved instruments and gear, Bonamassa had previously expressed his dedication to ensuring Gallagher's legacy remained intact. The auction concluded with Gallagher's iconic fender Stratocaster selling for $1.16 million, with Bonamassa celebrating the news as it would be donated to the National Museum of Ireland.
This recent acquisition, along with the excitement surrounding his upcoming tribute shows, reflects Bonamassa's deep respect for Gallagher's influence on music. Bonamassa has described the performance as "the biggest challenge of my musical life," highlighting the weight and significance of playing music associated with such a revered guitarist.
Guitarists and music enthusiasts alike will likely look forward to experiencing the sound crafted by the Rangemaster, which Bonamassa claims can achieve tones reminiscent of Gallagher’s legendary live performances captured on albums like "Irish Tour '74." The unique tonal characteristics of Gallagher's gear, now revitalized by Bonamassa, will continue contributing to the blues and rock genres moving forward.
The connection established through the Rangemaster serves as both a tribute to Gallagher's lasting impact and as evidence of the camaraderie present within the music community, especially among guitar players. With artists like Bonamassa shining a spotlight on the importance of preserving and using historical gear, Gallagher's legacy will likely resonate with future generations of musicians and fans.
Bonamassa's tribute performances at The Marquee, set for July 1, will provide both veterans and newcomers to Gallagher's music the opportunity to honor one of rock's most influential figures. Fans can expect to hear the powerful sound of the Rangemaster gracing the stage, evoking the magic and artistry of Gallagher's performances.