Jimi: A very good review. I believe that the black back is just a lazy way of finishing the guitar. But remember this is to Joe's specs. HE likes the black back. I think that on a Les Paul you should be able to see the mahogany grain. In the past couple of years I have purchased several Gibson guitars, and as far as finish goes I can find no faults, other than the sticky Nitro. As far as playability I think that this is where Gibson is missing the boat totally.
When people pick up a 5000 dollar guitar (a generalization) the general consesnus is that it should almost play itself. I do not think that enough time is taken on the set up of these guitars at the factory.
Gibson and any of the high end guitar makers will say that they are set up neutral because not everyone likes the same set up. That is true for string height, but intonation should be done and be spot on as well.
I have found that every guitar that I have purchased new over these years has needed a complete pro set up. I have taken it for granted when I look at a guitar in the shop no matter how it feels, it can be better!
As far as a signature series guitar being about the same as a Standard, you are correct. This guitar is Joe Bonamassa's dream guitar. The colors the pickup selection, and I am pretty sure you could do the same with a Standard at half the price. Now if this WAS Joe's actual guitar that he played many many times on stage then it might be worth 7000 US to a collector.
Just to put things into perspective, I have purchased, a Gibson LP Classic, LP Studio, and an Elitist Les Paul brand new for 3100 U. S. and a used mint ES335, and LP Standard for 2700 U.S. So you can buy a lot of guitars for 7000 bucks. In fact with the extra 1200, I purchased 5 Squier Strats.
And I don't live in the U.S. and have to pay a "landed" price.
The Blues is alright!
Guitars: 1968 Gibson SG, 2005 Gibson SG Standard, 2006 Gibson LP Classic Gold top, 2004 Epiphone Elitist LP Custom, 1996 Gibson Les Paul Standard. 2001 Epiphone Sheraton II, 2007 Epiphone G400.
Fender Strats: 1996 Fender 68 Reissue CIJ, 2008 Squier CV 50s, 2009 Squier CV 50s Tele Butterescotch Blonde
Amps: Blues Junior Special edition Jensen in Brown Tolex with Wheat front, 65 Deluxe Reverb reissue,1970 Sonax reverb by Traynor, Avatar Custom 2/12 Cabinet with Eminence Legend V1216 speakers,
2008 DSL100 Marshall Amp , Fender Super Champ XD,Fender Vibro Champ XD
Effects and Pedals: Fulltone Fulldrive II, Fulltone OCD, Fulltone Mini Deja Vibe, Fulltone Fat Boost, Dunlop Crybaby Wah, Boss DS1, Boss DD20 Giga Delay, Boss TU2 tuner, Boss BD2, Ibanez TS9 Tube screamer, Zoom 505. Radial tonebone hot british.