Johnson Guitars
Encyclopedia
Johnson Guitars U.S.A. is a musical instrument
manufacturer in Yuma, Arizona, founded in 1986. They design and manufacture solid and semi-acoustic body guitars and basses. While many of their instruments are of their own design, they also manufacture very creditable versions of some of the most famous models produced by the major manufacturers such as Fender and Gibson. While striving for highest quality, and where applicable historical accuracy, they also maintain a priority of affordability, making them a favorite of beginners as well as veteran players.
In addition to the more traditional instruments, Johnson Guitars also produces two additional lines with more unique designs. Their "Assault" series is based on modern military aircraft and weapons designs, while their "Exotic" series carries designs such as a shark, a dragon and an Egyptian icon. In addition to their customary emphasis on playability, quality and affordability, these designs are as much artwork as they are superb musical instruments.
It has been common practice for years among guitar makers to reproduce famous designs such as Fender's Stratocaster
and Gibson's
Les Paul
. Rather than being considered in any way inappropriate, this has always been done respectfully and with full disclosure regarding the original design, and accepted as an homage to those designs and manufacturers. As such, Johnson Guitars U.S.A. has found itself being paid the singular and dubious compliment of having its historic design copies themselves being copied by foreign manufacturers, including copies of the Johnson logo.
Musical instrument
A musical instrument is a device created or adapted for the purpose of making musical sounds. In principle, any object that produces sound can serve as a musical instrument—it is through purpose that the object becomes a musical instrument. The history of musical instruments dates back to the...
manufacturer in Yuma, Arizona, founded in 1986. They design and manufacture solid and semi-acoustic body guitars and basses. While many of their instruments are of their own design, they also manufacture very creditable versions of some of the most famous models produced by the major manufacturers such as Fender and Gibson. While striving for highest quality, and where applicable historical accuracy, they also maintain a priority of affordability, making them a favorite of beginners as well as veteran players.
In addition to the more traditional instruments, Johnson Guitars also produces two additional lines with more unique designs. Their "Assault" series is based on modern military aircraft and weapons designs, while their "Exotic" series carries designs such as a shark, a dragon and an Egyptian icon. In addition to their customary emphasis on playability, quality and affordability, these designs are as much artwork as they are superb musical instruments.
It has been common practice for years among guitar makers to reproduce famous designs such as Fender's Stratocaster
Fender Stratocaster
The Fender Stratocaster, often referred to as "Strat", is a model of electric guitar designed by Leo Fender, George Fullerton, and Freddie Tavares in 1954, and manufactured continuously by the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation to the present. It is a double-cutaway guitar, with an extended top...
and Gibson's
Gibson Guitar Corporation
The Gibson Guitar Corporation, formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan and currently of Nashville, Tennessee, manufactures guitars and other instruments which sell under a variety of brand names...
Les Paul
Gibson Les Paul
The Gibson Les Paul was the result of a design collaboration between Gibson Guitar Corporation and the late jazz guitarist and electronics inventor Les Paul. In 1950, with the introduction of the Fender Telecaster to the musical market, electric guitars became a public craze. In reaction, Gibson...
. Rather than being considered in any way inappropriate, this has always been done respectfully and with full disclosure regarding the original design, and accepted as an homage to those designs and manufacturers. As such, Johnson Guitars U.S.A. has found itself being paid the singular and dubious compliment of having its historic design copies themselves being copied by foreign manufacturers, including copies of the Johnson logo.