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Description
A hallmark of elegance and craftsmanship, the Gibson Johnny Smith Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar is designed to captivate both visually and sonically. With its roots tracing back to the collaboration between Gibson and jazz guitarist Johnny Smith in the 1960s, this guitar embodies a fusion of classic design and modern playability. Crafted with a solid spruce top and maple back and sides, the guitar produces a rich, resonant sound that is ideal for jazz, blues, and any genre requiring a warm and articulate tone.
The floating mini-humbucker pickup, mounted directly on the pickguard, allows the guitar to deliver a clean, balanced output that highlights the natural acoustic qualities of the instrument. The neck is constructed from mahogany and features a comfortable profile, making it easy to navigate across the ebony fretboard. Notably, the guitar includes a distinctive tailpiece design that enhances both sustain and tuning stability.
Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Gibson Johnny Smith offers an exceptional playing experience, characterized by its smooth action and tonal versatility. This instrument is not just a piece of musical equipment, but a timeless addition to any musician's collection, blending tradition with innovation.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollowbody design with solid spruce top and maple back and sides
- Floating mini-humbucker pickup for clear and balanced sound
- Mahogany neck with an ebony fretboard
- Unique tailpiece design for enhanced sustain and tuning stability
- Ideal for jazz, blues, and genres requiring warm, articulate tones
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Johnny Smith |
| Finish | Natural, Sunburst |
| Year | 1961 - 1969 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Hollow Body Guitars |
| Artist | Johnny Smith |
| Body Material | Maple |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Hollow Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Brown, Tan |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson Johnny Smith |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | H |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Series | Gibson Artist Collection |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What makes the Gibson Johnny Smith guitar suitable for jazz music?
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The Gibson Johnny Smith guitar is renowned for its warm, rich tones ideal for jazz, thanks to its hollow body design and single humbucker pickup, which provides clear, articulate sound perfect for jazz chords and solos.
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How does the neck profile of the Gibson Johnny Smith affect playability?
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The Gibson Johnny Smith features a set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, providing a comfortable, smooth playing experience that suits intricate jazz fingerwork and allows for easy access to higher frets.
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Is the Gibson Johnny Smith guitar suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Gibson Johnny Smith is well-suited for live jazz performances, offering a robust and dynamic sound that projects well on stage, while its classic design and finish provide a visually striking presence.
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What are the main finishes available for the Gibson Johnny Smith guitar?
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The Gibson Johnny Smith guitar is available in Natural and Sunburst finishes, both featuring a glossy style that highlights the guitar's elegant design and high-quality materials.
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How does the body material of the Gibson Johnny Smith influence its sound?
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The Gibson Johnny Smith's maple body contributes to its bright, resonant tone, while the hollow body design enhances its acoustic properties, making it ideal for jazz musicians seeking a classic, full-bodied sound.
Videos
Carter Vintage Guitars
1961 Gibson Johnny Smith played by RJ Ronquillo
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Johnny Smith.
Comparisons
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A vintage Ampeg, such as a Jet or Gemini, is recommended for achieving a 1950s jazz guitar sound, closely resembling Johnny Smith's tone.
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Fender blackface amps can offer a flatter frequency response, useful for jazz, when treble and mid pots are minimized and volume is increased.
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The Gibson Johnny Smith is compared to an ES-350, but with a floating mini humbucker, impacting the acoustic volume more than the plugged-in tone.
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A floating mini humbucker is perceived to have a different tone from a full humbucker, as evidenced by videos comparing Bireli Lagrene's performances.
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Mods and upgrades
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The Barnyard Junior pedal is suggested for clean amps to achieve a slightly pushed, round, vintage jazz tone.
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Features and functionality
Setup and maintenance
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Fender tube amps may require capacitor and filter replacements over time, and the stock Eminence 1x12 speaker is often criticized.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistStevie used the hollowbody Gibson Johnny Smith on the classic jazzy track "Stangs Swang" on the 1984 "Couldn't Stand The Weather" album.
"A great guitar that I played with the group ‘The Free Spirits’ in the early 1990’s."
This Gibson Johnny Smith "Breezin" guitar is owned by George Benson
This is THE guitar that was used to record George's hit song Breezin. An absolute piece of music history.
That was quite a transition, from solid bodies to big hollow bodies… When I began to get serious about archtops and to adjust to the instrument and its physical demands, I went from the 175 to a Johnny Smith model.
Arguably, the finest JS signature model with the greatest notoriety is the early sixties Gibson version; Gibson contacted three important jazz guitarists in 1960 – Johnny Smith, Tal Farlow and Barney Kessel.
Unlike the limited role that Barney Kessel had in developing the BK model, Johnny Smith was extremely involved in the development of the Johnny Smith model. Smith insisted that the guitar be one that he would play full-time before he would associate his name with it.
Album Usage
The Gibson Johnny Smith has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Johnny Smith, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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