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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

What makes the Gibson Johnny Smith guitar suitable for jazz music?

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.

How does the neck profile of the Gibson Johnny Smith affect playability?

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.

Is the Gibson Johnny Smith guitar suitable for live performances?

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.

What are the main finishes available for the Gibson Johnny Smith guitar?

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.

How does the body material of the Gibson Johnny Smith influence its sound?

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.

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

1961 Gibson Johnny Smith played by RJ Ronquillo

Video thumbnail for 1961 Gibson Johnny Smith played by RJ Ronquillo by Carter Vintage Guitars

1961 Gibson Johnny Smith played by RJ Ronquillo

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1968 Gibson Johnny Smith Blonde | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1968 Gibson Johnny Smith Blonde | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Johnny Smith from 1974 presented by Vintage-Guitar Oldenburg by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson Johnny Smith from 1974 presented by Vintage-Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for Gibson Johnny Smith from 1962 in icetea sunburst by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson Johnny Smith from 1962 in icetea sunburst

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for 1962 Gibson Johnny Smith - Folkway Music by Folkway Music

1962 Gibson Johnny Smith - Folkway Music

Folkway Music

Folkway Music

Video thumbnail for Gibson Johnny Smith Archtop Electric, 1962 by The Twelfth Fret

Gibson Johnny Smith Archtop Electric, 1962

The Twelfth Fret

The Twelfth Fret

Video thumbnail for 1978 Gibson Johnny Smith Maple/Spruce by Dream Guitars

1978 Gibson Johnny Smith Maple/Spruce

Dream Guitars

Dream Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Johnny Smith archtop guitar from 1979 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Martin Flindt by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson Johnny Smith archtop guitar from 1979 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Martin Flindt

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for Gibson Johnny Smith 1969   [LAST GUITAR] by lastguitarcom

Gibson Johnny Smith 1969 [LAST GUITAR]

lastguitarcom

lastguitarcom

Video thumbnail for Gibson Johnny Smith 1966 Archtop Guitar Played By Stuart Ryan (Part Two) by Carter Vintage Backstage

Gibson Johnny Smith 1966 Archtop Guitar Played By Stuart Ryan (Part Two)

Carter Vintage Backstage

Carter Vintage Backstage

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

  • A vintage Ampeg, such as a Jet or Gemini, is recommended for achieving a 1950s jazz guitar sound, closely resembling Johnny Smith's tone.

    Source
  • Fender blackface amps can offer a flatter frequency response, useful for jazz, when treble and mid pots are minimized and volume is increased.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • A floating mini humbucker is perceived to have a different tone from a full humbucker, as evidenced by videos comparing Bireli Lagrene's performances.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The Barnyard Junior pedal is suggested for clean amps to achieve a slightly pushed, round, vintage jazz tone.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The DV Mark Jazz 12 is noted for its clean sound without breakup, but the digital reverb can be harsh at higher settings.

    Source
  • Floating pickups are noted to enhance acoustic volume and tone when playing unplugged, providing more depth compared to mounted pickups.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Fender tube amps may require capacitor and filter replacements over time, and the stock Eminence 1x12 speaker is often criticized.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Grant Green's transition from a floating pickup to P-90s on an ES-330 highlights the tonal shift from acoustic-like to distinctively electric.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson Johnny Smith | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The Gibson Johnny Smith model stands out as a sophisticated blend of high-quality acoustic and electric features, appealing to archtop players seeking excellent amplification without sacrificing acoustic integrity. With its unique design elements like the floating mini-humbucker and X-braced top, it offers a distinct departure from traditional Gibson models. While the thicker top reveals its electric intent, the guitar remains a coveted piece for its aesthetic and tonal charms. Despite its evolution and Smith's shift in endorsement, the model's legacy endures, reflecting a successful marriage of style and function.

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Artist usage

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See how Stevie Ray Vaughan uses Gibson Johnny Smith

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Guitarist, Singer

The Vaughan Brothers

...
Verified via Gibson

Stevie used the hollowbody Gibson Johnny Smith on the classic jazzy track "Stangs Swang" on the 1984 "Couldn't Stand The Weather" album.

See how John McLaughlin uses Gibson Johnny Smith

John McLaughlin

Guitarist

The Mahavishnu Orchestra

...
Verified via Johnmclaughlin

"A great guitar that I played with the group ‘The Free Spirits’ in the early 1990’s."

See how George Benson uses Gibson Johnny Smith

George Benson

Singer, Guitarist

The George Benson Quartet

...
Verified via reverb.com

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.

See how Frank Gambale uses Gibson Johnny Smith

Frank Gambale

Guitarist

Return to Forever

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

This article lists Frank’s gear.

See how Pat Martino uses Gibson Johnny Smith

Pat Martino

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

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.

See how Johnny Smith uses Gibson Johnny Smith

Johnny Smith

Guitarist

The Benny Goodman Sextet

...
Verified via Premier Guitar | The best guitar & bass reviews, videos, and interviews on the web.

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.

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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1

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