Johnny A.

Who better to talk about a signature guitar than the artist himself! Johnny A, guitar-instrumentalist extraordinaire, stops by the Wildwood studio to talk about his signature Johnny A Custom Shop Gibson Guitar!

Elsewhere in the studio space are a recent-vintage Rickenbacker 360-12, a Jersey Girl electric with distinctive maple control knobs, a purple sparkle–finish Washburn acoustic/electric allegedly built for Prince to use on the 1984 Purple Rain tour, a 1993 Martin D-28 (“That guitar’s a cannon”), a rare three-pickup Silvertone from the Sixties, and a 1984 Bond Electraglide.

Elsewhere in the studio space are a recent-vintage Rickenbacker 360-12, a Jersey Girl electric with distinctive maple control knobs, a purple sparkle–finish Washburn acoustic/electric allegedly built for Prince to use on the 1984 Purple Rain tour, a 1993 Martin D-28 (“That guitar’s a cannon”), a rare three-pickup Silvertone from the Sixties, and a 1984 Bond Electraglide.

Elsewhere in the studio space are a recent-vintage Rickenbacker 360-12, a Jersey Girl electric with distinctive maple control knobs, a purple sparkle–finish Washburn acoustic/electric allegedly built for Prince to use on the 1984 Purple Rain tour, a 1993 Martin D-28 (“That guitar’s a cannon”), a rare three-pickup Silvertone from the Sixties, and a 1984 Bond Electraglide. That last guitar is a rare and bizarre Scottish-made electric model with a carbon-fiber body, graphite neck, digital controls, active electronics (which require an external power supply), and fingerboard that has no frets and resembles a staircase.

Among Johnny’s many other notable Gibsons are a 1936 L-00 (a Christmas present from his wife and daughter), a 1966 EB-0 bass, a custom Johnny A. Montana Advanced Jumbo with breathtaking woodwork, and a pink-and-white 1960 Skylark lap steel.

But his collection doesn’t revolve around just Gibsons. He also has a few Fenders, including a 1997 Telecaster Bajo Sexto and a James Burton Tele that he picked up during a 2005 appearance at Burton’s first International Guitar Festival in Shreveport, Louisiana.

But his collection doesn’t revolve around just Gibsons. He also has a few Fenders, including a 1997 Telecaster Bajo Sexto and a James Burton Tele that he picked up during a 2005 appearance at Burton’s first International Guitar Festival in Shreveport, Louisiana.

"Just finished putting my 'lil rig together. Two 20 watt Marshall Amplification 2061Xs with custom 2x10 Swanson cabs loaded with Celestion Speakers Alnico Golds. Killer sounding set-up for small stages."

Johnny A.'s Photos

For processing, the [Fractal Audio] Axe-Fx III works best for this situation. I use three parallel amp paths: one guitar amp with a typical signal chain; a bass amp path with an octave-divider effect, its own amp/cab and compressor, and no guitar effects; and the third path with sounds similar to string effects. Also, the Axe-Fx III has an effects loop, where I have an SSL XLogic G Series bus compressor on the main outputs. The three signal paths combine and go into the looper pre-compressor, and then into the PA.

"Here's the final 'Yardboard' layout for the upcoming The Yardbirds tour starting on Oct 30th…"

"Here's the final 'Yardboard' layout for the upcoming The Yardbirds tour starting on Oct 30th…"

"Here's the final 'Yardboard' layout for the upcoming The Yardbirds tour starting on Oct 30th…"

"Here's the final 'Yardboard' layout for the upcoming The Yardbirds tour starting on Oct 30th…"

"Here's the final 'Yardboard' layout for the upcoming The Yardbirds tour starting on Oct 30th…"

"Here's the final 'Yardboard' layout for the upcoming The Yardbirds tour starting on Oct 30th…"

"Here's the final 'Yardboard' layout for the upcoming The Yardbirds tour starting on Oct 30th…"

"Couldn't be happier with my new PolyTuner. Works GREAT."

"…And while I'm on a "mini" gear rant!! LOL"

"Have you seen these little guys from Jim Dunlop Guitar Products yet? BIG problem solver!"

"So… I think I'ma goin' with this setup...........for today! LOL"

"I know it doesn't look it but, I AM making progress!!"

Johnny A.'s Photos

For me, the key to a great pedal is its ability to be transparent when not engaged. The 'Switchbone' gives my rig plenty of options when called upon, but also stays out of the way when not! The Switchbone is Amazing!

Johnny A about Radial Switchbone.

According to DigiTech's website, Johnny A. uses DigiTech JamMan Solo Looper pedal.

According to DigiTech's website, Johnny A. uses DigiTech JamMan delay pedal.

According to DigiTech's website, Johnny A. uses DigiTech JamMan Stereo Phrase Sampler and Looper pedal.