Music Radar recently asked readers to submit questions for Eric Johnson. He has answered the questions, and Music Radar has posted his responses. One really interesting question and response was about Gibson potentially creating an Eric Johnson signature ES-335:
“That’s a really good question…and an intriguing one. The truth is, I had wanted to do that very thing, and there were some people at Gibson who were into the whole idea. When it got to the higher-ups, however, they kind of nixed it. It was pretty strange. I tried to get something going with the company. I talked to some of the people there, and they were like, ‘Yeah, let’s do it. Call this guy at this number.’ So I’d call up and…I don’t know, they just sort of dropped the ball on everything.
“Eventually, I blew the whole thing off, which was a drag because I love the red 335 from 1964. I was looking forward to trying to work with Gibson on some pickups and get going on a model that was really cool and special. What can I say? I guess they weren’t interested in pursuing it with me. [laughs] It happens.”
I’m really surprised that Gibson wouldn’t want to create an Eric Johnson signature ES-335, considering how successful his signature Strats seem to have been. Read the rest of the questions and EJ’s responses here.
Gibson seems to be trying to find its way these days. Obviously, the company is looking to nail the market with guitars offering a lot of technology-based bells and whistles. I’d prefer a guitar with classic design and serious artist input.
It seems like they want to lead the technology revolution in regards to guitars, but I think many of their customers would just prefer an affordable American made instrument with classic features.