The Johnny A has an electrified sound the is classic Gibson. Its natural sustain is a little shorter than my Les Paul Standard and it does not seem quite as loud as the LP. But, with all of the effects available on my Line 6 Spider IV 150, you can make it sound like a Strat if you want to. Unelectified it is loud enough to practice. I think it is sonicly perfect for me. It is my favorite guitar, a step above my 64 SG and my 2000 LP.

The only accessory the JA has is a Bigsby that allows the guitar to hold its tuning surprising well. Of course it is repleat with inlays and front and back binding which extends up the neck to the top of the peg head. It does not contain any real innovations but it does not need to. I believe it is the most beautiful guitar Gibson has made. It does not make that many JAs even though it has been in production for about 9 years. Mine is #953.

The guitar's is shape, light weight and balance make it very comfortable to play for long periods. Its action is perfect with paractically no pressure needed to play without generating any string buzz over the full spanse of the neck. Its double cutaway makes it almost as easy to reach the top notes as an SG. The Johnny a uses a 25.5 inch scale which is slightly longer than most Gibsons, but I honestly cannot tell the difference. The intonation was perfect to my ears from the day I first got it. I could not ask for anything better.

Whoever made this guitar took great pride in their work. The quality is uncommonly high. Everything fits perfecrly. There are not gaps anywhere. You can run your finger across the ebony finger board and not feel where the wood and inlays meet. The same is true of the binding. The carved maple top is beautifully finished. All of these things and more make the JA a wonderful work of art. I am very careful while I play it and I know sooner or latter it will get a ding or a scratch. I almost wish I had a second one just to look at and never touch. But this is a musical work of art and it is meant to be played, enjoyed and appreciated.

I honestly do not know how to rate the JA's value. Even though it is extremely expensive, I would have paid more because it is not just a guitar, it is a great guitar and a work of art. It is also subject to personal preference. TRhere will always be someone who will say that they paid half as much for a guitar that is just as good. When you are at this level, value is not as an important criteria.

I have no need to contact Gibson other than to write the CEO to encourage him to continue to make this instrument even though not that many are sold.

I have a number of fine guitars, but the Johnny A is special. I sincerely believe I play better when I pick it up. It encourages you to put more into your playing simply because it seemingly deserves to be played at you finest level. This effect may not seem as great to the listener as the player, but my wife thinks I play with more smoothly with greater expression that with my other guitars. She can tell even though I will be playing with my studio door closed where she cannot see what guitar I am playing.

Hobbyist

Various except for Country

You just have to find out for yourself.

Smooth action and an awesome Bigsby installment.

Sound is so versatile. Don't take my word for it, find out for yourself.Listen to some Johnny A music

Quality, need I say more?

It's highly worth it's value performance

Unfortunately, I haven't dealt with the company.

I rate it higher than high.Like I said before, find out for yourself. Don't blame me, if you fall in love with it.