The Justin Johnson Shovel Guitar is a one-of-a-kind instrument that reflects the creativity and musical vision of American roots musician Justin Johnson. Unlike traditional guitars, the Shovel Guitar is crafted from an actual vintage shovel head, transformed into a resonant electric guitar capable of producing deep, rich tones. This unusual design captures both the eye and the ear, combining craftsmanship, ingenuity, and musical expression in a way that appeals to collectors, blues enthusiasts, and performers who appreciate unique, hand-built instruments. Its sound is as distinctive as its appearance, making it an ideal choice for slide guitar, blues, and Americana music.
Design and Body Construction
The body of the Justin Johnson Shovel Guitar is constructed from a repurposed steel shovel head, giving it a raw and industrial aesthetic that immediately stands out on stage. This unconventional choice of material is paired with a custom neck, usually made of maple or mahogany, to provide stability, playability, and resonance. The combination of metal body and wooden neck creates a tone that is both bright and earthy, perfectly suited to the raw, expressive playing style that Johnson is known for. Despite its unusual shape, the guitar is ergonomically designed to allow comfortable handling during performances.
Neck and Fingerboard
The neck is carefully carved and fitted to balance the unique body shape with traditional guitar playability. Typically, the fingerboard is made from rosewood, featuring medium-sized frets that accommodate both fingerpicking and slide techniques. The scale length is often around 25.5 inches, providing a familiar feel for players accustomed to standard electric guitars. The neck’s smooth finish and comfortable profile allow musicians to execute intricate solos, bends, and slides with ease. This thoughtful neck construction ensures that the guitar is not just visually striking but highly playable as well.
Pickups and Electronics
The Justin Johnson Shovel Guitar is fitted with custom pickups, designed to capture the natural resonance of the metal body while delivering clarity and punch across all frequencies. Many models use single-coil or humbucking pickups, chosen based on the desired tone and versatility. The pickups allow players to achieve a wide range of sounds, from sharp, cutting leads to warm, full-bodied rhythms. Onboard volume and tone controls give musicians precise control over their sound, making the Shovel Guitar suitable for both studio recording and live performance. The electronics are carefully integrated into the design, maintaining the instrument’s clean and unconventional appearance.
Tonal Characteristics
The tone of the Shovel Guitar is immediately recognizable, combining metallic brightness with a warm, resonant low end. The steel body enhances sustain and adds harmonic richness, particularly when using slide techniques. This tonal character makes it an ideal instrument for blues, roots, and Americana styles, though it can also handle rock, folk, and experimental music effectively. Players can achieve a variety of textures, from percussive, rhythmic strumming to smooth, singing leads, making it a highly versatile instrument despite its unconventional construction.
Bridge and Hardware
The bridge and hardware of the Shovel Guitar are custom-designed to accommodate the metal body while ensuring tuning stability and accurate intonation. Many models feature a fixed bridge or tailpiece that anchors the strings securely, allowing for precise slide and fingerstyle playing. Tuners are high-quality and durable, ensuring that the guitar remains in tune even during intense performance sessions. Every hardware component is selected to balance aesthetics, functionality, and performance, ensuring that the instrument meets the demands of professional musicians.
Playability and Comfort
Despite its unusual construction, the Shovel Guitar is surprisingly comfortable to play. The body shape allows for stable positioning on the lap or when standing with a strap. The balance between metal body and wooden neck prevents excessive weight from becoming an issue during long performances. The ergonomic neck, smooth fingerboard, and responsive action make it easy to execute slides, bends, and vibrato. These features combine to make the guitar both visually distinctive and practical for expressive, technical playing.
Unique Features and Craftsmanship
- Repurposed vintage shovel head body for unique aesthetics
- Custom neck and fingerboard for comfort and playability
- Hand-wired pickups tailored for tonal clarity and resonance
- Custom hardware ensuring tuning stability and precision
- Designed specifically for slide guitar and roots music styles
Each Shovel Guitar is essentially a work of art, reflecting the skill and creativity of both Justin Johnson and the luthiers who bring these instruments to life. No two guitars are exactly alike, making every instrument highly collectible. The combination of unconventional materials, custom craftsmanship, and thoughtful design creates a guitar that is both a visual statement and a functional musical tool.
Applications and Musical Styles
The Justin Johnson Shovel Guitar is especially well-suited for blues and roots music, where slide guitar, fingerpicking, and expressive playing techniques are emphasized. Its unique tonal characteristics make it ideal for recording in studios that demand character and depth in the guitar sound. On stage, the instrument’s visual impact adds a performance element that engages audiences. Although it excels in traditional blues and Americana, the Shovel Guitar’s versatility allows adventurous musicians to explore rock, folk, and even experimental styles with ease.
For Live Performance
- Striking visual design captures audience attention
- Metal body enhances sustain and harmonic richness
- Custom pickups ensure clarity in diverse settings
- Stable ergonomics for extended playing sessions
For Studio Recording
- Distinctive tonal character for unique recordings
- Responsive to fingerpicking, strumming, and slide techniques
- Versatile pickups and tone controls for precise sound shaping
- Durable construction suitable for frequent use
Collectibility and Artistic Value
Beyond its performance capabilities, the Shovel Guitar is highly collectible due to its rarity and distinctive design. Each instrument is handcrafted and often produced in limited numbers, making it a prized possession for collectors and fans of Justin Johnson. The combination of metal body, handcrafted neck, and custom electronics ensures that each guitar is unique, with its own tonal personality and visual appeal. For musicians and collectors alike, the Shovel Guitar represents a fusion of artistry, innovation, and musical expression.
The Justin Johnson Shovel Guitar stands as a remarkable example of creativity and craftsmanship in modern guitar design. Its repurposed shovel head body, custom neck, and hand-selected pickups create a distinctive tonal character that is well-suited for blues, roots, Americana, and experimental music. The guitar’s balance, playability, and expressive capabilities make it a serious instrument for professional musicians, while its visual uniqueness adds performance and collectible value. Whether used in studio recording, live performance, or as part of a personal collection, the Shovel Guitar offers an unforgettable combination of sound, style, and innovation that continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike.