My name is Peter Johnson and I have spent the last 30 years working in the  music industry following my first passion for vintage Gretsch guitars. I've worked alongside many industry names including the infamous Duke Kramer, and esteemed author, Jay Scott. I was the only person from the UK invited to the Opryland  Hotel in Nashville for the Gretsch private celebration for Duke and Fritzie Kramer, and  was involved in supplying original parts to the Gretsch Co. for them to patent for their reissue guitars.

 

My passion for Gretsch guitars and vintage instruments has led me to work with many great players and colleagues from the vintage guitar world.  For many years I have worked as a consultant, sourcing and supplying specific vintage instruments, as well as locating original vintage parts to help players restore their instruments.  For example, just recently I supplied original parts for those missing on John Lennon’s Gretsch 6120. 

 

I have been buying and selling vintage instruments for the last 30 years, and brokered my very first vintage guitar deals in London and Nashville in my teens. From that time my knowledge and expertise has continued to grow, alongside my passion for vintage guitars and the 1950’s legends of rock, blues and country, such as Eddie Cochran, Elvis, Buddy Holly and Ricky Nelson… as well as their more contemporary counterparts.

 

As well as a buyer and collector, I also play lead guitar and have played in many rock n roll/rockabilly and tribute bands over the years. I love playing to live audiences and enjoy the banter of being the ‘front man’ as well as playing lead for other bands.

 

Nowadays I source and buy all types of guitars, vintage parts and cases  from all over the world, but predominantly preloved and vintage Fender, Gibson and Gretsch