Started by Rick Johnson in San Diego, he designs and manufactures solid and semi-acoustic body guitars and basses. In addition to their customary emphasis on playability, quality and affordability, these designs are as much artwork as they are superb musical instruments. As such, Johnson Guitars U.S.A. has found itself being paid the singular and dubious compliment of having its historic design copies themselves being copied by foreign manufacturers, including copies of the "Johnson" logo.