Rushmore guitars is a company started By Johnny Tsakanikas, also known as Johnny Rushmore, a.k.a Johnny Blaze that has it’s roots steeped in the classic great tones of solid and semi-hollow electric guitars. Exotic and traditional combinations of woods along with vast experience in electric guitar both in performing and building has now been brought together for the general public to reap the sonic benefits of and a no compromising art and artistry that is a step above the other guitar builder’s of this highly competitive industry.
Johnny’s skill as a guitar player is astonishing and if you have ever caught his performances live or on recording one thing everyone talks about is the sound of his guitars! In 1973 Johnny started learning the guitar after his brother Kenny taught him some "barre" chords on a cheap "kent" guitar that was purchased at a yard sale. Within 6 months Johnny was playing Jimi Hendrix note for note, astonishing everyone who heard him play. As soon as his first "real" guitar was acquired (a 1975 Fender Stratocaster) the modifying of guitars began! In 1980 Johnny won the DC 101 radio station guitar contest and was awarded a beautiful Gibson Les Paul classic from Reo Speedwagon’s Gary Richrath at the "Capital Centre" Largo arena in Largo, Maryland. Making the best sound possible became the goal following right behind playing the best one could play on the guitar. Modifying the tremolo, mounting pickups to the body, customizing the electronics and changing necks became experiments in making the guitar sound and play better. This dedication to excellence is the integrity and sole motivation for Rushmore guitars existing.
How can I get the best sound? Which guitar sounds better and why? At Rushmore guitars 32 years of playing building and modifying guitars has come to an "on point" sound that will not be denied and there is no doubt ! There are 3 types of solid/semi electric guitars being made today out of wood that are the industry standard that has been successful and made popular by the big 2: Fender and Gibson . The Bolt on 2-piece by Fender, the glue on made popular by Gibson, and the neck through also made popular by Gibson. Most builders agree the neck through is the best followed by the glue on and lastly the bolt on. Tone and sustain is achieved in the neck through the body dramatically and more significantly .That being said; is there anyway to build a guitar that is better than that technique!? The answer is yes! Coming soon at Rushmore guitars we offer and are introducing the 1 piece guitar! We will build any style from the aforementioned categories as well as make your bolt on sound like a glue-on with some revolutionary neck body mounts and pick guard mods that dramatically increase tone warmth and sustain! The bolt on Strat never sounded this good before and these customized pick guards and neck body mounts are the reason! Hear for yourself the difference in sustain and tone!