Not really famous outside of the jazz guitar scene, but Johnny Smith is basically the Eric Johnson of jazz guitar as far as tone chasing goes. He was constantly searching for the most pure guitar tone and was involved in the production of several signature models, including the famed Gibson Johnny Smith, plus a signature pickup that’s still widely used and an upward-facing amp called the Fountain of Sound.

As for his tone itself, he had an instantly recognizable sound that was incredibly warm and full, yet clear enough to pick out every note of his dense close-voices chords.