Something Old, New, Borrowed & Blue


“The Sunset Strip” is Simon’s tribute to Mr Lonnie Johnson and the Kay Musical Instrument Company. Johnson was a highly respected guitarist and pioneer of experimental improvisations. He is recognised as the first guitarist to play single-string solos with string bending and vibrato. Guitarists such as Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy and B.B. King have all doffed their caps to Lonnie. Bob Dylan is also an admirer.

Lonnie played a Kay Value Leader, a much-loved hollow-bodied guitar from the late ‘50s and early ‘60s. J. B. Hutto and Jimmy Reed also played this model. One of her design features was the metal pickguard that ran the length of the body. On our rendering, we have replicated the original pickguard with an airbrushed sunburst reflection, hence the name, “The Sunset Strip”. The pickups on this design are called “Groucho” and are our modern reflection on the Speed Bump single coil that Kay fitted onto various models back in the day. Bob G. Harrison is currently hard at work perfecting the cover, once he is satisfied with the result; we shall prototype both the pickup and guitar. You can keep up to date with the builds throughout the year by visiting our social media pages. If any manufacturer is reading this page, and is thinking about producing something different, “The Sunset Strip”, could be the guitar you have been looking for. BR

“The Sunset Strip”

Inspired By The Music Of Mr Alonzo “Lonnie” Johnson,
His Kay Value Leader Guitar And The Speed Bump Pickup.


(Bob G. Harrison/Raw Guitar Co. “Groucho” Single Coil Pickups)