THE STORY OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER GUITAR
WHY DID I MAKE THIS GUITAR?
This is Terry Mojo Johnson of Mojo Johnson Guitars. Awhile back I was contacted by George Schmitz to make a custom personalized guitar for him. He asked if I could make him a military theme guitar. As we talked about the guitar build, every piece of the guitar had a military meaning behind it. To me it's not about the guitar as much as the story George told me. The following are parts of his email to me and his reasoning for the parts I used.
GEORGE SCHMITZ'S STORY
I chose this theme because as a veteran from a family of veterans that started in WWII through Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield, I’m proud to honor all branches of the military. My family has served in all four branches. Army, Navy, Air-Force and Marines. I was in The Army reserve and the latterly moved to active duty Marine Corps during the Desert Storm/Desert Shield . My dad was Navy during Vietnam along with both of his brothers. My Grandpa was in WWII. One cousin was Air-Force, one cousin Airborne Ranger Army and another cousin, also Army. You can tell I come from a long line of Veterans in my gene pool. I have friends that have served our country and retired as well. This is my way of thanking each and every veteran that has ever served our country to protect and defend our freedoms. It represents what the USA American dream stands for in the hearts of many. I feel that we have hit the ball into space with your Mojo Magic!! I feel that everyone that sees this guitar will be breathless as the beauty and meaning will make us stop and think! We take for granted the cost of being a US citizen and I feel that this Unknown Soldier represents the cost. Thanks for the Mojo Magic, George
THE MEANING OF THE PARTS THAT WERE USED
*The Unknown soldier pin had to be on the headstock of the guitar, to show respect to the ones that paid the ultimate sacrifice.
*The Derby cover (the center piece on the guitar) “THE TRUE HEROES ARE THE ONES WHO NEVER MADE IT HOME”
*Guitar strap is of the US flag. “ It’s the common goal of the military to protect and I believe it flies high above every branch as they all take pride in ol’ glory”
*He picked all the military coins. ARMY – MARINE CORPS – NAVY – AIR FORCE – US COAST GUARD. Last, the 3rd U.S. INFANTRY REGIMENT that guards the tomb of the UNKNOWN SOLDIER.
*He chose the motorcycle theme because Harley Davidson had close ties to the mobility during WWI.
*The buttons on the volume and tone knobs are from his relatives Army Class A uniform. He was an Airborne Ranger.
*The military coins placement was in the shape of the US Pentagon.