"Seeing this raw lumber come to life into these guitars...that is super exciting to me. Being in a workshop, it's the best. It's fun."
~ Josh Williams
Working out of Southern California with a small dedicated team, Josh Williams builds electric guitars that have quickly become some of the most sought-after semi-hollows and solid bodies in the boutique world. Josh graduated from the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery and apprenticed under Latvian master luthier Yuris Zeltins at The Blue Guitar in San Diego - a foundation that shows in the level of finish work his shop is known for.
The lineup centers on the Mockingbird (a refined take on the ES-335 tradition), the Mockingbird Special (chambered mahogany with a pressed top), the Hollowbird (a fully hollow ES-330-inspired build), the Montgomery (a single-cut semi- or fully hollow), and the Stella and Stella Jr. solid bodies. Players including Ariel Posen, Joey Landreth, and Josh Smith have made Josh Williams guitars part of their working rigs.
The Music Emporium has carried Josh Williams Guitars for years, and his wait list is long enough that an in-stock JWG doesn't sit around for long.
Vintage Soul, Distinct Identity
Josh’s guitars aren't meant to be super accurate replicas of iconic instruments; they combine the woods and construction of classic designs along with a refined elegance to create a voice and feel all its own. That blend of familiar and fresh is exactly why players flock to his instruments.
Dynamic tone that bridges eras
These guitars a Les Paul‑like punch and fullness while retaining a chimey top end. They stay clear and articulate whether you’re playing clean or pushing into overdrive, making them incredibly versatile.
Player‑focused builds
Josh and his small California team build each guitar to feel broken‑in from the first chord. Each instrument carries its future owner’s name, reflecting the personal care and tailored craftsmanship that define their work.
Josh Williams Guitars FAQ
Common questions about Josh Williams Guitars - the builder, the models, who plays them, and how to find one.
Where can I buy a Josh Williams guitar near Boston?
The Music Emporium is an authorized Josh Williams Guitars dealer and has carried his instruments for years. We keep stock at our Lexington, Massachusetts showroom near Boston, though his wait list is long enough that an in-stock JWG doesn't sit around for long - reaching out directly is always worthwhile.
Who is Josh Williams and what is his background?
Josh Williams builds out of Vista, California with a small dedicated team. He graduated from the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery and apprenticed under Latvian master luthier Yuris Zeltins at The Blue Guitar in San Diego - a foundation that shows in the level of finish work his shop is known for.
What Josh Williams models does The Music Emporium carry?
Josh's lineup includes the Mockingbird (a refined take on the ES-335 tradition), the Mockingbird Special (chambered mahogany with a pressed top), the Hollowbird (a fully hollow ES-330-inspired build), the Montgomery (a single-cut semi- or fully hollow), and the Stella and Stella Jr. solid bodies. As an authorized dealer, our selection reflects what's currently in stock - worth checking with us directly for the latest.
What makes Josh Williams guitars different from other boutique semi-hollows?
Josh's guitars aren't meant to be strict replicas of iconic instruments - they combine the woods and construction of classic designs with a refined elegance that gives them a voice and feel all their own. They deliver a Les Paul-like punch and fullness while retaining a chimey top end, staying clear and articulate whether clean or driven.
Who plays Josh Williams guitars?
Players including Ariel Posen, Joey Landreth, and Josh Smith have made Josh Williams guitars part of their working rigs, reflecting their standing among the most sought-after boutique semi-hollows and solid bodies being built today.