A Conversation with Jason Banning, founder of Banning Guitars
Q: How did you get into playing music?
A: My dad played guitar since he was 12, and he tried pushing me to play when I was in the fourth grade. Back in high school, I played bass in my punk band called The Green Beans. We played the classics like the Sex Pistols. It was a rad punk rock scene in the Bay area at that time. When I moved to Lodi, CA, I starter playing guitar. I was self-taught, and played in different bands in the mid to late ‘90s – some EMO bands. We were semiprofessional and played some good gigs.
Q: How did you get into the boutique guitar business?
A: I started building because I played. Once I started having kids, my priorities shifted and I spent much less time gigging. But I was always into recording and capturing sound. I started building guitars as a hobby, at first with a Strat kit that my father-in-law bought for me for my birthday in 2004. I was working as a machine foreman, and as my job slowed down, I began to build as a way to support myself, initially selling my guitars on eBay. I prayed for some growth in my business and I went for it … the orders started piling up, and I’ve never looked back!
Q: Who are some of your influences, as a builder?
A: I’ve always loved Robert Benedetto’s archtops. I read his book, which had a tremendous impact on my approach to building guitars. I also like the vibe of Harmony, Silvertone and classic Gretch.
Q: What is your approach to building?
A: I like to incorporate a classic look with a modern design … I twist it up a bit, retro, yet modern.
Q: Which guitarists influenced you as a player?
A: Johnny Marr of the Smiths, John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and absolutely Jimmy Page. But I listen to all types of music.
Q: How did you come up with the idea to write a Bible scripture in each guitar’s pickup cavity?
A: I don’t even remember how I came up with the idea. I always felt that God blessed me in giving me this talent to build, so I wanted to glorify God through verse. I pray over each guitar as I build it, and then I write a Bible scripture in the pickup cavity. My religion is a huge part of my building. My business is my ministry.
Q: How about when you’re not building?
A: I have two sons and enjoy sunny California with them!