Ralph Carney

Multi-instrumentalist Ralph Carney knows a thing or two about making music. Having played horns for Tom Waits on seminal works ("Rain Dogs," "Bone Machine," "Mule Variations"), as well as with Tin Huey and heavyweights Elvis Costello, Jonathan Richman and the B-52's, Carney is undoubtedly a creative mind.

Carney's first passion was bluegrass and blues music, playing the banjo in Akron, Ohio where he grew up. His interests eventually evolved into jazz and avant-garde music, joining Tin Huey and working on the cult favorite "Contents Dislodged During Shipment."

He became Waits' main man after working on a film project with him in the mid-80s. Carney has since worked with poets and artists including Allen Ginsberg, William Burroughs and Kathy Acker.

Although Carney, who now resides in San Francisco, is known for playing wind instruments such as clarinet and sax, he chooses Johnson resonators for playing guitar.

"I have been trying to learn how to play Hawaiian guitar, 1920's and 30's-style, and after trying a friend's National Hawaiian, I really wanted to get one, but didn't want to spend three grand," Carney explained.

"I did some research and found out that Johnson was making a squareneck-style Tricone with cool designs too, and the price was much more affordable than a National, so I bought one and have been very happy with it."

Carney described the Johnson Squareneck Tricone as having a "big sound" and being "very durable."

His appreciation for Johnson guitars apparently runs in the family.

"My daughter wanted an electric guitar for her 8th birthday and I was in Noe Valley Music (San Francisco, CA)," Carney said. "They showed me the Johnson 1/2 size. It was so cute and very reasonable, plus it plays great for a beginner guitar."

Carney also purchased a Johnson ukulele for his father who lives in Ohio. "It's nice to know that it's there when I go home for a visit."

Learn more about Ralph Carney and his upcoming projects at www.akroncracker.com.