John Griffith

John Griffith, known as J-Cat, began his musical journey in his hometown of Carlsbad, California, when he received his first guitar in sixth grade. Inspired by the surf music craze of the 1960s and deeply influenced by Dick Dale—who later became a close friend and frequent stage partner—John went on to form several bands, including The Nobles, Freedom, and North Star. The Nobles were standouts in the 1965–66 KCBQ Battle of the Bands, while North Star, formed in 1973, continues to perform across San Diego County at fairs, clubs, reunions, and weddings. In 2008, the band received a special honor from the San Diego Music Foundation for their decades-long run of local performances. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, John briefly played minor league baseball and even appeared in the majors as a rookie catcher. His NAMM connection began in the 1990s through trade show performances and appearances at special events. As a vintage guitar and bass dealer, he has supplied instruments to legends including Joni Mitchell, John Entwistle, and John Fogerty—who played a 1966 Fender Telecaster from John’s collection on his Grammy-winning Blue Moon Swamp album.