MH: Tell us about your early musical influences.
JD: I can recall at a very young age, getting off the bus and running home to jam on my drum set which was a green sparkle Lido Supreme. My parent's collection of music was a combination of Elvis, The Temptations, Nat King Cole, The Platters, Chuck Berry, BB King, Otis Reddy and many more. Music was such a big part of my soul.... I can remember keeping rhythm on dashboards, kitchen tables, school desks and everything else that had just any kind of surface to make a noise. "Thank you, Mom and Dad for your patience."

MH: When did you first start playing and do you recall your first guitar?
JD: My first gig was in a band called "The American Dream" where we all wore red, white and blue.... bell bottom pants with stars on them - very patriotic. At the age of 17, drums became secondary to wanting to be in front where all the girls were. So I purposed in my heart that I would become a guitar player. I was in San Antonio, Texas in 1972 and met a man named Johnny Frisco, an incredible Italian Jazz guitar player. Naturally, at this age, I wanted to play a Les Paul to go with the trend of the 70's, but he laughed and insisted that I play a man's guitar which led to a Gibson L5. I treasure what he sowed into my life, which was the catalyst of my gift of tone...."Thank You, Johnny".

MH: What was the first guitar or bass you ever modified or built?
JD: My quest for tone led me to begin modifying pickups which led to different necks, nuts, bridges and electronics. My first modifications started with a Black Beauty Les Paul, Sunburst Strat, Gold Top, P-Bass and J-Bass. My first building endeavor was a four string bass with cracked mirrors glued to the top with a P-Bass pickup in the neck and J-Pickup in the bridge. I still have that bass today which always reminds me of how God stepped in and took a little nobody like me and turned me into a Warrior.

MH: What and when was the first guitar or bass built that officially appeared on a headstock?
JD: In 1993, the first Warrior bass was introduced.

MH: Tell us about your first shop and how the early days were.
JD: In 1976, my dad and I started the Soundpost in Chattanooga, TN. We began with a small repair shop combined with a musical instrument store. My passion to design and build instruments began in these early days. We faced many challenges with the repairs and setups which taught me two valuable things - that you learn by listening and to search for a solution to every challenge.

MH: Any special types of guitar designs that influenced you early on?
JD: The resonance of the L5, the fatness of a 50's Les Paul, the spank of a Strat and Tele were my biggest guitar influences. The warmth of a Vintage P-bass, the bark of a '62 Jazz, the slap of an early Music Man were my biggest Bass influences. Tone was more of a factor than the aesthetics.

MH: Any special tutor or mentor that was influential in entering this business?
JD: My dad, Jack Lewis, mentored me to reach beyond my natural abilities and spoke in my heart to be a champion. My mom, Bobbie Lewis, taught me two things which continue to influence my life today.... not to be lazy and not to be stingy.

MH: When and where was the first Warrior factory located?
JD: The Warrior factory, which first opened its doors in 1993, is located in beautiful northwest Georgia. We are surrounded by trees and a peaceful environment without the hustle and bustle of a big city.

MH: Tell us a bit about your company and the principals that it is founded on.
JD: Many times people ask me, "J.D., why don't you put your name on these instruments?" My response is always, "I'm not that good, it's really all about Him!" When you see a Warrior instrument, so many hearts have contributed time, talent and heart into this vision of excellence. We all acknowledge and celebrate that it comes through us.... not from us.

MH: Tell us about the number of employees and key people connected to the vision.
JD: I would like to thank:
Anna Lewis, my tailor-made, unsinkable, gorgeous, sensational wife and partner, for her discernment and balance.
Nick Holloway, "The Tree", for mentoring me in wood and for his gentle spirit.
Jessie O'Neal, "The Professor", for his artsy craftsmanship in his quest for electronic perfection.
Jason Armstrong, "The Deacon", for his speed and agility.
Ron Freeman, "The Gentle Giant", for his prayers in the oiling room.
Barbie Mitchell, "The Sweet Girl", for her patience and tenacity.
Sonny Thomas, "The Godfather of Frets", for his wisdom and detail.
Bobbie Lewis, "Momma", for her unconditional love.
Ron Thorn, "The Caliper", for his uncommon attention to detail and giving spirit.
Ty Chapman, "6 String", artist relations.
Ron Rayson, "Counselor", for believing in the vision.
Skipper & Ruthann, "The Bears", for like-precious faith and friendship.
Jeff & Sharon Serdins, "Family", guitar development.
Pat & Marie Wilkins, "Jesus People", for always going the extra mile.

MH: Tell us about your different models that you offer and briefly describe each.
JD: GUITAR GALLERY:
Soldier - A carved artist premier solid body
Guardian - A carved artist premier 2 piece body - Flame or Quilt Maple Top
Isabella - JD& Anna's latest addition to their family became the inspiration behind this series. A carved single cut available in all four grades of Warrior wood.
Signature - What differentiates the Signature Gallery begins with the wood. The intensity of the grain and the figure of the wood, the distinct tonal characteristics all must meet very specific criteria.
Dran Michael - J.D.'s first-born son, Dran Michael, became the inspiration behind this series. The touch of distinction seen in the smallest details produce an instrument that is as much a work of art as it is melodic perfection. Most Dran Michaels feature a 5 piece matching front and back body with a 7 piece neck.
King's Closet - It is for the collector who dreams of unparalleled quality. Our upper room, private vault, features only the most rare and exquisite vintage woods from around the world. From our Arch Angel series, The Messiah Collection to your own family heirloom instrument, the Kings Closet will provide an investment that will last forever.

BASS GALLERY:
Soldier - Bolt-on 4 & 5 string with sculpted solid mahogany or swamp ash body.
Studio - Neck through 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12 & 15 string with premier 3 piece body and neck wood with choice of Flame or Quilt Maple tops.
Signature - Same family as guitar
Dran Michael - Same family as guitar
Kings Closet - Same family as guitar

MH: Any special building techniques you feel are unique to Warrior Guitars & Basses?JD: We hand select every board of wood to evaluate what category pertaining to tone, balance and aesthetics it will best serve. We have obtained Vintage woods from all around the world which are very peaceful to work with. We acclimate our wood for years to achieve the Warrior excellence. We are still growing in grace to become more efficient.

MH: Your trademark is anointed handmade instruments, expand on this.
JD: The Warrior vision is based upon touching every instrument and the people that play them with our hearts, through our hands to achieve a level of excellence that is unparalleled. Our very existence and our success is based on the blessing of God who deserves nothing less than our best.

MH: Any new models to be premiered at the January NAMM Show?
JD: We will be introducing "The Gabriel" named after JD and Anna's second son. This is a Pearl White solid body with angel inlay on the fretboard. There will be 50 limited serial numbers. Also, "The Isabella" complete line will be launched at this show and seven new "KC" instruments will be unveiled.

MH: Christ has played an important role in your life but has also been reflected in your company. Tell us a bit more.
JD: I was never raised in church nor do I ever remember someone telling me that Jesus loved me. On March 7, 1986 I was in a drug rehab in a state of confusion and weary in my life. In the middle of the night, Jesus revealed Himself to me in such an intimate way. He captured my heart through a love that I had never experienced. Religion is full of condemnation and rules that are impossible to keep. Many of my friends today still battle being raised in this pressure. It has nothing to do with rules or laws, what I experienced was relationship. Since that day, my heart has beat to a different rhythm that has brought stability and confidence. When I fall, he is always faithful to pick me up and develop more character in my life. The world renowned success of Warrior is attributed to the foundational keys of the Word of God and staying accountable. The Holy Spirit is the coach of the Warrior vision, I am just privileged to be the quarterback. Time and time again, when people pick up a Warrior to play, they have commented how they feel something different.... I know that it's the same heart that I felt on that night. All our lives are journeys... good and hard times. I now have 3 beautiful healthy children, a successful marriage, and many wonderful friends.... To God Be All The Glory!! Everyone has the potential to be a Warrior - it just takes getting back up one more time!

MH: Any special philosophies or advice that you would pass along to our readers?
JD: The whole staff of Warrior encourage you to hold on to your dreams.
Walt Disney was fired from the newspaper for not being creative enough, now his dream continues to grow and to be enjoyed by people all over the
world.... what if he had given up?! Surround yourself with talented heartfelt people. And always, Give God all the Glory because it doesn't come from you.... just through you.

(Photos courtesy of Warrior Instruments)