Product: Johnson JD26
Price Paid: USD 340
Submitted
04/28/2007
at
08:32am
by
Dave
Features
:
9
This is a martin copy....dreadnaught, glossy finish, made in 2006, made in china, all solid woods...engleman spruce top and mahogany back and sides.
Sound
:
8
I play bluegrass, and it does fine for that....Nice sound, but can get better...see below.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
Action is a little low for bluegrass...I will be having a pro set up done in the near future. It actually plays wonderful, but when you lean on it, especially with a capo, it fades a little...I think a little higher action will fix that. No flaws, beautiful workmanship.
I did replace the strings with some martin 80-20's...made a big difference.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
NIcely built. Very dependable so far.
Customer Support
:
8
The tag that was on it says one year warranty (the laminated back and sides models have a five year...wierd.) But I've read that all carolinas now have a lifetime warranty...so I'm not sure. I haven't dealt with JOhnson yet.
Overall Rating
:
9
I think I will love this guitar....just need a little tweaking done. For the money, it can't be beat....but, don't expect to plop down $450 for a guitar and pull a martin out of the case...I've had a Martin hd-28v, and the johnson does not "blow" the martin away...But for 2000 bucks less less, what the hey. Right setup, right strings, I believe this baby will hold it's own with the high end guitars everybody at bluegrass jams and shows seem to have. I would replace it.
