Product: Johnson JG-030-N
Price Paid: US $75+25 shipping
Submitted
12/26/2004
at
07:14pm
by
Tromper
Email: tromper at attbi<dot>com
Features
:
6
Howdy Folks,
This is a roughly a 2004 maybe a year or so older depending on how long it sat around. It's the small body, made in China
-"Herringbone" model. Basically mimics Martin
-Upper Bout is roughly 11 7/16"
-Lower roughly 15 1/2"
-Depth runs from 3 3/8ths" to 4 1/8"
-Laminated back sides, and top. (JG-035-N is the solid top version)
-Scale is 25 1/2"
-Tuners are chrome generic individual sealed
-Original strings - Something Brass
-Adjustable Truss Rod accessible via the soundhole
-Nut, Saddle, and bridge pins - Plastic of some kind-not Tusq
-Finish is a thick poly of some flavor or other.
Sound
:
5
Sounds is an ok woody sound, a bit muffled by finish.
Sustain - not really great, but better then some others of it's type.
Overall once I got rid of the original strings and set the neck it'll do
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
2
Setup from factory was bad. I got it from a fellow on Ebay who claims he set it up, but if he did he need to get some lessons. Action was painfully high, and windiings on the strings were terrible, creaking all the time.
Visible glue spots on the inside, and mold seams and/or flash on the nut, saddle, and bridge pins.
Tuners are bad, adjustment's a bit fussy on it. Didn't hold tune well, but seems to be doing better after I restrung it..so not sure tuners are that bad or if the setup was just so poor..
Overall it's not even close to a good setup.
On the bright side, the finish is nicely put on, and it's a pretty thing to look at. I'd prefer a clear pickguard, but it's a bit late in the game to change that, perhaps the next on of these.
Bridge pins may well be proprietary or at least not real standard, they seem a bit bigger then others I have..pity really I have a spare set of tusq pins lying around.
Overall about what you'd expect on a cheapie guitar.
Reliability/Durability
:
8
Without replacing the tuners I don't think it would be good to gig with.
The finish is fine, the single strap button is cheap plastic and will probably break (it's on my list of things to replace.)
On the other hand, the finish is nigh indestrucible, and after it settles in a bit it will be stable since it's all laminates (this was part of why I bought it.) I keep this in my vehicle, and have no great worries about it self destucting. If it does, I'll probably reglue it myself give it away or use it for tinder, it was cheap.
Customer Support
:
1
Heh, the guy I bought it from was too lazy to even leave feedback; even though I paid him promptly. Also v. slow on answering any questions. A big dealer there, but you do get what you pay for.
last Johnson won't answer queries in any real fashion.
Overall Rating
:
5
Been playing guitar a few years, mando a bit longer. Currently own a Simon & Patrick 12 spruce top(best bang for the buck), a Simon & Patrick Pro Folk (I liked the 12 so well I bought the folk no disapointments)
I have an old Kentucky 250s decent 'nuff but would prob buy something different if I did it again.
I bought this as a car/bike/hike guitar to replace a Taylor Big Baby so when I manage to crunch it I'll crunch a $100 who cares guitar instead of a $300+ omigodIkilledataylor guitar. The Big Baby sounds better and was a better guitar - no mistake, but this one will take the thumping better. I bought what I was looking for, and this was no major surpise.
