Johnson JG-620-CEN

UPDATE!

UPDATE! Great.

The guitar started buzzing shortly after my review that's why this update. As is, when I got it, well. It came with plastic parts, the saddle and nut. The saddle cracked in two places, as well as braking completly in two under the weight of the strings. Not only that, the strings were digging into it leaving depressions. I had no idea this was happening (First acoustic guitar)until the string change, oh yea! Got some Elixir 12's for her, took the OME strings off; and pick up the saddle to look at it closely. Only half was in my fingers. Haha, shock as he!!, that's to say the least. And to further destroy my credibility after this hasty review. Upon grabbing hold of the guitar by the top of the neck to place it back in the case; I felt something in my hand. So I opened it to see the other astonishment, part of the plastic nut. It broke off at the low E; dang!!!

I e-mailed Johnson and they were quick to respond with a reply. Asking for my home address; I soon received the replacement parts. Yes the PLASTIC REPLACEMT PARTS, HAHAHAAA, that's a hoot! However, in all fairness they kept there word, and done so much fast than I thought they would. I'm not at all happy with the NEW CHEAPER PLASTIC PARTS, nor will I use them. I bought a bone saddle and shaped it with a Moto Tool and very fine sandpaper; the bone nut professionally done right.

Overall rating, the same as before. With the new parts on her it sounds much better, no buzzing, I'm happy again. For the small amount to upgrade to the bone nut and saddle; if anything happens to her I'd surely buy another.

Guitar's top is spruce, full size dreadnought, with very good tuners.Guitar back, sides and neck is made with Northern Birch, white body binding; single cutaway. New 2006 model, under-saddle transducer pickup, whith a Fishmen Classic 4 EQ. Inlaid dots position marker on the really fast neck.

The JG-620-CEN is absolutely full sounding, loud, bringt and ringing. I got this guitar to strat over, to learn how to play the right way. Not just banging out a few tunes over and over again, and I'm glad I did. It's so precise it's now EASY for my to hear all the mistakes I've been making in playing so far. I pick this one over a Takamine EG523SC, because of the sound, as well as craftmentship. This is my 6th guitar, first acoustic; but to my ears it sound it as good as a box costing 5 time as much.

I made a bold statement in the last section about this guitar sound as good as those costing 5x as much. But when you see one, up close, and carefully scrutinize the cut, fit, finish and attention to details. Then you'll fully agree; dang how da do dat. She's so beautiful she looks like she from the "Upper crust". Comparing her to the Takamine's and Breelove's, and low end Martin's that I've held in the store makes me feel really good about my final judgment.

Been'a framming away at guitars for about 4 years now. I own 2 G&L Legacy's, a Fender Strat, Hamer thineline LP copy, Oscar Schmidt OE40N, L5 size Hollow Body (Wow). Two Peavey amp's, a Valve King Head, a Delta Blues, and a Polytone Minibute IV, Avatar 2/12 open back cab and more pedals, than I need. Like I said, first acoustic, don't know alot about'm. I think I've got an eye for quality, an and ear for what sounds good, and the JG-620-CEN @ $230 is just candy for both. Sure, someone who owns something else may not agree with the high rating I've given the Johnson JG-620-CEN; which is from what I've been told is Martin's second line. It's just that from what I've seen of the higher priced offering from other manufacturers. Well you can't go wrong with this on. Fantastic value "10".