Johnson JG-624CEN-LH

2002 - We know they're all made in China, no secret.

These aren't exactly features, but on a guitar in this price range they are: binding, die cast tuners, cutaway, active electronics. All laminate woods, Johnson's own electronics.

OK. This is what counts, right? The reason I am finally writing this review is that today, I decided against buying a really gorgeous solid-top guitar for $420, since I recently acquired the Johnson. And this was another lefty-Ac/elec with cutaway, abalone inlay, just beautiful. And while it was nicer than the Johnson, it was not really $250 nicer.

For under $200, you will NOT find ANY lefthanded cutaway acoustic guitar with electronics except for the Johnson's. You will find more in the $350-$500 range, and honestly, if image is not as important to you as a decent sound for the money, the Johnson has more bang for the buck. I wouldn't compare it to a good solid top up over $500, but seriously, under that range, not much difference. Especially when you plug it into a decent acoustic amplifier. I put this through a friend's Behringer acoustic amp, and it was amazing. Full bodied, warm, - it has the potential.

Set up is not the best. I will be having my retailer adjust the truss rod down a bit, or file down the pretty high bridge. The neck also shwos a very minor bow, most likely from a twist in the neck. As this is a really sturdy low end guitar, I won't worry about it.

The binding isn't perfect looking either. However, I will rate this high for the price range. I couldn't expect a museum piece. I give it the 8 for the high action, but that can be fixed.

I haven't had it long, but it's built like a truck. I will gig with it easily. No one needs to know it was a low-end Chinese guitar, when they hear it through a good acoustic pedal. I'm not ashamed of my Johnson!

There is no Johnson website. The Axl name is also mysterious. Tghere is a website of a distribution company in the US on the card that comes with the guitar. I never called them. I would not expect much.

I would rate this guitar highly, for what it is. It is not a Martin D-28. It will not give you the ultimate dreadnaught sound. But so many guitar makers have cut corners on their lower priced guitars, you are getting the same quality and sound in anything under 500-600. The rest is name and window dressing. Johnson has neither. They don't advertise, they're kind of a mystery, and they mass produce standard equipment copies. And they do it well, I had a Johnson banjo too, and it had all you wanted, in a lefty for $250.

If it were stolen or lost, I might likely replace it with the same model, since I know I can get a lefty.

Johnson JG624CEN. Natural spruce top, mahogany back, sides, and neck, and bone colored trim. This guitar has an under-saddle transducer pickup, Johnson cutaway acoustic/electric features: Diecast Tuning Machines,Bound Rosewood Fretboard, Inlaid Dots Position Marker, Nickel/Silver Frets, 4-Band EQ Pickup. Came with cord and tools.

I play all sorts from rock to flamenco, jazz to blues.I haven't had much use with amps, but it sounded pretty good when I tried it on a Fender amp. There was some buzz on low E string but fixed when I put new strings.

The guitar was setup ok. The action was good up to the sixth fret. After that it was rediculously high. I like to change cords alot while I play, but the strings were in the way. It was about half an inch high. I changed strings and noticed the piece that holds the string in place came off. I thought it was supposed to be glued on, but the local dealer said no. I think he was lying because he doesn't like to help much. But as new strings were put on, action was fine but it continued to shift and popped a string. Supposedly it was checked out by a prof. guitar player, but this guitar might need some work on it. I guess it is a poorly fit saddle. Finish was typical and looked ok. I gave it a 4 because the bridge piece does not seem right. Now it stays in tune now pretty much.

I think it will withstand live playing, but definitely be prepared to tune this guitar if you like doing bends alot. The High E tuner was not tightly screwed so you might want to make sure everything is in place and this guitar can be depended on, but have a backup just in case. You have to use a different type of strap because it only has one strap button. Can take tim to get use to.

Haven't contacted yet because they take forever to deliver so they are probably take a long time to respond.

I've been playing for 2 years. I think they sent me the wrong guitar but I never took the time to check. If it were lost I would definitely buy it again because for $129, it is not half bad. Also being cutaway, acous-electric, and for lefties is hard to find (nearly impossible) so I love that part esp. for leads. I think it is as good as more expensive models, but of course nothing like a Taylor or Martin guitar, and definitely not as good as a handmade guitar. If anyone knows how to fix that piece on the bridge, please email godswisefreak@yahoo.com.

Finding a left-handed, cutaway electric/acoustic for under $500 is nearly impossible. Manufacturers such as Fender, Kramer and Washburn have models in this range but are often not available. I was shocked when I found this model at MandalayMusic.com. for a price of $129.00. It features a laminate spruce top, nato neck, Gotoh type tuners, undersaddle pick-up with 4-band EQ and volume knob. Made in China, the workmanship is o.k. -- better than what you would expect for a guitar in this price range.

The sound is very good, either plugged or unplugged. Since it is a full-bodied cutaway (not thin), it projects well acoustically. When plugged in the treble side is a little thin. The EQ compensates for this nicely. The presence control adds a nice touch of depth.

The first guitar I received had a malfunctioning pick-up. The second works o.k. so far. The neck and fret work is better than average. It's very comfortable to play. My main concern is that the bridge is slightly crooked and there is a slight warp in the sound board. These are mistakes that should not get out of the factory.

Since decent lefty acoustic/electrics are so rare, I would definately recommend this guitar. Especially to someone just getting started or plans to own more than one instrument. It is built solidly -- you wouldn't need to worry over it like more expensive guitars.

Mandalay was great considering this is the third guitar they sent. They picked up the shipping and had the UPS guy pick it up. Such are the chances of shopping the web.

Just a word about lefty instruments. Unless you have over $1000 to spend, don't count on finding the instrument you want when you want it. Since most less-expensive guitars are built offshore, the models and availability are EXTREMELY limited. You will have to shop features and hope for the best. The good news is that your local dealer may have a few models scattered about and may cut you a deal to get rid of them!