Johnson JO-26 & JO-27 any thoughts?

[pds617]

I'm interested if any of you have had an opportunity to play one of these guitars. I'm trying to find something that has a similar feel and playability to the Martin 00-18V, 000-18GE, and 000-28EC. I made the mistake of trying a friend's 000-28EC recently and I can't get it out of my mind. The V-neck shape, scale and size made it easy and very comfortable to play. I'm trying to avoid having to spend $2K++ to fit what Im looking for.

[Hudman]

 

I'm interested if any of you have had an opportunity to play one of these guitars. I'm trying to find something that has a similar feel and playability to the Martin 00-18V, 000-18GE, and 000-28EC. I made the mistake of trying a friend's 000-28EC recently and I can't get it out of my mind. The V-neck shape, scale and size made it easy and very comfortable to play. I'm trying to avoid having to spend $2K++ to fit what Im looking for.

 

 

Those Johnsons get great reviews.

 

You should check out the Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500. It has a smaller OM sized body, solid wood construction, Grover open back Sta-Tite tuners, a V neck and it comes with a case with a built in hygrometer.

 

You can get it in spruce with mahogany sides and back (EF-500M) or in spruce with rosewood sides and back (EF-500R).

 

Best part? You can get the mahogany version around $500 and the rosewood version around $650.

 

Here's a review:

 

http://www.betterguitar.com/Equipment/Acoustics/Epiphone/EF500M.html

 

You can buy them at most big chain guitar stores. Sweetwater knocked $100 off the rosewood model. You can get it for $549.00.

 

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EMF3NSGH/

 

You can get the mahogany version for $499.

 

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EMF1NSNH/

 

I think the Epiphone Masterbilt series is one of the best values on the market.

[DonK]

The one Johnson review I've seen - in Acoustic Guitar - wasn't very positive. Yeah, they gave it a couple obligatory kudos, but reading between the lines (which you really have to do, as the guys at AG are pretty delicate in their criticism since they depend on advertising), it didn't come off as glowing. Biggest criticism - and it's one I'd be worried about if it was a systemic problem - was that there was a pronounced bow between 1st and 5th frets that couldn't be adjusted out with the truss rod. It basically made for higher action in the open position and uneven action up the fretboard. There were other tell-tale signs of poor QC as well. They might have just gotten a bad sample, but OTOH it could be that the Johnson's aren't that well-made.

 

I'd strongly second the Epi Masterbilt, and you might take a look at Blueridge too. Blueridge has earned a good reputation over the past few years.

[pds617]

Thanks for the lead on the Epi #'s. I'll have to check them out. I haven't seen these models yet. If they have the features I mentioned this would be great. I'll keep you posted what I find, thanks again for your help.