review
Johnson Carolina Series 1 JD-16
With the Carolina Series of guitars, Johnson offers a step up from the usual budget imports being sold by numerous companies nowadays. Series 1 offers two models, each with a solid Engelmann Spruce top and laminated Mahogany or Rosewood sides and back. Series 2 offers two similar models with solid Mahogany or Rosewood sides. I tested the JD-16, a model from Carolina Series 1, with laminated Mahogany sides and back.
Carolina On My Mind
The Carolina series of guitars were designed for Johnson by Greg Rich using construction techniques inspired by 1930’s, pre-war acoustic guitars. They feature fully scalloped forward X-bracing for increased bass and treble response. The square headstock and butterbean tuners also lend a traditional appearance to the guitars. The headstock has intricate Mother Of Pearl inlays that add an “old-timey” touch to its looks. The neck also has Mother Of Pearl position inlays. On the review model, the neck inlays were quite dark (for the most part), making them almost vanish into the neck wood. Still, the JD-16 would look right at home in any Bluegrass or folk group based in the Carolinas.
Construction
The JD-16 is built in China. The inside of the review model were very clean, and the fit and finish on the outside was quite impressive. Unfortunately, the fretboard inlays were a little sloppy, and there were numerous file marks on the fretboard, slightly tarnishing the appearance of an otherwise very attractive instrument.
Setup/Playability
The D-16 came with action a little higher than I prefer, but certainly not unplayable. There were no fret buzzes or other problems with playability.
Tone
Johnson describes the Carolina series as having “full, booming tone,” and it certainly does possess a nice, loud volume. There does seem to be an increase in treble and bass due to the bracing system used, but it left the midrange sounding a bit weak. While it won’t replace a high-end solid wood guitar in the tone department, for its price range the D-16 is very nice sounding.
Ideal Users
The D-16 seems best suited for hard strumming or intricate bluegrass picking, which show off its volume. Its volume and increased treble also work well for fingerpickers who prefer to use their fingers, instead of nails, to pick. Country, folk, or bluegrass pickers are prime candidates.
Final Thoughts
The D-16 is a good value, has great volume, and nice tone. Its old-time appearance is appealing also. A nice choice for those on a budget who don’t want to settle for the “bottom of the line.”
Reader Comments
Better Guitar encourages your input. Agree with this review? Think I’m crazy? If you own or have played an Johnson Carolina Series 1 JD-16, email me your comments and I’ll post them below. The more opinions our readers have available, the better their buying decisions will be.
Gordon
I love my guitar and have been into retailers, played far more expensive guitars but keep coming back to my Carolina. The upper strings do not sound thin while the deep resonance of the lower strings are a joy. Also use Elixir strings with the nanoweb coating.
David Rigdon
I just wanted to thank you for the review of the Johnson JD-16. I got lucky and picked one up used, for about $125.00. I didn't realize what I had until I put some Elixir strings on it. This is an incredible guitar with rich, full sounds.
stats
- • Solid Engelmann Spruce Top
- • African Mahogany Back & Sides
- • Fully Scalloped Forward-X Bracing
- • Classic Butterbean Tuners
- • Hand-cut Abalone/M.O.P. Detailing
- • Grained Ivoroid Binding
- • Mahogany Neck
- • Rosewood Fretboard
- • Vintage-Style Beveled Pickguard
- • Bone Nut & Compensated Bone Saddle
- • 5-Year Warranty
Positives
- Loud; nice “vintage” looks; good value.
Negatives
- Dark fretboard inlays with excess filler; file marks on fretboard.
Rating
- Performance: 8
- Sound Quality: 8
- Construction: 8
- Overall: 8
Ratings Key
- 0 = Worthless
- 10 = Excellent
Estimated Street Price
- $299
Company
- Johnson