( Brand: Johnson ), ( Model: JR TR-12 ), ( Part Type: Guitar String ), ( Size: 3/4 ), ( String Configuration: 12 String ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: China ), ( With Bag: Yes ), ( Style: Acoustic 12-string ), ( Right-/ Left-handed: Right-handed ), ( Model Year: 90s ), ( Series: Trailblazer Travel Guitar ), ( Features: 19 Frets Total ), ( Body Material: Mahogany With White Binding ), ( Soundboard Style: Spruce Flattop ), ( Body Type: Travel )
The TR-12 Trailblazer Flattop 12-String Guitar by Johnson is an exceptional instrument designed for those seeking a rich, resonant sound with the added versatility of twelve strings. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this guitar offers a stunning combination of visual appeal and superior sound quality.
The body of the TR-12 is constructed from select solid Spruce for the top and Mahogany for the back and sides. This durable and tonally balanced combination delivers a powerful, well-rounded sound that is both bright and clear. The 12-string configuration enhances the tonal character, providing a fuller and more complex sound compared to a six-string guitar.
The neck on this Johnson guitar is made from fast-growing, responsibly sourced Mahogany. This material not only looks great but also offers excellent playability and stability. It features a comfortable C-shaped profile and a 25.5-inch scale length for easy fretting and smooth transitions between chords.
The TR-12 comes with a traditional rosette and body binding, adding an elegant and timeless touch. The 18:1 ratio die-cast tuning machines ensure that your strings stay in tune, while the truss rod inside the neck ensures the instrument remains properly aligned for optimal performance.
The guitar sports a 1- inch nut width and comes with a solid Rosewood bridge and fingerboard. The 20 frets are placed Jacobsons' signature position allowing for easier access to the higher registers. The frets are well-crowned and polished to ensure a comfortable and accurate playing experience.
The TR-12 Trailblazer Flattop 12-String Guitar by Johnson comes with a high-quality, gig bag for convenient transport, making it an excellent choice for those on the go or for those looking to protect their investment during storage. This guitar is the perfect companion for singer-songwriters, recording artists, or anyone looking to expand their musical horizons with a lush, 12-string sound.
The Johnson TR-12 Trailblazer Flattop 12-String Guitar is an enticing option for musicians looking for an affordable and versatile instrument. In this discussion, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of this guitar model.
Pros:1. Affordable: The Johnson TR-12 Trailblazer is an excellent choice for beginners or those who are on a budget. Its price point makes it an accessible option for those eager to explore the depth and complexities of 12-string guitar playing.
2. Spruce Top: The guitar features a spruce top, which is known for its responsive and warm tone, providing excellent projection and volume. Spruce tops are popular among acoustic guitar enthusiasts due to their durability and rich sound quality.
3. Select Hardwood Back and Sides: The hardwood back and sides contribute to the guitar's strong and resonant tone, enhancing its overall sound quality. This choice of materials also adds to the durability and longevity of the instrument.
4. Bone Nut and Saddle: A bone nut and saddle can improve the guitar's intonation, providing more accurate and consistent notes, resulting in better overall sound and playability.
5. Enhanced Playability: The guitar features a slim neck and 1.69-inch nut width, making it more comfortable for many players and easier to transition from standard 6-string guitars.
Cons:1. Limited Brand Reputation: Johnson may not be as well-known as some other guitar brands, which could impact its resale value or initially raise concerns about its quality for some buyers.
2. Action and Intonation Issues: Some customers have reported issues with the initial setup, including improper action height or intonation problems. These concerns can be addressed through setup adjustments or by seeking professional assistance.
3. Finish and Hardware: The finish and hardware may not be as high-end or polished as more expensive instruments. Be prepared for potential aesthetic imperfections or functional adjustments.
4. Limited Fretboard Options: The TR-12 Trailblazer comes with a standard frets fretboard, which might not appeal to some players who prefer options like jumbo frets for enhanced playability.
Conclusion:The Johnson TR-12 Trailblazer Flattop 12-String Guitar preserves a balanced ratio of advantages and disadvantages, making it an attractive choice for those seeking an affordable and versatile 12-string guitar. Considering its affordable price, versatile construction, and positive aspects, such as its warm spruce top, hardwood back and sides, and enhanced playability, the Johnson TR-12 Trailblazer is an impressive option for aspiring 12-string guitarists or anyone looking for a great value in a new instrument.
Recommendation:If you are a beginner or someone looking to expand your collection of instruments on a budget, the Johnson TR-12 Trailblazer Flattop 12-String Guitar is undoubtedly worth considering. Its value-driven design offers a rich, resonant sound with decent quality construction and comfortable playability. By keeping your expectations in check regarding potential setup adjustments and brand reputation, you may be pleasantly surprised by this instrument's performance. While it might not possess the same level of polish and refinement as more expensive instruments, the Johnson TR-12 Trailblazer is an impressive 12-string option for the investment it represents.
It is light in weight, stays tune with its nice Grover-copy open backed tuners, and reminiscent many ways to a Gibson b I owned years ago. This Johnson 12 - string trailblazer travel guitar is an instrument you don't see too much any more.
That was probably just as well, because I found this Johnson 12 to be nice for parties, vacations and travel use. I have played 12-string and tenor guitar for years several ago got the bright idea of getting a acoustic converting it to with 4 groups three strings, kind like or martin tipple. It is a nice guitar, easy to play with good action, you get all of the jangle and enough bottom end produce nicely-balanced sound. The gig bag last picture is a sturdy black canvas material, with handle and shoulder straps fit for wandering minstrel.
Actually it has worked out pretty well for local use, but I have a bay state 12 string built me by sylvan wells, and use that most of the time, or electric work, my faithful old Epiphany riviera. The necks straight it has a truss rod, and body is in excellent condition as you can see from pictures. So the Luther experiment never took place.
It has a nice storage area for strings and music. Good luck and happy buying on this fun-to-play guitar. 5 inch scale, decent string spacing, and has a good 12-string sound. There are 12 frets clear of the body, which is nice for an acoustic 12-string.
I never got around to it, mainly because learned that there already is an instrument, a Colombian tipple, which exactly what was considering.