The Johnson Carolina is a lovely instrument range (IMHO). All solid Dreadnought or OOO for as little as £349.00 in the UK. I set up a OOO size one for a fellow who's selling his Santa Cruz and Martin and has bought a pair of these instruments - preferring the sound! I'd have to say that particular Carolina JO27 (OOO size) gave my Martin SPOOO16T limited edition a run for it's money, and I've got a good one.

It won't have the long-term "investment value" of a big-name brand, but my guess is that it'll outlast it's owner and still sound fine.

Play lots, the right one will tell you it's coming home with you. I'd recommend thatafter a few months you get it to a decent tech to have a bespoke set-up, which will just add the final touches as far as playability and sound are concerned.

Good luck with the search - I'm still looking for "The One" - and after 35 years suspect it doesn't exist. Might as well buy a Johnson!

Best Wishes

Brian