I work at a local music store, and we've been selling Johnson instruments for the past year or so. They are at the bottom of the price chain, but unlike many other cheap brands seem to have gotten steadily better. They have been working closely with their producers in China to improve production issues and quality. They stand behind their products well and are pretty innovative. As a luthier/repairman I see lots of cheapos and the Johnsons are way above the others in quality and design. I have not tried one of their metal bodied resonators, but treated myself at christmas to a wood bodied round neck resonator and love the thing. Loud, solid, easy playing and great tone. Way better than any of the Regals or Deans that have gone through the store IMHO.

Sandy