The Recording King RD/RO-16/17 and RD/RO-26/27 are the same exact guitars as the Johnson Carolina I (JD/JO-16/17) and the Johnson Carolina II (JD/JO-26/27).
All of the specs are identical including the engleman tops. The only difference is the name on the headstock. The Johnson Carolinas have been discontinued and
the RKs have taken their place. RK models have expanded to include the RD/RO-126/127 herringbone and the RD/RO-227 which is the abalone purfing and rosette
model. These new models have sitka tops. The 126 is solid mahogany and the 127/227 are solid rosewood. All of the RK RD models have 1 11/16" nuts except
the RD-227, it has a 1 3/4" nut. All of the RK RO models have a 1 3/4" nut. The RKs and the Johnsons are the same company. The RKs are not Silver
Creeks and the Silver Creeks are not RKs. TML, which is the manufacturer of the RKs does not make any other guitars for other companys. (See correction to this statement in Scott's post below.)They own their
own plant in China and the only guitars they make are RK, Johnson, and the Loar. Also, the Carolina guitars you find at Costco are in fact built by TML.
However, that line of Carolinas are made specifically for Costco. They are made a little different from the traditional Johnson Carolinas and the Recording
Kings. I hope this information clears up some of your questions.
(Info provided by Scott Gilreath of the Musical Depot)
(Info provided by Scott Gilreath of the Musical Depot)
.
However, I try not to speak on a
subject unless I am pretty confident in the information that I have aquired.
