Johnson resonator mandola

[Dennis Schubert]

I have one of those low $$$ Johnson (AXL) metal-bodied mandolins, and have not been crazy about it. I noticed that the scale length is over 14" and started thinking...hmmm...mandola. Took it to my local guitar tech, and had him re-cut my nut and saddle for standard mandola strings, and that has given my little "ham can" a whole new life. The low C just booms! Has anybody else done this conversion?

[weymann1]

No, but I did put a quality cone in and worked on the bridge and it sounds a touch better. I wanted more so I bought a new National resophonic for 1650 and I love it. I still have the Johnson and for the money, it isn't bad.I might try your conversion. Sounds like a good idea. My scale is 15 inches. I do like the wide neck.

[allenhopkins]

The old National mandolins had longer scales (my '30's Triolian is about 15 3/8) -- one reason they're so loud. My Eastman mandola's scale is about 16 1/2, so the National is halfway between most mandolins, and a mandola. Your Johnson's scale isn't that much longer than a standard mandolin, IMHO. However, if it sounds good with 'dola strings, go for it!

[weymann1]

Yup, it makes a better Dola. My National still has more pop, but for 350 bucks, the Johnson is well worth it.