National rm-1

[gern]

I played one of these several years ago, and loved it. anyone have one? reviews?

[scgc.om]

A search should reveal several threads. I've owned one for 2.5 ys - love it!

[Griffis]

They seem hard to find.

Heck, if I COULD find one it would then be very difficult to afford.

(I'm not saying they are overpriced, but I'm just not a guy with tons of leisure cash.)

I'd really like one. I may have to buy a Johnson or Republic reso mando. I have a resonator ukulele by Johnson that's great. I know they are a galaxy away from the Nationals, but they are still cool and relatively playable. And I could afford one.

Problem is, I can't see myself buying one of the Johnsons or Republics without playing it first. They are notoriously inconsistent in quality (at least the Johnsons.) I had to try our a half-dozen of the Johnson reso-ukes before I found one that was good.

[JEStanek]

Here (hear?) are some search results. (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=Search&CODE=02&SID=47c6fdce553d3230)

Jamie

[scgc.om]

Yes, they're hard to find BUT Folkways website shows they have stock: http://www.folkwaymusic.com/instruments/mandobanjo.html 5th item down. National RM1 is W A Y better than Johnson or any other competition - well worth the $$ difference.

[Mandobar]

acoustic vibes in arizona (one of the cafe sponsors) has one.

[lgc]

I couldn't like mine any more than I do.

[John Flynn]

I've played a couple and they are great! I have also played a Johnson, which I was not so wild about. National has broken the code on these things. After I get my OM next month, an RM One will be my next MAS "cure."

[MikeB]

I can't find a price for that one at Folkway...anyone know what they're asking?

[scgc.om]

They have a toll free 800 # - call 'em! They're all very nice there (Mark, Jesse, et al). I'm pretty sure you can get one to your door for well under $2K.

BTW: I just came in from the backyard - where I was playing my RM-1 . 1st day of Spring today and Busking Season is just 'round the corner! For Busking, jamming, you name it (but probably not BlueGrass . . . altho" I've tried ) the RM-1 is in a class of its own - TOP of the Class. The Tone is AWESOME and the VOLUME is shocking - should maybe be a governer on it to limit volume when playing indoors . . . !

The most fun you have with < $2K and still have your clothes on!

[Jim Garber]

Seems like the prices on those have gone up a few hundred. Last time I checked they were about $1600-1700. Not they are around $1900.

Prob no difference in tone but I like the looks of the brass one. I played one in New York a few years ago and it is sweet and loud.

[hoffmannia2k7]

The most fun you have with < $2K and still have your clothes on!
although this is a johnson resonator, it is still the most fun I could have had with under 2K and my clothes still on.

I ain't gonna be worried no more! #Underoath (http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj_3pLpDeng)

I love the johnsons and when i get the National RM-1 this will be tuned down to E and A, but for now it is standard.

[Bertram Henze]

This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj_3pLpDeng) link to the video works. What a mean fiddle http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif
Now I'll go straighten out the ripples from the skin on my back...

Bertram

[hoffmannia2k7]

I'll have to edit my link.

What cracks me up in this video is when Kim (fiddle) and me (mandolin) both say state your name.

I am trying to picture how you got ripples in your back?

[Bertram Henze]

I am trying to picture how you got ripples in your back?
It's that "fingernails on blackboard" feeling. Goose bumps is just not a strong enough word http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

A fiddle does that if you play very near to the bridge.

Bertram

[hoffmannia2k7]

that tone is to keep critical folks away