Johnson f style

[otis7895]

what do you guys think of the johnson F style. the one's that go for about 300 are they a good beginner mandolin?

Thanks

[JEStanek]

Hi Chuck, and welcome to the Café. I'm not entirely sure by your green smiley in your question what you're after but, I'll take a stab... This is only my advice and my thoughts and are worth what you paid for them.

For a beginner, if you're considering the Johnson line I would recommend you stay with their all solid wood A model ($200) rather than dropping the extra money on a not very well executed scroll. The Liberty model all solid wood f style is $324ish. I had one of the all solid MA-120N models for awhile. It sounded fine for a beginner instrument and was set up well from the dealer I got it from. The tuners held tune and it intonated well enough.

I seen folks who play lots better than me play on Johnsons. Recently though, the Saga line made improvements to their Kentucky line. I think these may be an even better place to start (km-150S again ~$200). I've not seen used Johnson mandolins for sale in the classifieds. You will sometimes find used Kentuckies. You likely won't be able to sell either for much but you will have a nice camping/beater mando if you upgrade. (If you find the instrument isn't for you, let us know, I know of several places you can donate it and get a tax write off!)

With the less expensive imported instruments set up is key as they will require some adjustment to the bridge and nut and will benefit from new, quality strings (D'Addario J74s are a good starter). If you don't buy from a dealer that will do this for you (I recommend the Café sponsors) plan on spending $40-60 to have it done, unless you can do it yourself. A good set up will let you learn how to play the mandolin without hurting yourself or being discouraged by it's failure to perform for you.

I would recommend you get an all solid wood A-model, save $100 for some lessons or a case and some tune books. Good luck.

Jamie

[lapetrarca]

Recently bought this Washburn M4K from Ebay for $120. #I don't usually go for the "kit" packages but, for the price I figured I couldn't go wrong. #I also own 3 Washburn acoustic guitars that I absolutely love so that played a part in my purchase decision as well. #The dealer was also very easy to do business with as well.

After $55 for a pro setup, it's actually a very nice mando for a beginner for less than $200. #Sounds good, plays good and stays in tune! What more can you ask for?

When I eventually upgrade to a better mando, this one will become my boating mando. #Until then, this one works fine!



http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb274/lapetrarca/Instruments008.jpg


Good luck!

[otis7895]

Thanks for the info and the good advice. I don't know how I put that green smiley face up there....?

[Steelee]

Hello,

I began playing the mandolin about a year ago with a Johnson F100 Savannah from a music store on the internet. Price with case was about $200.

It was good in that it got me started without a major investment, as I was not sure I would like to play or be able to learn to play at the age of 57.

However, the Johnson did not sound good, and the frets below the e string were starting to wear out so that any note on the e string had buzz. I upgraded to a new mandolin after 10 months which sounds much better and is much easier for me to play.

If there is another alternative in your price range, I would seriously consider it before buying the Johnson. My $02.

Regards, Steelee