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Thread: National metal body reso mandolin ?

  1. #1

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    I was doing a search on National reso mandolins and ame up with this metal-body mandolin.

    http://www.gbase.com/Stores/Gear/Gea...px?Item=860524

    I don't think this mando model is in their current catalog - right? The RM-1 walnut body mando is a KILLER! I'm wondering what this one might sound like?

    Anyone here into National Reso Mandos?

    thanks

  2. #2
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    I have an older (1930s) metal-body National (like the one in the photo) and one of the newer wooden-body ones. #

    No contest, IMHO -- the newer ones sound and play better, and are far more versatile.

    The old one is a hoot for ragtime and jugband music, but it sure can sound like an icepick in the ear sometimes.
    EdSherry

  3. #3
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    i have an old ('30's) Triolian, painted brown faux wood-grain. Louder than anything, no subtlety at all, great for blues, jug band, and I've used it for klezmer to stand up to a clarinet. There's been some discussion of whether the new National Reso-Phonic Co. will decide to make a metal-body mandolin; this might well be a prototype. They seem to be doing real well with their wood-bodies, however, so this may be a "one-of."
    Allen Hopkins
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  4. #4
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    I have a #2 silver mandolin from the late 1920s. Great sound but the scale is rather long (I think 15" and prob for extra volume. I had it originally strung to std pitch but realized that as a blues instrument it might be better tuned down to E. I addition I have the two lower courses with octaves a la Yank Rachel.
    Jim

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    I think this used to be my old mandolin. It's a Johnson. I simply wiped the logo off with some mineral spirits and put a National sticker on it. I sold it for $300, so I'm not sure what this person is trying to do. Even the hand rest is crooked like most Johnsons.
    Josh S

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    Quote Originally Posted by (ortha @ Jan. 29 2008, 10:04)
    I think this used to be my old mandolin. It's a Johnson. I simply wiped the logo off with some mineral spirits and put a National sticker on it. I sold it for $300, so I'm not sure what this person is trying to do. Even the hand rest is crooked like most Johnsons.
    That's funny. I was really thinking that looked like a re branded Johnson, but I didn't want to cast any aspersions on the dealer's integrity without knowing more.
    James

  7. #7
    Registered User jim simpson's Avatar
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    I guess if one puts a sticker (fender/gibson/national,etc.) on one's personal instrument for amusement, it may be sold down the road unwittingly as the real deal.
    Old Hometown, Cabin Fever String Band

  8. #8
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by (ortha @ Jan. 29 2008, 10:04)
    I'm not sure what this person is trying to do. Even the hand rest is crooked like most Johnsons.
    I think it's pretty clear what the seller appears to be trying to do. Not just the hand rest that's crooked...
    Allen Hopkins
    Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
    Natl Triolian Dobro mando
    Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
    H-O mandolinetto
    Stradolin Vega banjolin
    Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
    Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
    Flatiron 3K OM

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