Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: Recording king/johnson metal body mandolin

  1. #1
    Registered User
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Portland, Or
    Posts
    17

    Default

    Does anybody have any experience with this mandolin? I am looking for a resonator, but cannot afford a National, and this is very affordable. Thanks, John

  2. #2
    Moderator JEStanek's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Pottstown, Pennsylvania, United States
    Posts
    14,284
    Blog Entries
    2

    Default

    I don't have an experience with the Johnson one or Recording King. I played the National once (it was quite loud and heavy). Here are some older threads on Johnson AND resonator.

    Welcome to the Café.

    Jamie
    There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946

    + Give Blood, Save a Life +

  3. #3
    Registered User
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Portland, Or
    Posts
    17

    Default

    HI Jamie, Thanks for the reply, and the links. Those answer my questions! Great forum everybody!

  4. #4
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Hamburg, Pennsylvania
    Posts
    1,247

    Default

    I've played a couple Johnson metal-body resonator mandolins and found them utterly appalling. They hurt my ears.

    The great one to have is a new National, but they seem to be about $1700. But they sound that good, too. Unless what you want is dirty and funky. But the Johnson sounds less dirty and funky than screechy and echoey.

    If you want that downhome style, look for an 30s Regal or Wards. If it hasn't been fixed up, it may need quite a bit of work and a new National cone and saddle. I sold one with a new National cone a few months ago for under $400, ready to play. Not bad, considering that it was a bear to get it set up right (have to remove the strings and the pan to adjust the saddle).




Similar Threads

  1. Metal and hard rock mandolin?
    By Angelgiest in forum Rock, Folk Rock, Roots Rock, Rockabilly
    Replies: 35
    Last: May-18-2014, 1:38pm
  2. National metal body reso mandolin ?
    By scgc.om in forum General Mandolin Discussions
    Replies: 7
    Last: Jan-30-2008, 1:44am
  3. Metal body resonator mandolins
    By northfolk in forum Looking for Information About Mandolins
    Replies: 5
    Last: Jan-26-2008, 5:25pm
  4. Johnson metal-body as a mandola?
    By Dennis Schubert in forum General Mandolin Discussions
    Replies: 0
    Last: Jan-16-2006, 9:17am
  5. Strad's, Recording & Studio King
    By Karen Kay in forum Looking for Information About Mandolins
    Replies: 12
    Last: Jun-18-2005, 9:39pm

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •