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