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Thread: Johnson MA-550 OM

  1. #1
    Always learning something Mo Soar's Avatar
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    Default Johnson MA-550 OM

    Looking at buying a slightly used one of these for around $400 - anyone else played a recent one (afaik they've been out since around 2000 with a couple changes over time)? Opinions before I drive 4 hours to see it? Like the two point design, and I might be falling for the marketing ploy of deeper body = deeper tone. The current blurbs on the web says solid spruce top and then just "flamed maple" body - would that mean the body is maple laminate? I'm not sure I care at this price point.

    Looked at a used Trinity short scale and didn't like it - don't know if it was setup or strings, but it sounded tinny more than jangly.
    1918 Gibson A, "Lillian";
    1940s (?) Kay A style f hole - currently down for a refret and fretboard re-profile, my first attempts (with guidance) at lutherie.
    1981 Washburn M7SN (2 point);
    2011 Eastman 504, "Belle";
    2012 Lafferty mahogany octave mandolin;
    2012 Emando (Saga), "Hank"

    1 husband, 2 dogs, 4 chickens.

  2. #2
    Always learning something Mo Soar's Avatar
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    Default Re: Johnson MA-550 OM

    And, of course, I finally find THIS thread:
    http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/sh...nson-MA-550-OM
    1918 Gibson A, "Lillian";
    1940s (?) Kay A style f hole - currently down for a refret and fretboard re-profile, my first attempts (with guidance) at lutherie.
    1981 Washburn M7SN (2 point);
    2011 Eastman 504, "Belle";
    2012 Lafferty mahogany octave mandolin;
    2012 Emando (Saga), "Hank"

    1 husband, 2 dogs, 4 chickens.

  3. #3
    Moderator JEStanek's Avatar
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    Default Re: Johnson MA-550 OM

    I have, and am very happy with my TM-325. The more traditional looking TC OM. When I was first looking I dug the looks of the 550 but it just got so many negative reviews. I'm glad I went all solid.

    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

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