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Thread: Return of MAS? HELP!

  1. #1
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    Default Return of MAS? HELP!

    I've been happily married to my Rattlesnake F-5 for sometime and I thought my MAS was gone ...

    But, recently I have a serious jones for a Recording King Resonator Mandolin! The MAS for F-5s is gone but this is a different category ...

    While you're at it ... any happy owners out there and how do they play?
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  2. #2
    Registered User Mando Tristan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    Sorry about the MAS, unfortunately there is no cure as far as I know. Only temporary fixes, luckily I just got a new mando yesterday so my MAS is under control... for now.

    -Tristan
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    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    I played the Recording King res when I was shopping around. I ended up getting the National RM-1. They will both "get 'er done", but to my ears the National has a much better tone. I found the Recording King was too brassy. The National still sounds mandolinny.

    In terms of mojo, they both are really cool looking, but again, the National in my opinion wins there too, with a round almost A shaped mandolinny body of wood, with the steampunk resonator grill, I fell in love with it.

    These are my own opinions, no financial interest, and tastes are different. I think the Recording King could make you happy for the rest of your life, just like the National, and with either one you can kill flies and peel paint from across the room with your sonic emmenation, and have banjo players ask you to play softer fercryinoutloud. But the more complex warmer sound of the National, and its handsome looks just won me over.
    A talent for trivializin' the momentous and complicatin' the obvious.

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    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    Oh, by way of full disclosure,resonators do not cure MAS. Just a warning....
    A talent for trivializin' the momentous and complicatin' the obvious.

    The entire staff
    funny....

  5. #5
    Old Guy Mike Scott's Avatar
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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    MAS.......................as long as you play the mandolin, its there just lurking under the surface then .......bingo it comes to the forefront for no good reason. I recently bought a Kentucky KM 1500 which is just a killer mando, then I go into the local store and just playing around (helping my brother in law select a uke) pick up a Big Muddy to play. Guess what, now I own a Big Muddy too. I don't get it, but I guess its a good addiction. "Hi, my name is Mike and I am addicted to buying and playing mandolins........."

    Haven't played the Recording King, but it may put the MAS into remission!
    Thanks

    Several mandolins of varying quality-any one of which deserves a better player than I am.......

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    Registered User wildpikr's Avatar
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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    Consider that you're asking a forum full of 'mando-enablers' for help with MAS...

    I say add that cool sounding resonator to the stable!
    Mike

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  7. #7
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    They started building resonator mandolins (also guitars and ukes) in China more than a decade ago, and importing them under labels like "Johnson" and "Republic." The design of the mandolins is based (not exactly) on the pre-WWII National mandolins built in Chicago. The Asian imports had shorter scales than the old Nationals, but had the brass bodies with chrome or nickel plating, the "biscuit" resonator construction, and similar silhouettes.

    Many of us were glad to find a new source of resonator mandolins, since prices on the old ones had gotten pretty steep. (I bought a Johnson resonator ukulele, after seriously envying those who'd scored pre-war Nationals at multi-K prices.) However, a certain level of disappointment set in, as the sound of the Johnsons and Republics wasn't up to that of the older mandolins, and definitely not as good as the new resonator mandolins the re-formed National Resophonic company was making.

    I have been told the the Recording King instruments, though built on the same basic chassis as the Johnsons and Republics, have a better cone and a better sound. However, I've no direct experience. I still have my Johnson uke, but purchased and subsequently traded away a Johnson tri-cone resonator guitar which, in my opinion, didn't "cut it."

    While not up to the US-made Nationals, the Recording King is a fraction of the cost, and you can determine if you like the sound and want to have a reso-mandolin in your arsenal.
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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    Thanx guys. When I've heard them played, I like the natural echo on it that I can only get by playing other mandolins in the bathroom. If I do go with a Recording King, I'd go with the 998-E, which is more pleasing; aesthetically. Also, Recording Kings are relatively inexpensive ...
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    Registered User trevor's Avatar
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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    I haven't played the Recording King but all the all metal resonators I have played have been 'orrible.
    Trevor
    Formerly of The Acoustic Music Co (TAMCO) Brighton England now retired.

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    Registered User Mike Snyder's Avatar
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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    I've played several of the Recording King resomandos and could not live with the sound. Tinny, loud bad tone is primarily BAD TONE.
    The RM-1 is a different beast altogether and very, very desirable but not comperable in price.
    Republic is a stateside outfit making a fairly broad line of resos. I'm waiting for them to build some tenors to see how my resistance holds up. They aim for a reasonable price point and if they could be convinced to build some mandolins I'm sure they could sell tens of them!
    Last edited by Mike Snyder; May-03-2012 at 5:31am. Reason: tens
    Mike Snyder

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    Registered User Robert Mitchell's Avatar
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    Post Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    I wonder if there is a MAS rehab facility?????
    MITCH

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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    They are totally different animals. Should I ever have cash to burn, I'll get a Commodium resonator. I've only ever played a new National. It was heavy but L O U D and still sounded mandolinny not like the metal bodied sounds I hear on Yank's recordings. I guess it depends a bit on what you want the instrument to sound like.

    Jamie

    PS. Trainmaster
    I wonder if there is a MAS rehab facility?????
    Yeah... your spouse calls it The Doghouse and it's as effective as rehab for true MAS-addicts.
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    Registered User f5loar's Avatar
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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    Going below in $$ what you have now is not really true MAS. It's more of a daily fix for a sufferer of MAS. The thrill won't last long especially on something like this. It's not replacing the Snake. So indulge freely!

  14. #14
    Registered User dcoventry's Avatar
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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    I'm fighting Resonator MAS right now, too!!

    I've played all the major options for Reso-Mando, and have concluded that if you want that type of sound, and really want the BIG SMILE, the RM-1 is really what to save for and buy. YMMV, but not by much!

    If I don't buy the Grady or the new Mowry in the Classifieds, the RM-1 is my next purchase. That's my MAS, and my name is Dave.
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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    you're dreaming - count to 10 backwards and snap out of it!

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    Barn Cat Mandolins Bob Clark's Avatar
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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    Quote Originally Posted by trainmaster View Post
    I wonder if there is a MAS rehab facility?????
    You mean this isn't the MAS rehab facility? What did I do, come in the wrong door? I thought the 12 step program was based here. I'm in trouble now. I've got a wicked case of MAS going for an O.M. at the moment and I figured you folks could help me get out of it. There may be only one way out!

    Bob
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    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    Hey Mick, I would strongly suggest trying a National RM-1. Just so you know. I would not want you getting the Recording King and finding yourself later jonesing for a National. What you ultimately purchase is up to you, but it would be good to make as informed a choice as possible.

    That being said, resonators are huge gobs of fun. Nobody beats the res. Especially in a public situation, a pick up band for a contradance for example. Nobody will stand in front of you so you will naturally move to the front of the stage.
    A talent for trivializin' the momentous and complicatin' the obvious.

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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    Alright guys ... I'll look at the RM-1 ...

  19. #19
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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    Now I'm jonesing for the National RM-1 ... but it costs 4x as much!!! You guys aren't any help ... you're enablers!!!
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    Registered User wildpikr's Avatar
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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    And a glass slide to go with it too...
    Mike

    Those who think they should think, like they think others think they should think, need to think out their thinking, I think.

    No envejecemos, maduramos. -Pablo Picasso

  21. #21
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    The UK-made Wailing resonator mandolin is another option, less expensive than the National. I used to hear one at some local jam sessions and it was plenty loud, not as harsh as the Johnson/Republic varieties. Nowhere near as smooth or "mandolin-y" as the National, but not as many buxx either.
    Allen Hopkins
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  22. #22
    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    Reso-mas is a particularly virulent form of mas. It really is.

    Yep, the RM-1 is more costly. And that is a balance we all have to sort out. In my reso tasting, I felt the cost was justified. For what I wanted, the way I play.
    A talent for trivializin' the momentous and complicatin' the obvious.

    The entire staff
    funny....

  23. #23
    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    Reso-mas is a particularly virulent form of mas. It really is.

    Yep, the RM-1 is more costly. And that is a balance we all have to sort out. In my reso tasting, I felt the cost was justified. For what I wanted, the way I play.

    Think of it this way. You are saving money. Because if you get the Recording King, and later you will want the RM-1 anyway, so this way we just cut to the chase.
    A talent for trivializin' the momentous and complicatin' the obvious.

    The entire staff
    funny....

  24. #24
    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    NFI on my part, I think you should get what makes you happy. Just sharing my particular taste in resonators with you. Two clips, both beautifully played. Both instruments with mojo to spare.

    Check out the tone of this vid. It captures the "woodieness" of the RM-1, I think. While still loud as two taxis in the city, it still is very mandolinny.



    While this is an example of the brassiness of the all metal Recording King. Also really nice, but it doesn't sound like a mandolin to me.

    A talent for trivializin' the momentous and complicatin' the obvious.

    The entire staff
    funny....

  25. #25
    Registered User jim simpson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Return of MAS? HELP!

    Tried to cure GAS once by buying a pre-war Martin.
    I took it home to show my wife,
    then the war started!
    Old Hometown, Cabin Fever String Band

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