Subject: ...re Johnson model #MA-998 (metal body mandolin)
Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 06:57:54 -0500

...interesting and unique looking instrument...does it have an adjustable neck?...understand Mickey may have played this model recently per my phone call yesterday...does he or Nathan have any thoughts re this instrument?...looking forward to hearing from you and am most definitely enjoying my Beard R Model Resonator and Mickey's instructional video...understand the MA-998  is not in stock at present but am looking forward to feedback re Folk's critique of same...respectfully,  one of your very satisfied customers...Richard Edenfield

Greetings Richard,

Yes, I did play this model recently...and found it to be a great value...a reso mando is hard to find let alone one at this price range. The maple neck is not adjustable...even so, at the very least it is made of maple ensuring that it would take a lot to bend...However there are two things that I would do, or make sure whomever you purchase it through does:

1. Make sure the frets are not protruding from the edge of the neck...the frets should be flush with the neck for ease of playability...the one I played had this problem...and, before the customer carried if off, we dressed the frets...

2. Change the strings from the factory installed ones to a Med-Light Phospher Bronze...the factory strings just didn't seem to have any brilliance to them...

Hope this helps...Mickey

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Date: Fri, 11 Oct 2002 06:57:58 -0500
Subject: Re: Mando Dobro

I was actually interested in the Dobro resophonic mandolin (used, 1938). How does
it compare with your two new models?? Thanks, Lynn

Greetings Lynn,

The original Dobro Reso vintage we have listed far surpasses the import models...especially as far as sound goes...however, I would say that the Rigel Reso is far more playable and offers more ergonomics...while still having a phenomenal classic reso sound. I currently own one myself...

This Rigel model, with the red burst finish, is the very last one made by Rigel...I've confirmed with Rigel that they're now discontinuing them...it's still possible to have one custom made by them; however, I suspect that they will be priced accordingly due to their no longer being standard production.

Mickey

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Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2002 17:50:19 -0500

Greetings,

Glad to assist if I can:

I'm interested in the mandodobro and the regal squareneck "75". First
of all, what kind of sound does the mandodobro put out and what is the
action like?

The Johnson Mandolin Dobro, metal body, has a very metallic sheen...great for a more bluesy sound...

The Rigel Resophonic, which I believe is no longer being offered by Rigel (we received the last official one made...Peter Mix, with Rigel, said that he may still be able to build one at a time for custom orders), is more resonant and seems to have quite a bit more volume. The action and playability on both of these can be adjusted to the player's taste...we do this free of charge for every instrument shipped.

Let us know how we might assist further...FOTW

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Date: Thu, 29 Aug 2002 19:54:37 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Hey Mickey

Mickey,


How is that Johnson resonator mandolin? Am I going to
be really disappointed if I pick one up and expect it
to sound something like an old Dobro mandolin? I
really love those, but they're going for around $1,000
these days, and that's too much for me. Would the
Johnson hold me til I win the lottery?

Thanks,

Eric Fidler

Greetings Eric,

We just turned one of these Johnson metal bodied resos the other day to someone who came all the way down from Canada. He was thrilled with it...

It is a heavy instrument due to the metal body...it does have the metallic sheen...it doesn't seem to have a tremendous volume...playability does require some set up work (which we do free of charge)...this particular one we sold the other day needed some fret dressing...they were sharp on the very edge of the fingerboard.

Now, for the price, nothing can touch this Johnson reso mando...if I could afford it, I'd go with a Rigel Resophonic...which I personally now own...they have quite a bit more resonance due to the wood body...


Hope this helps...Mickey

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