Questions Regarding Johnson Bouzoukis and Octave Mandos
Subject: To Mickey Cochran, Action on Johnson MA-550 Octave
Date: Sat, 01 Jan 2005 13:04:32 -0500
Mickey,
Greetings Jeremy,
Last question, I almost promise, HA HA HA. The Johnson MA-550 Octave. What is the action like, and can you guys and gals set it so that it is relatively easy to play for a beginner, because I am and I was thinking that my nephew would also like to play it sometimes.
Yes, we can set up the action as low as you'd like. Be aware, these do have some string rattle to them...which seems to be the characteristic of flat style octave mandolins.
Is this possible, or is the factory set-up ample?
The factory set-up is almost always unsatisfactory...you're welcome to work directly with our set-up technician once your instrument is being prepared to ship.
Also, how much are strings and does Elixir make any that your organization carries?
I can only recommend the GHS Octave Strings for now...these are the only ones offering a wound A string set...the unwound A's sound horrible. You can have a couple of extra sets included with your order at a very low cost...and, I'd highly recommend ordering at least three extra sets...should hold you over a few years.
Thanks, I guess that was two or three questions, sorry!!!! LOL
Not a problem...I'm glad to assist...send me more if you need. At your disposal, Mickey
Jeremy E.
Subject: Johnson Ma-550
Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2004 11:20:49 -0600
Are the points on the Johnson MA-550 awkward while you are playing?
I don't find them a problem myself...a lot depends on how you're used to holding the instrument...I find the MA-550 to be one of the more unique body styles in the entire Octave kingdom...domestic and foreign...it also has a deeper throatiness than most octaves I've played.
Keep on Pickin', Mickey
Date: Mon, 3 May 2004 00:25:04 EDT
Subject: MA450 octave mandolin
Hi Mickey and Folks,
Greetings Steve,
Compliments on your most excellent website!
i recently got "Mandolin Crosspicking Technique" from Mel Bay
and am working through the first exercises.
i am a mandolin and violin teacher, and have recently acquired
some viola students. i am considering getting a Johnson MA-450
and capoing it at the 5th fret to use along with a violin to teach viola
students. i saw a post on your mandola vs. octave faq suggesting this,
and am wondering if you ever got any feedback on it.
i also plan to experiment with higher octave strings on the
3rd and 4th courses, ala Bouzouki.
Yes, this is true...only, we haven't received any feedback on it...this will work as a mandola tuning...only, keep in mind, it will be limited to first and second positioning...
i am questioning the suitability of the Johnson MA-450
as a professional performing instrument,
and what pickup system (McIntrye vs. Shadow?)
sounds best with it.
The MA-450 is an all solid wood instrument...and, yes, I would play it myself professionally without hesitation. The most critical concern would be its set-up...and, most are not aware that part of an octave's character is some buzzing on the fretboard...otherwise, the action would have to be set a little high...
i am considering the MA450 vs the 550 as it is listed as having
a longer scale length and a body depth of 3" (the body depth of the 550 is not listed)
and i am thinking of getting and playing an relatively inexpensive octave mando now
and then moving up to a Weber octave in the future.
With us, you'll have your 100% trade-up value which can be applied to the Weber at a future date...for as long as you own your Johnson...I personally play a Weber Octave (Big Sky) of which I'm thrilled with...it's an archtop and doesn't have the resonance of a flat stye, such as the Johnson, but does offer a throaty sound with immense projection. Great for high volume settings...my recommendation when upgrading to a Weber, is to go with an archtop...
I perform solo and also play Celtic music.
For solo performance, you'll love the resonance of the MA-450...Celtic players usually prefer a flat style too. Hence, you may have all you'll ever need in the MA-450.
thanks for your obvious dedication to acoustic music and your customers,
You're most welcome...
I checked out your website...and, I had no idea that you were spread so thin...a man after my own heart...I also am into many of the styles you've listed on both guitar and mandolin...from Neil Young to Grisman...what can be better than that?
Let's stay in touch...
Keep on Pickin', Mickey
Steve Walker
www.hexhollowmusic.com
Date: Sun, 30 Jul 2000 14:51:26 -0600
Hi Folk, What is the scale [like you list 20 1/8 inch scale for
TRINITY OCTAVES]?
The Johnson Octave has a 20.50" Scale
What is the fretboard made of?
The Fingerboard is made of Rosewood
What type of bracing [x braced?]?
"X" Bracing
Does it have a truss rod
Yes...with access at the peghead...(under the truss rod cover)
It comes strung and ready to play?
Yes...we ev en replace the factory bulk wiring with GHS Genuine Octave Strings which brings the instrument literally alive!
Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...
Mickey Cochran
Date: Wed, 2 Aug 2000 11:08:02 -0600
How does quality of this Johnson compare with Trinity College--in tone
and finish of the instrument? Note your website lists octave mandolin
and bouzouki for both. What's the difference between the two? I am
desirous of bidding on the Johnson bouzuoki but in looking at a bouzouki
in a local music store was told bouzouki and octave mandolin are one and
the same. I like the looks of the johnson very much. Al N. in CA
Hi Al, the bouzouki and octave mandos are not one in the same...they both have individual neck scale lengths that differentiate one from the other.
For example, on the Johnsons: the Johnson Bouzouki has a scale of 26.50"...your better bet would be an octave. The Johnson Octave has a 20.50"...
The Johnson has a deeper body than the Trinity College and therefore offers a deeper tone.
Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...
Mickey Cochran
Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2000 11:15:33 -0600
Hello Walt,
In answer to your questions:
I purchased a Trinity College bouzouki from you last year. This was my
introduction to this type of instrument and I like it very much ... it
was a very good buy for me! Now I see that you offer the Johnson model
and it looks very nice and I have a few questions. (1) Does it have
easier action than the Trinity College ... e.g., is it easier to play?
Nope, they're pretty much the same...we could lower that action, but then you have the risk of rattling on the thicker gauge strings.
(2) What is the scale length?
the Johnson Bouzouki has a scale of 26.50"
(3) Is it strung in octaves like the TC?
Yes...it's strung the exact same way as the TC.
(4) Are the back and sides solid flamed maple?
Yes...and very nicely made as a matter of fact.
(5) Does it give the traditional "Celtic drone" sound like the TC does?
Most definitely.
(6) Is it also made by Saga in Korea?
Nope...these are made by Johnson who also has a factory in Korea.
Regarding a possible "trade-up" for my TC model ... ! (1) I had it
"modified" by putting on a tortoise plastic pick guard ... will that
detract from the value?
Nope...we will not devalue it for this whatsoever.
(2) There is also a very small (repaired with
lacquer) surface chip on the edge of the back side ... will that detract
also?
It depends on how large the chip is? Is it very small or is it somewhat large? If it did detract from the trade-in value, it wouldn't be much. It only means that we have to re-sell it for less than we would a good condition bouzouki.
I know these are a lot of questions but they are very important to me
... and I thank you in advance for answering them. Also, thank you for
introducing me to the bouzouki as I have enjoyed it very much.
You're most welcome Walt!
Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...
Mickey Cochran
Folk of the Wood
Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 23:57:57 -0600
Hi again.
Thanks for the reply. I'm familiar with the Johnson mandolins and Dobro and
National copies which are sold up here in Victoria, B.C. Where are they made?
We do carry both the Johnson Mandolins and Dobros...here's the breakdown on their origin:
1. Johnson Mandolins (Octaves and Bouzoukis): are all made in Korea...
2. Johnson Wood-Bodied Dobros: are all made in Korea...
3. Johnson Metal-Bodied Dobros are made in the Czech Republic...
Hope this helps...
The octave mando doesn't look Chinese, but I confess there are some
absolutely incredible Chinese fiddles now being marketed for under a grand
these days. Is it made in China, and is the binding abalone or imitation
abalone with real ab. neck and head inlays.
Yes, the Johnson Octave is inlaid with real abalone throughout. It's also made with all solid woods: solid spruce top and solid curly maple sides and back. It's also relatively expensive retailing at 895.00...our discount price is 575.00 on these.
Can't tell that sort of thing
from the pix. Nice looking instrument. I assume from the price that it is
all solid wood? I noticed much to my surprise last week that the Johnson
mandolins that retail here for $250 Canadian (about $165 US) have solid
curly maple backs;
Nope...every Johnson mandolin we have in stock is made with laminate woods...they're currently producing an all solid wood mandolin soon to be released.
Last but not least, how does the Johnson sound compared
to the Trinity College?
The Johnson most definitely has a deeper tone...the Trinity College has a tremendous projection quality but not the deep tone offered by the Johnson.
I play with a friend in a band called Mandolirium
(are you interested in selling people's acoustic music CD's?) who plays an
older Trinity College octave, and he's the one that got me interested in
checking out the Johnson. Sorry to be asking so many questions, but its
hard to shop by mail for new stuff you don't test drive, and shopping across
the border makes it harder.
Yes...we're currently setting up a section for acoustic artists that includes a page describing the artist/band along with booking information and any CDs available. If interested, submit your promo/media package. Mickey
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