Johnson Octave Mandolins

Subject: Johnson Octave Mandolins
From: Den
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 02:19 PM

Has anyone played the celtic version/s of the Johnson Octave and if you have is it a decent instrument? Not sure of the model numbers.

Subject: RE: Johnson Octave Mandolins
From: Den
Date: 30 Mar 05 - 09:01 AM

Well this thread died a horrible death but I have revived it to say I got my Johnson octave a week or so a go from the 12th fret in Toronto. Nice people and very good service. I know the Johnson is probably and entry level instrument but then when it comes to octave mandolins I'm an entry level player. I must admit I do like it a lot and have been playing it every day. It sounds good and is very comparable to the Trinity College, same factory, same wood finish. The Trinity is slightly more ornate. The model I have is the 450 celtic. It has wonderful sustain and very little fret buzz, although I'm told fret buzz is a characteristic of the octave mandolin. The instrument is well constructed and it came in a hard shell case all for $589c. If any one is looking for an inexpensive octave for beginner I wouldn't look much further than this one. I will probably graduate to a better instrument when my playing improves and I have looked at the Weber Sage. Anyway that's it for now. Den

Subject: RE: Johnson Octave Mandolins
From: mooman
Date: 30 Mar 05 - 09:09 AM

Den,

Fret buzz should not necessarily be a characteristic of the octave mandolin (octave mandola here in Europe). I have no fret buzz on mine (admittedly high-level instrument as it is my main one but which is fairly heavily strung in unison and which has a fairly low action). A good setup combined with the right stringing should virtually eliminate buzz, even on a more budget instrument.

Peace,

moo

P.S. I don't know the Johnson but have played several TCs which seemed fairly good value instruments.

Subject: RE: Johnson Octave Mandolins
From: GUEST,Friend
Date: 30 Mar 05 - 09:12 AM

"Fret buzz is a characteristic of the octave mandolin"

Doesn't have to be so. Get a good set-up from point of purchase. Mind your technique. Practice. Fret buzz is not characteristic of the instrument unless you surrender to it or simply want it to be.

Bust that myth.

Friend

Subject: RE: Johnson Octave Mandolins
From: GUEST,Friend
Date: 30 Mar 05 - 09:14 AM

Apologies mooman, we crossposted. Friend.

Subject: RE: Johnson Octave Mandolins
From: Den
Date: 30 Mar 05 - 09:50 AM

Thanks guys. Maybe I should have our local guy at the folklore centre take a look at the setup, he's really good. The little fret buzz that there is only occurs on the "G" strings. Mooman if you go here you can get some info and see pictures of the model I bought.

Subject: RE: Johnson Octave Mandolins
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Mar 05 - 10:31 AM

Hi Den,

Looks like a decent instrument and good value buy.

Fret buzz, if it occurs, is usually on the G strings as these are the heaviest and have the greatest displacement. Normally a tweaking of string gauge, to increase tension a little, or a minor adjustment of action (nut height, saddle height or, occasionally, neck relief... or, more rarely, a slightly high fret) will quickly clear this up and is well within the abilities of a good fretted instrument technician. Sometimes also playing style, and the angle of attack with the pick, can have a bearing on buzz as indicated by Guest, Friend above.

Good luck with this...The King of Fretted Instruments!

Peace

moo (obviously biased!)

Subject: RE: Johnson Octave Mandolins
From: Den
Date: 30 Mar 05 - 08:24 PM

Moo, I love this thing, so I'm inclined to agree with you. Maybe I've made this buzz sound worse than it is. It doesn't really bother me, but thanks again to you all for all your expert opinions. I'm hooked. Now does anyone know the chords to Patrick Street, by Patrick Street;-)