'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???

09 Feb 05 - 03:21 PM (#1403684)
Subject: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: GUEST,PoppaGator

On Mardi Gras day (yesterday) in the French Quarter, I saw two different buskers playing metal-body resonator guitars with the name "Johnson" imprinted on the headstock. I've never heard of this brand ~ anyone know anything about it?

The first guy I saw actually had TWO different shiny new chrome-plated-looking Johnson guitars, replicas of two classic National models (single-cone and tricone styles). How did they sound? Can't say ~ the guy's act consisted of having his cute little tiny lap-dog retrieve tips (paper money only!) from onlookers and drop them into his collection can. He managed to pull this off without hardly playing any music at all. He'd start playing "Freight Train" in C, standard tuning, but never got more than 2 or 3 measures into the tune. Why he needed to bring a second guitar along with him, I'll never know.

Later in the day, I passed another busker, playing slide blues in an open tuning. Pretty good player, nice loud sound, same "Johnson" nameplate on his headstock and same shiny new metal body as the two guitars I had seen earlier.

Is this a brand-name worth looking into, for someone comtemplating purchase of a resonator model as a second guitar?

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09 Feb 05 - 03:49 PM (#1403689)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: GUEST,Les B.

I bought a Johnson resonator about three years ago at Elderly Instruments. It was in the $400 - $500 range as I remember. (I got mine on a $100 discount sale)


So far it's been a pretty good instrument, but I don't play it all the time. The early ones were made in Eastern Europe and then they started coming from China. Johnson also makes regular guitars and banjos - haven't tried any.

At last year's Seattle Folk Life festival I saw more Johnson resonators than any other kind being played by buskers.

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09 Feb 05 - 04:02 PM (#1403704)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: el_punkoid_nouveau

I have a Johnson Resonator Mandolin - the bridge needs a little bit of work doing, to lift it so that the strings do not foul on the body, but other than that it is a neat instrument.

And wonderfully loud!

epn

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09 Feb 05 - 04:23 PM (#1403724)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: Ernest

I remember seeing at least three buskers playing a Johnson resonator guitar in the French Quarter in January. Best way to compare the sounds would probably be to hear a different brand. Is Roberto Luti (also of the Washboard Chaz Blues Trio) still playing with Mountain Sprout on the streets? He is a really good slide guitar player and his rust-coloured resonator definitely looks great!
Regards
Ernest
P.S.: I will get the copied cd on the weekend. My friend Doc - who agreed to copy it - is freshly retired and of course didn`t find the time to do it earlier ;0)

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09 Feb 05 - 04:45 PM (#1403743)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: GUEST

Chaz Leary still has that Italian fellow as guitar player in his trio. I didn't know his name, but I've heard them and he *is* quite a player. I hadn't known his name, I never took note of the nameplate on his guitar, and I wasn't aware of his other project(s), which I suppose would include "Mountain Sprout."

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09 Feb 05 - 05:28 PM (#1403791)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: bigchuck

I work at a local music store, and we've been selling Johnson instruments for the past year or so. They are at the bottom of the price chain, but unlike many other cheap brands seem to have gotten steadily better. They have been working closely with their producers in China to improve production issues and quality. They stand behind their products well and are pretty innovative. As a luthier/repairman I see lots of cheapos and the Johnsons are way above the others in quality and design. I have not tried one of their metal bodied resonators, but treated myself at christmas to a wood bodied round neck resonator and love the thing. Loud, solid, easy playing and great tone. Way better than any of the Regals or Deans that have gone through the store IMHO.

Sandy

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09 Feb 05 - 07:14 PM (#1403873)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: PennyBlack

Johnson is a "Badge" of AXL who have been making various instruments for many years for other companies to badge, they now put out instruments under their own name and also use the Johnson, Palatino and Lucida names.

You will find many AXL instruments under other badges and usually dearer than the AXL models, well built and good value

I have their 5 string bass and a "dobro" uke and have been very pleased with both.

PB

AXL - Johnson Link

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09 Feb 05 - 08:24 PM (#1403941)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: Once Famous

How's your Johnson?

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09 Feb 05 - 11:55 PM (#1404095)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: The Fooles Troupe

Fine mate,
Thank you for asking.

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10 Feb 05 - 12:54 AM (#1404127)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: GUEST,Les B.

Yeah, the last time our group did "Mama Don't Allow" I was playing my resonator and of course when my turn came around it was "Mama don't allow you to play with your Johnson here!"

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10 Feb 05 - 07:30 PM (#1405215)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: Grab

When I was shopping for a cheap National copy, about 3 years back, I A/B'ed between Regal, Johnson or Dean (would that be "A/B/C'ed"?) at Elderly. The Dean was ruled out straight away - sounded crap. In the end I got the Regal, cos the Johnson sounded kind of muddy and vague where the Regal was crisp and clear. If you can, best to try both Johnson and Regal and see what you prefer (and get someone you trust to listen and see which sounds better from in front).

If they've improved over the last few years (per Bigchuck), might be worth trying one. Certainly the better of the Regal or Johnson will be a decent instrument. A National's probably twice as nice, but it's also five times the price. ;-)

Graham.

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10 Feb 05 - 09:49 PM (#1405334)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: number 6

I picked up a Johnson resonator last summer. Slightly used, one of the wood roundneck Chicago Blues models. I wasn't going to drop $2k cdn for a Gibson Houndog or whatever at the time.

Anyway, it seemed solid enough, the tone was not what I wanted, didn't stay in tune, the action was too high. I think they try marketing them all as square neck 'dobros'. I took it to my luthier and had him install a Quatermann cone, Grover tuners, a bone bridge and lowered the action. I can honestly say it now matches any of the upper end models. Sounds perfect, it's a 'keeper'. He also told me he was impressed with the quality when he opened it up to install the cone. No need to make any adjustments at all, it was clean and tight.

Needless to say I'm satisfied and content with my Johnson.

While on this subject anyone have any opinions on Liberty resono's. They seem to make the impression that they are US made, when they are actually off shore produced.

sIx

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11 Feb 05 - 04:05 AM (#1405526)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: mooman

Have tried both Johnsons and Regals and preferred the Regal of which I have the Duolian model now. I think the prices are fairly close. I realise, however, that the sound of a guitar is a highly subjective thing.

Peace

moo

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05 Apr 05 - 11:48 AM (#1452668)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: PeteWilson

Actually, I have a Johnson JM 998S, which is a single cone biscuit bell brass resonator and a Johnson Tri-cone. I replaced the cone and biscuit on the single cone with a National cone and biscuit, and am very happy with the sound. I replaced the coned and bridge on the Tricone, also. As it turns out, the cones really did not need to be replaced on the Tricone as the National cones did not improve the sound as much as I had hoped. I am very pleased with both. Mushroom modification is necessary on the Tricone, however.

Hope this Helps

Pete

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06 Apr 05 - 07:59 AM (#1453483)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: GUEST,Patrick Costello

There is something of a renaissance going on with resonator guitars nowadays. That's pretty cool because I'm one of those crackpots who uses an old Dobro 33-H for everything.

Johnson is putting out a decent line of guitars for the price, but the fit and finish isn't always spot on. If you are shopping for one check it over pretty carefully for things like the occasional sharp edge of fretwire sticking out of the neck and think seriously about picking up a better quality cone and bridge. The new national cones I've tried just don't have that "it" factor - probably because the embossed swirls they are so proud of are changing the way the cone responds to the vibration of the strings.

Dean and Regal are kind of in the same boat. Both companies offer a solid platform, but will need a bit of tweaking out of the box. That's a pretty minor issues when you start comparing these instruments to what Gibson and National are offering in terms of bang for the buck.

For the price and the cool-factor it's pretty hard to go wrong with any of the "budget" resophonic guitars available today. Just keep in mind that cones and setup are real issues in terms of how these instruments will respond. A guitar that sounds dead in the shop can really come to life with a low action, light gauge strings and a new cone.

Yeah, I said a low action and light gauge strings. The slide routine is a lot of fun, but if you want to play "straight" guitar on a resophonic things get a lot easier if you look at setup along the lines of an electric guitar. The cone is really nothing more than a mechanical pickup so you don't need a GI Joe Kung Fu Grip guitar setup to make them sound good. Make them easy to play, give them room to respond to your touch and all sorts of good things happen.

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06 Apr 05 - 08:38 AM (#1453507)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: Den

I just bought a Johnson Octave Mandolin and I love it. Well built, sounds great. Its loud and the action is very good.

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08 Apr 05 - 04:10 PM (#1455540)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: PeteWilson

As it turns out, I have just listed my single cone Johnson Resonator on Ebay.
If anyone is interested: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7314112712&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

I just have one too many resonators!

Pete

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17 Apr 05 - 11:15 PM (#1463996)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: GUEST,branch

had 2 still got single cone tri cone was ok just didnt have the bang i wanted.a buddy of mine ownes a music store sells the hell out of the johnson reso and guitars hard to beat for the price,on replacing cones still wool at string chage will get you there
god bless america

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18 Apr 05 - 12:10 PM (#1464386)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: PoppaGator

Just checked ebay ~ Pete's guitar (see two posts above, April 8) didn't get a single bid and the auction closed without a buyer.

I can't afford it right now or I might have gone for it. If and when I have a spare $250, I just might inquire via PM...

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19 Apr 05 - 10:50 AM (#1465344)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: GUEST

sold.

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15 Jun 05 - 07:50 AM (#1501462)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: GUEST,Grouse Guitars, Australia

we have a new Johnson resonator with the "Rose" etchings for sale here in Australia, if any Aussies happen to be looking for one! www.grouseguitars.com.au

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12 Apr 11 - 04:22 AM (#3133532)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: dilly daly of Adelaide

Have just bought a new Johnson JM 998D A-E Metal body.Sounds good.Better fingerpicking.Not so good strumming with a pick.Anyone else bought one recently ?

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12 Apr 11 - 06:47 AM (#3133571)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: banjoman

I bought a Johnson Travel Banjo about 10 years ago. Its tuned in A and has proved to be a great little instrument which has been busked all over the UK as well as USA and europe. Wouldn't swop it for anything.
I didn;t know they made resonators but now I will be looking

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12 Apr 11 - 09:00 AM (#3133654)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: Bobert

I owned and performed with a metal body Johnson reso for many years... For the $$$ it was a great guitar... And ,yeah, it finger picks better than strums but I think that is the nature of metal bodies geetars anyway... I've played Nationals that are the same way...

B~

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09 Sep 12 - 10:15 PM (#3402254)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: GUEST

I have the bell brass green Johnson ....sounds great....the more you play it, the more you get out of it.

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09 Sep 12 - 11:17 PM (#3402261)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: GUEST,Tony

The Wikipedia article on Johnson guitars says:
Parent company AXL Corporation rebranded the guitars as Recording King, in 2007, paying $250,000 for naming rights for the classic guitar brand.

So is this thread now about Recording King resonator guitars? The thread started in 2005 with reference to Johnson metal-bodied resonator guitars. On the current Johnson site I see only wood-bodied resonator guitars (3 of them), but the Recording King site shows a bunch of metal bodies.

If it's not already confusing enough, there's the problem that some Recording King guitars made for Monkey Wards in the 1930's (nothing to do with Johnson or AXL or the current Recording King) are still around. Wikipedia says John Fahey played one.

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10 Sep 12 - 03:30 PM (#3402486)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: Henry Krinkle

Why do you want to play a Chinese junk?
(:-( ))=

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10 Sep 12 - 03:31 PM (#3402487)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: Henry Krinkle

So you can play monkey junk.
(:-( ))=

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11 Sep 12 - 07:29 AM (#3402718)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: Henry Krinkle

I paid $500 for my Dobro model 36 about 3 years ago. Chrome plated engraved brass body. There are so many great, used guitars out there and finding a deal is a major part of the fun. Haggling, horsetrading etc.
You're missing alot buying new guitars. I think there's more guitars on this planet than there is people to play them. Capitalist pig guitar manufactureres.
(:-( P)=

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11 Sep 12 - 12:55 PM (#3402870)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: Bobert

I paid less than $400 for my Johnson metal resonator and it was well worth the money... Kinda wished I still had it but liked the Washburn ES10 better so I traded for it, had Paul Beard stick one of his hot-rod cones and a Fishmann in it and it been a great resonator for me...

B~

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11 Sep 12 - 04:14 PM (#3402965)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: Henry Krinkle

I'd rather have the real thing instead of monkey junk, thank you kindly.
(:-( ))=

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12 Sep 12 - 08:55 AM (#3403327)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: Bobert

Well, I've played many Nationals over the years and they are supposed to be the real thing but didn't play or sound as nice as my Johnson "monkey junker"...

Guess some folks would call my 60s S.Yari junk... Bought it for $40 at a pawn shop... Soon afterwards discovered that my old 1966 Martin D-18, which everyone said sounded great was being left home in the case when I would have gigs... Ended up giving the Martin to my great niece because she plays beautifully...

Still playing the junker S.Yari... Played it last night in a joint in Concord, NC and had the folks wanting more...

B~

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12 Sep 12 - 09:43 AM (#3403347)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: GUEST,Blues

check out the michael messer guitars for a good (reasonably) cheap reso also - http://www.buskerguitars.co.uk/4.html

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12 Sep 12 - 09:51 AM (#3403350)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker

AXL are also behind the recent incredible value for money VHT brand of hand wired valve amps.

Near boutique vintage amp 'Fenderish' tone,
and better than average component quality & construction for such low cost budget amps.

Now most any low income guitarist in Britain and Europe can afford the kind of amp
that always used to be way above their restricted economic lot in life..

Of course the raving reactionary krinkloids on the USA amp forums
are frothing rabidly at the mouth
at the outrage of a respected American amp maker
selling out his brand name to the 'slave labour exploiting evil dog eating oriental commies'..

but there you go... only to be expected...

http://www.vhtamp.com/products/the-special-series

VHT Special 6 combo Amp less than 120 quid at Thomann + 10 EUR Delivery..
[www.thomann.de/gb/vht_avsp16_special_6_valve.htm]

Good to go straight out the box..

..and later on you can swap in better quality valves
and maybe a more 'authentic' alnico speaker
and then you'll have a serious vintage tone for much less cash
than any overpriced profiteering big name amp maker's product.

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12 Sep 12 - 10:06 AM (#3403358)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker

oh, yeah.. and the VHT special 6 combo
has rapidly become a favourite amp for blues harmonica players.

This amp was designed to be easily modified and 'improved' by confident DIY home electronics engineers;
and now there is an ebay market for customising kits
to tweak this basic vintage spec amp
into a harp players 'go to' tone box.

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12 Sep 12 - 08:04 PM (#3403585)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: number 6

Odd isn't it .... those old delta guys from way back, whose music we love and try to replicate played cheap very low end guitars, with old strings. That's all they could afford. The kind of guitars Krinkle now calls, with much disdain, monkey junk. . ... and now days we try replicating their music on the expensive instruments. That's what we feel we must have. But I think we are missing something. All in all that old delta music sounds much better, more authentic, much sweeter on cheap, rattly "monkey junk".

biLL

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12 Sep 12 - 08:19 PM (#3403586)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: Bobert

I agree, 100%, biLL...

Last night I performed the "real" blues on a handmade Lowebow and a $40 pawn shop geetar... And, unlike, the 3 bands before me, people stopped talking when I was playing and turned their chairs around to hear the real deal that was happening before them...

Musta been $10,000 worth of geetars before me and them folks went on drinking and partying...

B~

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12 Sep 12 - 08:20 PM (#3403587)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: Henry Krinkle

But aren't there more guitars out there than there is people to play them?
Why slaughter more trees?
And besides my wonderful Dobro model 36 I also have a custom built National Resophonic Style 0 Deluxe.#2 of 2. Bought used.
a href="http://www.acguitar.com/Gear/10thanniversary/national.htm">My

(:-( D)=

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12 Sep 12 - 08:35 PM (#3403596)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: Bobert

I agree with that, Krinkx... Buy used...

B~

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16 Sep 15 - 09:10 PM (#3737830)
Subject: RE: 'Johnson' resonator guitars ~ ???
From: GUEST,Wilko

I bought a metal Johnson resonator in 1999 for AU$1400. I have only played it a couple of times. It was stored, in its case, until I had a look at it about a month ago to find that the Trapeze had sheared off- you could see the crystalised metal. I also have other resonators- a Dobro, Regal and an old Shaftesbury all bought before the Johnson- no trouble with any of these.
I might as well fill it with coals and use it for a bed warmer.

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