Johnson Guitars JM-998

Made in China. This is a resonator guitar metal replica of the National. It no longer exists on the site of Johnson guitar but it corresponds to the Recording King MG 10 appears to be the same brand. Mine is the 998S for sérigrapié probably. The design is beautiful, fairly faithful replica of the model style O14 (you know that the album cover "brother in arms" by Dire Straits!)
The handle 14 with freettes outside the body is screwed and mahogany, rosewood fingerboard, nickel plated copper body. The oil bath mechanical fit perfectly the agreement. The bridge is kind of biscuit placed directly on the aluminum cone. My model has no microphone. The weight is surprising when one wins!

UTILIZATION

I am not (yet) an expert but the action is high enough to play with a bottleneck slide, a little bar just to the tone but it happening. Games for the finger is high but playable. I think to enhance the action soon. I immediately changed the strings for a special set for open G, Martin very deep draft (16 56) and simmering with two months the handle did not move (I guess it's designed for)
I think the sound s'méliore playing. I recorded two songs for the test. To a slide: http://www.riffworld.com/Members/chavilbus/keytothehighway
With a tone bar: http://www.riffworld.com/Members/chavilbus/youarethejoyofmylife
I do not mùaîtrise technique Banjo although I usually open G
I'm hardcore sound, I think it's pretty close to what I expected (I have not tried to National)

SOUNDS

I play another between the blues and country, I was looking for this sound to enrich enregristrements and participate in jam sessions. It lacks resonance in the bass and it's a bit unbalanced in relation to very bright treble but it needs to improve by changing the cone because the violin is very correct

OVERALL OPINION

I've had two months. I have not gone wrong before you buy it, I fell for the screen especially since the model is quite rare (more to the catalog of Johnson) and the correct sound por the price (489 €)
The value for money seems excellent, the instrument is very playable and quite sufficient for my level. According to the forums, change for a real National cone really changes the instrument, I will try the operation soon

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The JM 998 is made in China but has fortunately for recent productions cone Continental and not one of those horrible Chinese records that sound like a saucepan. This resonator guitar is a "cookie" which means that the strings rest on the cone through a nut embedded in the cookie that is placed on the cone: (The other system called Spider reversed with the cone upside down and the strings mounted on the spider).

The JM 998 is a good choice for all Blues fans whether or slide fingerpicking. That said I still tried more than 10 before finding one whose neck was properly adjusted (the strings has not 15cm above the handle). The sound is quite nice with a natural reverb correct although sounding a bit low carton.
Mine is equipped with a magnetic Special manufactured by Benedetti what gives me the flexibility to play without top amplified worries of feedback.

Small disadvantage in three years nickel layer begins to disappear already

UTILIZATION

The playability of the neck is very good with 14 boxes you can drop off cash at the octave without too much trouble: o) the handle approaches the standard of folks not too thick (not like the old National).
The guitar weighs three pounds firmly packed (metal forces) but the balance is correct and the guitar does not tip forward or back or sitting.

SOUNDS

I play a lot of blues but also composed folk inspired by Kelly Joe Phelps, Chris Whitley and you can really play a lot of different stuff on this guitar. However for style hawaaien I rather advise to move towards a Tricone from the same brand. Low as I've said ring means but the overall balance is correct strings for a guitar of this price.

I put a little blues pcking to give you an idea of ​​the way it sounds

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OVERALL OPINION

I have this guitar for over 3 years and I play almost every day, alternating with my National Duolian. As specified in the introduction should not hesitate to try several to find one that sounds really take your time especially!

I like access to a treble 14 squares non-cash it gives a lot of possibilities. Mechanics are correct and the guitar is good agreement even when using open tuning so serious as those of Do.

The quality / price is good and especially better than the Cort or other Fender I've tried. If I had to buy a guitar entry-level choice I would do the same or I throw a look at the guitars Michael Messer also manufactured in China, but under his supervision.
Some of my songs are available on Dailymotion under the username if Jipes tempts you leave me a comment