Johnson JR-550 Resonator Opinions

[theRocco]

Anyone own or played a Johnson resonator before, please chime in with your opinion.

Johnson JR-550 Resonator is the model I'm interested in. Reminds me a lot of the National El Trovador with the bigger wood body and binding (for way less dough!)
http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10028/Johnson_JR-550.jpg

Mahogany Body Modified F-Hole Soundboard
3.75" Body Depth 19.25" Body Length 15&1/8" Lower Bout Width 11" Upper Bout Width
25.25" Scale Length 1&11/16" Nut Width Honduran Mahogany Neck
Rosewood Fingerboard
19 Nickel Frets
12th Fret Neck Joint
Bell-Brass Coverplate w/ Nickel Plating
Bell-Brass Tailpiece w/ Nickel Plating
9.5" Hand-Spun Continental Cone
Maple Biscuit Bridge
Slotted Headstock
Open-Gear Tuning Machines
Lifetime Warranty
High Gloss Finish

[9fingers]

I have a metal body Johnson from 7 or 8 years ago. It is not a National (have one of those too) but it is a pretty good resonator for the price. One thing I notice about the specs on the one you are looking at is 1 11/16 nut width. That is "skinnier" than most resonator necks & may be a little narrow for fingerpicking, depending on your taste. Other good choices to look at are Republic (metal bodies, biscuit bridge) and Gold Tone (for wood body spider bridge). You can always put a National cone in a "lesser" resonator for $80 too.

[theRocco]

I've owned both a new National Tricone and a vintage Duolian but this time around really wanted a wood body reso, and on the cheap this time.

I found one in San Francisco with the added Fishman pickup so I'll be giving it a spin. I can always upgrade to a Nat cone if needed later on. Just looking for something inexpensive like this to put the slide on once and awhile.

[nomadh]

I have a johnson resonator I got off of CL. I was looking for a resonator on the cheap and I was trying not to get a rogue brand. I have my doubts about rogues. My friend had a johnson tele so when I saw the johnson resonator on CL for $50 I figured it was worth checking out. I got up there and I found it was very good looking and played very well. I don't know alot about reso's but it seemed perfect. Med high action. Just low enough for fretting and just high enough for slide. I love the sound. A few of the fret ends were sharp but not horrible. I was alot more impressed with my johnson after I played a $1300 name brand at GC and it had exactly the same sharp frets. Obviosly for $50 I love mine. If I knew it was as good as it was I'd pay the $150 or $200. People say they upgrade the cone but I don't know why. Everyone who hear it loves the tone.
Another brand to check out might be the sx model from rondo music. Their stuff has been getting rave reviews although I have not seen any info in their resos. I'm looking out for a brass johnson next.