Resonators - Regal or Johnson ????

[acoustiholic]

I'm just getting into metal-body slide blues and have been researching both these companies' products. I can't justify a National at this point so I'm focusing on the Regal 51 and the Johnson JM993.

 

Johnson has recently upgraded the cones to continental and also a bone nut and maple bridge.

 

Regal guitars have a long history but are now made in Asia while the Johnson's are either using Amistar from the Czech Republic or produced in the US and assembled overseas.

 

QUESTION: Who has tried both guitars and which do you feel is a better instrument?

 

Thanks!

[brooksblues]

I played both before buying and I ended up buy a Johnson Metal Body resonator with the wild rose pattern.

 

Johnson now is trying to take some of the Blueridge market and is trying to step up there instruments a little atleast thats what it appears to me.

 

I have mine still stock but plan on doing some mods when I get a chance, I will probably replace the cone and add some sort of mic or pickup for amplification. Its a nice guitar very heavy. The regal didnt feel as nice to me as the Johnson.

[acoustiholic]

Thanks- I'm leaning that way too- Rose is nice- I'm thinking the Chrsanthymum engraved body.

[Freeman Keller]

Shameless plug. I've played both and my Dobro is light years better. And available

 

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1215211

[acoustiholic]

Freeman, that looks sweet! I'm focusing on a tricone at this point.

Although a real Dobro would be very cool....