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Topic: What the heck is a Johnson Custom? |
Michael Todd
From:
North Carolina, USA
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Posted 11 Mar 2015 5:01 pm |
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Pardon me if this is the wrong forum to ask this question - i just joined PSF today.
My question is about a Johnson Custom Steel for sale in my driving area. I cannot find any info on this brand except references to 'Mike Johnson' & he doesn't seem to have his own pedal steel model.
It looks very plain & is priced like a starter model. E9 3+4 config.
Of course, I need to play it but it's an hour drive & wanted to gather any info I could about it. I was looking to find something like a GFI or BMI but don't see many for sale in NC. The few I have seen for sale are <$1000 - carter starter, a 3+3 emmons, etc. There was a BMI but it sold very quickly. |
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Wayne Quinn
From:
Cape Breton.NovaScotia
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Posted 11 Mar 2015 7:58 pm
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Michael. get a hold of Lane Gray. he is a member here on the forum.i think Lane can give you some answers . i my self never heard of a johnson custom. and also welcome to the forum. you will have all kinds of great help here. 
_________________
D10 Carter, SD10 Mullen .Nashville 400,. peavey 112 Boss DD3., RV5, |
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Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
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Posted 11 Mar 2015 8:55 pm
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Wow. I'm surprised my name came up.
Welcome to the Forum and the pedal steel guitar.
I've never heard of Johnson guitars.
I don't know where in North Carolina you are, but when a newbie says "I'm thinking of an x guitar (where x=oddball guitar), what do you think" my reaction is "only if you can get a player to try it out."
It has full set of changes; that's good.
If you can't find someone to try it out, I wouldn't rule it out. I would take along a tuner and at least a brand new .014 string send a tuner. If the strings are old, change the 4th string to the new one, tune it, stretch it by tugging on it, retune it, repeat 4 or 5 times until it's staying in tune.
Tune the C pedal, make sure that it goes to F# accurately and returns to E accurately.
Tune the lever that drops the Es, and make sure it lowers and returns accurately. Then check and tune the F lever.
If those changes work well and accurately, the guitar is probably mechanically OK.
Do the pedals stop firmly?
Do the knees feel solid and stop firmly?
If it feels vague and mushy, keep looking.
It really is best to get a steeler to check it out for you.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects |
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Ross Shafer
From:
Petaluma, California
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Posted 12 Mar 2015 7:01 am
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I looked at the Craigslist ad for the Johnson...not much info and only one, picture, but from what I can see it looks to be a pretty cheaply made rig.
Do yourself a big favor and spend some more bucks on something like the MSA classic being sold here on the forum. Seller says to make an offer.....http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=280889
Or go for a new Stage One at about the same price |
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steve takacs
From:
beijing, china via pittsburgh (deceased)
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Posted 12 Mar 2015 7:28 am Johnson maybe a Chinese brand?
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Here in Beijing, I've seen a number of copies of Dobros, Nationals, etc. that are Chinese made that go by the Johnson name. TheDobros are quite cheap and for the price, not bad. I've also seen them on EBAY.
I've never seen a Johnson pedal steel guitar or any other pedal steel guitar here for that matter.
Here is a Johnson website that shows instruments and give details on each. There is no pedal steel listed.
http://www.johnsongtr.com/guitars.html#jr410.html
Johnson is a common name, so this pedal steel could have been made anywhere. |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Butch Mullen
From:
North Carolina, USA 28681
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Posted 12 Mar 2015 4:24 pm
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| Welcome to the forum Michael. Where in NC are you located? I am in Taylorsville. |
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J R Rose
From:
Keota, Oklahoma, USA
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Posted 12 Mar 2015 10:00 pm
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Not much of a guitar, J.R.
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NOTHING..Sold it all. J.R. Rose |
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Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
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Posted 12 Mar 2015 10:49 pm
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For an unknown guitar with no attestation of suitability, the price is right.
If it works. If it doesn't, you're stuck for parts.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects |
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Don R Brown
From:
Rochester, New York, USA
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Posted 13 Mar 2015 4:39 am
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| J R Rose wrote: |
| Not much of a guitar, J.R. |
Well, I'd rather have a Johnson Custom than a customized Johnson!  |
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Michael Todd
From:
North Carolina, USA
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Posted 13 Mar 2015 5:24 am
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Thanks everyone for input & additional humor.
I figured it was a bust, but wanted to make sure someone didn't have a closet classic. There aren't many guitars for sale in the Raleigh area so I'm starting to look at buying one off the forum. |
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Dick Sexton
From:
Greenville, Ohio
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Posted 13 Mar 2015 5:44 am Hummm!
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Yes somebodies "Homemade" steel. $700 + shipping, no warranty or follow on support. Little if any resale value. Didn't even put up pictures of the changer or underside.
My opinion... Don't go there! Save the $700. Add $ to it and get a Zum Stage One, Zum Encore, Mullen Discovery or Justice w/warranty, support and excellent resale value.
You may find a few used and playable in your price range, but you will not get much for $700. Warranty and support, probably not.
Home made? I don't know, Clark! In the voice of Randy Quaid... |
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Dan Robinson
From:
Colorado, USA
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Posted 13 Mar 2015 11:26 am
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Hi Michael.
Lane's advice is well considered. It would be a shame for your enthusiasm to run smack into a mountain of frustration.
This:
http://stageonesteelguitars.com
Welcome to the craziness. It will change your life.
Dan |
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