Resonator mandolin

okewhistle · Post by **okewhistle** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 1:08 pm

Thanks to a link from this site I came across a recording of someone playing a resonator mandolin here http://www.paythereckoning.com/thepage.htm (scroll down to Hewlett/something else).

What an amazing sound! I want one! Anyone here tried one?

crookedtune · Post by **crookedtune** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 2:20 pm

Rich DelGrosso (a great living blues mandolinist) plays one of these:
http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/NRM2.htm

I got to try one once, and loved it, but I see it as something of a specialty instrument, and couldn't justify it as yet another instrument purchase.

missy · Post by **missy** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 5:14 pm

harpmaker makes a resonator dulcimer. We own the prototype. We call it the "Dulcinator".

You can see pictures of it on our site.

Thomaston · Post by **Thomaston** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 5:42 pm

I know a guy names Rick that plays one. It's a great option to make yourself heard in session.

Thomaston · Post by **Thomaston** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 5:42 pm

I know a guy named Rick that plays one. It's a great option to make yourself heard in session.

s1m0n · Post by **s1m0n** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 6:13 pm

And of course there's always the Commodium

brewerpaul · Post by **brewerpaul** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 7:32 pm

s1m0n wrote:And of course there's always the Commodium

Anyone actually heard one of these? The Doc/nurse in me finds this to be a really cool idea...
OTOH, it might sound crappy...

tommyk · Post by **tommyk** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 8:24 pm

Apart from an electric currently being heavily modified, the National Model One resonator mandolin is the only mando I currently use.
The tone (depending where one picks/plectrifies) ranges from metal resonator to amplified woody in sound - really deep and complex tones.

I've begun using a finger-bound slide with a couple of tunes; on the right tune, it sounds deliciously bluesy.

livethe question · Post by **livethe question** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 9:14 pm

Paul,

I got to play one at the mandolin event in Lawrence, Kansas a couple of years ago. I really liked it other than I thought the neck was kind of clunky/chunky. I picked up a used (but clean) bedpan at a yard sale this summer and would like to have it made into a Commodium one day. I work at a state mental health institute and that is where the bedpan originally came from so it would be neat to have one made. I could be useful too in the right circumstances

I did like the sound though. It surprised me.

take care

jim d

s1m0n · Post by **s1m0n** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 9:35 pm

brewerpaul wrote:
s1m0n wrote:And of course there's always the Commodium

Anyone actually heard one of these? The Doc/nurse in me finds this to be a really cool idea...

Positive opinion on them can be found at the mandolin cafe.

lordofthestrings · Post by **lordofthestrings** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 1:29 pm

I've been wanting to get a resonator octave mandolin for a few years now, ever since i got to try one at a session. They really have a great sound IMHO, and provide a lot of sustain (naturally

) which is nice for solo playing/accompanying.

Griffis · Post by **Griffis** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 1:44 am

I find myself compelled to ask: how much are those Commodium mandolins?

Just curious. I followed the link to the site but there was no price given.

ISU Trout Bum · Post by **ISU Trout Bum** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 9:18 am

I just got the new "Lark in the Morning" catalogue, and they have a res mando listed in there for $470.00 (on page 12).

Here is the link: http://larkinthemorning.com/product.asp ... andolin_E_

Doesn't list a maker. Has anyone tried one of these, or own one?

Tim2723 · Post by **Tim2723** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 10:22 am

Can't be 100% sure, but it looks like a Johnson. The price is about the same at any rate. If it is, Elderly has them at a better price. They're imports of fair quality. Not too many choices in new resonators. The next step up seems to be the Nationals that go for around $1800.

ISU Trout Bum · Post by **ISU Trout Bum** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 9:40 am

Great - thanks Tim2723!