Hi!
I've been searching the web for months looking for a metal resonator mandolin — especially a nickel/brass instrument. I want it for busking, farmers markets, and other unplugged outdoor occasions.
And I can't afford an old National. So the pickin's are slim, and the few sellers out there don't return my emails and phone calls. Not confidence-inspiring. I did talk to an employee at one shop who said they couldn't sell it now because — get this! — they were out of packing peanuts.
Meanwhile, there are several okay deals out there on Dobro mandolins.
My question: Am I likely to be happy with the sound — especially the volume — of a wood-body Dobro mando? They don't seem to move fast online, so it would be hard to sell it if I'm not happy with it.
Trying one in person isn't an option. So: Take a chance on a Dobro mando, or just sit tight till a metal mandolin comes along?
I'm posting the same question at Mandolin Cafe.
Thanks!
Edited by - Charlie Bernstein on 01/19/2026 15:10:11
Very different sounding instruments so it's hard to tell what would make you happy. I would suggest searching out sound clips, performances online and see which one has the sound you're looking for. Although Sam Bush's playing on his metal mandolin is done with a bottleneck slide, I would say the tone is typical of a National/metal-bodied mandolin....or as we affectionately call it, a Tin-Can-Dolin.
Vintage 1928 National Triolian Mandolin Refinish Mandolin Refinish | Guitar Center
Edited by - docslyd on 01/19/2026 16:03:10
Tin-can-dolin! Love it!
Gryphon Stringed Instruments in Palo Alto has a Republic metal body mandolin listed on eBay. Read the description carefully, but this might be a good option.
ebay.us/m/GBHXtE
Edited by - Brad Bechtel on 01/19/2026 23:26:37
quote:
Originally posted by Brad BechtelGryphon Stringed Instruments in Palo Alto has a Republic metal body mandolin listed on eBay. Read the description carefully, but this might be a good option.
ebay.us/m/GBHXtE
Saw that yesterday and bookmarked it. Thanks!
Someone at Mandolin Cafe has a '30s Triolian at a nice price, but it needs a lot of work, which makes me nervous.
The new National mandolins are great. Play great, sound great, well made from quality materials. I'd buy one of those over an old one.
Those traditional metal National style Mando's are hard to set up to play well. I have the Recording King one which is basically same as the Republic, I had to reset the neck ( National style stick construction) to get any kind of playability out of it and the strings are very close to the cover plate, I'd like them lower but can't.
The actual new Nationals are wood bodies and play fine.
quote:
Originally posted by orvillejThe new National mandolins are great. Play great, sound great, well made from quality materials. I'd buy one of those over an old one.
Heh heh. f I were a pro (or even a dedicated middle-class hobbyist!), I'd get one in Kentucky Derby heartbeat.
quote:
Originally posted by WildemanThose traditional metal National style Mando's are hard to set up to play well. I have the Recording King one which is basically same as the Republic, I had to reset the neck ( National style stick construction) to get any kind of playability out of it and the strings are very close to the cover plate, I'd like them lower but can't.
The actual new Nationals are wood bodies and play fine.
Yeah, one just got posted at Mandolin Cafe for a nice price, but it needs a lot of restoration. Makes me too nervous, and you're right, recordings I've heard of them are harsh. Maybe because they're steel?
The Johnson/Recording King/Republics imports (same factory?) seem to all be nickel/brass: more musical.
quote:
Originally posted by Charlie Bernsteinquote:
Originally posted by WildemanThose traditional metal National style Mando's are hard to set up to play well. I have the Recording King one which is basically same as the Republic, I had to reset the neck ( National style stick construction) to get any kind of playability out of it and the strings are very close to the cover plate, I'd like them lower but can't.
The actual new Nationals are wood bodies and play fine.Yeah, one just got posted at Mandolin Cafe for a nice price, but it needs a lot of restoration. Makes me too nervous, and you're right, recordings I've heard of them are harsh. Maybe because they're steel?
The Johnson/Recording King/Republics imports (same factory?) seem to all be nickel/brass: more musical.
Yep, the Rec King is brass. It's got a nice sound, I'd just like it to play nicer, I may take a crack at resetting the neck again, with a fretboard end wedge. It was still a good deal at $300.00, I'm happy with it and it's really cool for slide in open tuning
Thanks, all! The die is cast, the deal is done, the motion's passed, the race is run. I got two: a new Recording King and (just because it's so dern sexy) a ninety-year-old manjo.
Upgrades are likely once my wallet has stopped licking its wounds.
Right on, congrats. I was just playing mine and I am going to reset the neck again, I might paint it grey too, to match my Duolian.
Here's mine, I haven't played it in a while, having some fun with it today, I have it in open tuning low to high EBEB with heavy strings on it. The little piece of leather under the strings is pretty essential to cut down noise.
Too much fun!
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