The Johnson JM-998 resonator guitar is a distinguished instrument revered for its iconic vintage tone, dynamic projection, and robust craftsmanship. This model is inspired by the resonator guitars of the pre-World War II era, capturing the spirit of early blues and slide playing with modern reliability.
Key Features:
Bell Brass Body: The JM-998 features a bell brass body that delivers the quintessential resonator sound—rich, metallic, and with tremendous sustain. Its nickel/silver plating provides a polished chrome finish, adding both beauty and durability to the instrument.
9.5" Aluminum Resonator Cone: The guitar boasts a traditional biscuit cone that offers sharp, cutting tones and a loud acoustic presence. This makes it ideal for both solo performances and band settings where projection is key.
Flat Wound Strings: This particular JM-998 is equipped with flat wound strings, known for their smooth surface and reduced string noise. Flat wounds provide a warmer, mellower tone, making them an excellent choice for slide guitarists who want to minimise unwanted friction sounds while maintaining the guitar’s bright resonance.
Honduras Mahogany Neck: The solid mahogany neck provides stability and smooth playability, with a comfortable profile that suits both slide and fingerstyle techniques.
Hard Maple Bridge: The maple bridge combined with a bone nut ensures balanced tonal qualities, emphasising clarity in both the high and low registers.
Enhanced Playability:
The use of flat wound strings on this resonator enhances its playability, offering a softer touch and making it particularly well-suited for players who prefer a more controlled slide technique. Flat wound strings are favored for their ability to produce a warm, rounded sound with less sustain and higher precision, perfect for the style of blues, country, or jazz that this resonator was designed to excel in.
Ideal for Blues and Slide Guitarists:
With a 14th fret neck/body joint and low action, the JM-998 is optimised for slide guitar techniques, allowing easy access to higher frets and offering smooth tonal transitions. The flat wound strings reduce the harsh scraping sound typical of round wound strings, making them a popular choice for players seeking a cleaner, more refined tone.
