Newbie With Questions

[TaxPhd]

I've been lurking for a while reading everything I could, and I really apreciate all the information on this site. Thanks to all!

My background is 12 years of classical violin, but that was in my youth. 20 years ago! I've decided that I want to learn to play bluegrass mandolin, and after my reading here, decided that I would probably buy one of the asian imports. The two local shops both carry Kentucky, and after looking at them, I just wasn't impressed at the quality or the sound. I belive in buying quality and only crying once, so I've upped my budget to around $1,000, and am seriously considering a Breedlove Quartz OF. There is a Breedlove dealer in Denver and I am going there tomorrow to check them out first hand.

Any other suggestions in my price range?

Thanks!



Scott

[Eric F.]

Scott, sadly, the under $1,000 price range is not exactly loaded with great bluegrass mandolins. Now if you wanted a flattop, you'd be fine.

I like the Breedlove Quartz, and I think it's excellent value for the money. I had a KF and now have an OO. You might find a used Rigel A Natural for $800 or so, and Eastman makes a couple of A styles that go for less than a grand. The first Eastman I played did nothing for me; the second one sounded quite good. You might consider buying used and keeping your eyes on the classifieds here. There was a Gibson A9 listed the other day for $850. I think it disappeared in about 10 minutes, though.

I think you're doing the right thing, for what that's worth. The tone of most Quartzes should far surpass the tone of most contemporary Kentuckys. (Hope that was diplomatic enough!)

[TaxPhd]

Thanks.

I need to do some more research on the Eastman's. Some of them look like pretty nice instruments.

I have a quote on a new Quartz OF for $860, and is very attractive for that price. Do you think the Eastman A styles (or other Asians) can compare at that price?



Scott

[ShaneJ]

I've had Kentucky and Michael Kelly mandolins, and I've plinked on cheap import Fenders, Johnson, and the like in stores. The Kentucky and the MK are playable, but nothing to write home about. I've not seen an Eastman in person yet, but most of the comments here put them in a different class altogether from the other PacRim mandos. I'm sure that all of their mandos don't sound the same. Probably some that sound better than others. They seem to be listening to the mandolin public and quickly incorporating suggested changes into their line. Their chief mandolin rep posts here quite often (EastmanGordon). If you can find any Eastmans to try before you buy, it might be worth the time. A used Gibson A9 or some other quality used American A style is likely to be the best bet for quality under $1,000. My $0.02 would be to spend $900 on the mandolin you settle on and save the other $100 to get a professional setup done by somebody that actually knows mandolins. That'll make a HUGE difference in playability and sound. Good luck on the search.

[Jasper]

I'll give a third vote to the used Gibson F9. It's the bottom end for Gibson, but their bottom end is still well above the imports. And for Bluegrass, you'll get that nice woody pop on the chop chords.

[TaxPhd]

Well, I went to two different shops today and picked on a lot of mandos.

I really like the wider neck of the Breedloves. Feels great. I found a used Breedlove Oregon in excellent condition for $1,150 (I think new they are around $2,200).

I played the Eastman 605 alongside a number of different MK's. It was OK, better than the MK's,but nothing about it - fit, finish, or sound, really reached out and grabbed me.

Played some Collings that were very nice, but out of my price range right now. Maybe some day.

I've upped my budget to $1,500. What do you recommend? That used Oregon, or something else?

Thanks!



Scott

[El Rey del Mando]

Now that you are up to 1,500,you might want to look around for a used Flatiron Festival or Performer model.They are out there in that price range.These things have quite a sound,especially pre 1996 models.IMHO.

John

[El Rey del Mando]

Scott, there is a nice looking 92 Flatiron festival on the cafe right now for 1,750 OBO.(No,it's not my ad)

John

[TaxPhd]

What is the difference between the Festival and the Performer?

[mandograss]

"You might consider buying used and keeping your eyes on the classifieds here. There was a Gibson A9 listed the other day for $850. I think it disappeared in about 10 minutes, though."
I was the lucky purchaser of that mando. It was my first one and it's sure sounds sweet. Got a real nice sound and feel. Having a blast playing along with CD's the best I can and learning scales and such. Narrow down your choice to a couple of models and keep tabs on the classifieds. You will find a suitable mando from somene here in no time I'm sure. I was looking at either the Collings MT or Gibson A9, and the Gibson was what popped up first in my price range. For $1500 you can find a used Collings MT for sure. Just keep looking. I think there is a Collings MT on eBay right now you may want to bid on. Last I saw it was at $1400.

[TaxPhd]

Mandograss,

I remember when that A-9 came up on the classifieds, and I thought to myself that I should just by it. But, I felt like I didn't know enough and needed to do more research. Oh well - you snooze, you lose! Hope you are enjoying it.

I can get a new A-9 for $1,300. Decent price, now that all the Guitar Center closeouts seem to be gone?



Scott

[jasona]

If you liked the wider neck, for $1500 you could get one of Laura Ratcliff's (http://silverangelmandolins.com) A5s...you might not even cry once. ;)

[Rick Schmidlin]

I'd wait till a used Colling MT apears. Then you'l never look back. Well maybe after MAS strikes you again,

Rick

[Kbone]

If you want to play bluegrass - go for that Montana Flatiron Festival" F model in the classifieds..