Rover Mando's

[stegerman]

I am brand new to mandolin, but have been playing guitar for years. I am looking to get something I can take camping with little or no worry. My local 'mom and pop' guitar shop can offer me a new Rover RM-50(black) for $109 including set up. The guy who owns the shop is very knowledgeable and a standup person. I don't think I will ever play mando enough to warrant spending the big dollars most of you do.

Any feedback.

[James P]

I've got an RM-35 that I use for a campfire mando. It'd be interesting to hear what constitutes a free setup in your neck of the woods. Out of the box mine needed a new nut and the bridge re-slotted just to get the string spacing right. A little filing of the fret ends and some new strings helped too.
I paid more for the setup than I did for the mandolin. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif But I like my Rover now.

[stegerman]

When I was in there last time and ready to buy, he was setting up the last one he had in stcok (already sold). We talked and that was what sold me, he does whatever it ttakes to make sure it's playing at max potential before it heads out the door.

I know this is a very low end mandolin (especially in relation to what it looks like most play on here) but does no one have any feedback about the brand, comparative mandolins for the price etc... I don't want or expect buyers remorse, but I also don't know much.

Thanks

[Eric F.]

Stegerman, it sounds like you can't lose. That's a good price, and the seller seems to be willing to do whatever it takes to make the mando work for you. At this price point, the set-up and attention paid by the dealer are key. I know that a number of people have bought and been happy with the RM-75, which is the all-solid wood F style Rover. The RM-50 is the A style equivalent and I see no reason why it should not be just fine for you. I have seen these listed at $135, so I think you're getting an excellent deal, especially if the setup is included.

Not everyone here plays a 25k mandolin, by the way. Or even a 2.5k mandolin! There are people with Loars and people with Rovers. It's all good.