advice on upgrade

[mandomaybe]

I think it may be time for an upgrade, after playing my first and only mando, a Mid Mo M1. I've played a friend's Breedlove, but it's a little out of my range, tho I like how it sounds. Played an oval hole Eastman, 604?, used, and liked it a lot, should have bought it for $500. Anyway, having played those two brands, are there other brands in the used $600-700 range that folks recommend? For now I think I'll keep my eyes open for a used Eastman, but I'm always interested in other ideas. Thanks.

[fatt-dad]

I think a Breedlove in the $600-$700 range is a real option. There is/was a nice one on ebay that ends/ended today somewhere in the $600.00 range.

f-d

[JEStanek]

If you're not strictly looking for an oval hole there is this Laura Ratcliff (http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=19489&query=retrieval) A style with F holes in the classifieds (no financial interest) that people would dream of for $950 (s smidge out of the range but... since it's used you could probably get that back if you ever chose to sell it again.

The mandolin store (has some in the classifieds) caries some used Eastmans as well.

Can you tell us what music style you want to be doing and, are you wanting to sell the mid-mo (300-400) to help finance the new acquisition? I would recommend you keep the mid mo as they are such well loved and respected mandolins.

Jamie

[Got8Strings]

How about a Weber Aspen #2 with a D hole? I recently dropped the price of mine in the classifieds not quite down to $700, but a real bargain for the quality.

Aspen (http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=19289&query=retrieval)

If you might be interested please contact me via the classified ad.

[mandomaybe]

well, keeping the Mid-Mo would be nice, but I can't afford to have two mandolins. As for style of music, I'm not a serious player, but having fun adding the mando to favorite singer/songwriter stuff with friends who play guitar (which is my first instrument), and slowly picking up some of the easier old-timey things. Not a bluegrass player.
While I've liked the Mid-Mo, the G strings bug me. They have a sort of muddy sound. It reminds me of when I've played some Martin guitars next to my Taylor; the Martins don't seem to have as crisp a bottom, and that's how the Mid-Mo strikes me, although I love the tone of the rest of the instrument.
I think I'll keep shopping for a used Eastman or Breedlove, as they have the most pleasing tones, at least to my tin ear, for the money I have to spend. Any other ideas for that type of woody, but not muddy, sound would be appreciated. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[JEStanek]

Used Eastman ovals pop up in the classifieds and also at the Mandolin Store (http://www.themandolinstore.com/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=51). There is ad 19468 in the classifieds for a 604 Eastman for $599 shipped. NFI on any oth these. I just like my Eastman.

Jamie

[otterly2k]

These are good options. You might also look for a Rigel A natural. These are not so common b/c they're not making them any more, but once in a while they come up.

Whichever way you go, I suggest you insist on a trial period. There can be variability among instruments, and you want to make sure it's worth enough to you to let go of that Mid-Mo.

Also-- you might consider if you have any particular preferences for flat vs. radius neck, neck profile and width, big fretwire or small... as the mandos mentioned vary on these features, and if you have a preference, it could indicate a sensible direction for your search.

[charliede]

Here is a thought. Put a different set of strings on your Mid-Mo. Try D'Addario FT-74, for instance.:blues:

[otterly2k]

Very good point, Charlie.

truly, mandomaybe, if you like your Mid-Mo, you should definitely try tweaking it before jumping to an upgrade... if only to allow yourself more time to save up $ for a bigger upgrade in the future... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

KE

[DryBones]

I agree, the new Mid-Mo's come with GHS PF250's. you may want to try a different size/brand of strings before abandoning it.

[mandomaybe]

Thanks for reminding me about strings. Right now I have D'Addario EXP75's on it. Also realized an obvious fact, that pick thickness affects sound greatly, at least in my playing. But that's a whole 'nother thread http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[arbarnhart]

You have a no frills $500 (new - probably $350 or so used) mandolin by a company who arguably might provide the most bang for the buck below a grand. I don't think you are all that likely to get a similar but better mando in your range. You could get a different (carved top and/or f hole) mandolin that might be as good. I concur with the previous comments about strings. I hear really good things about the strings at JazzMando and may try thos myself the next time I run out. Are they the right gauges for a Mid Mo?

[mandomaybe]

thanks for all the comments. I'm heading down to Buffalo Brothers in a few days to sample whatever they've got. I bought my Mid-Mo there, and with their very friendly trade-in policy... well, who knows what'll happen.

[8ch(pl)]

there is a Freshwater in the classifieds for $500.

[mandomaybe]

Just did some sampling of mandos at Buffalo Brothers. Came away keeping my mid-mo. Not that I didn't hear better sounding instruments, but not in my price range, which may have to go up from $600 or so (for used) to $1000. But it was a good reminder that as helpful as it is to ask folks about different instruments, nothing beats going to a store that has a good inventory and trying a bunch of them.
At $900 -$1000 I found some nice mandos, and also realized I don't now what i really want!! At that price I liked a new Breedlove 00, but also loved the sound of a 1910 Gibson A4. The thing was kind of beat up looking (as I probably will be at age 96), but it sure sounded great. There was a quality (also in a 1916 model I played) that I just didn't hear in new mandolins. I guess they knew what they were doing when they made them.

[otterly2k]

nothing beats going to a store that has a good inventory and trying a bunch of them

Amen to that!~


There was a quality (also in a 1916 model I played) that I just didn't hear in new mandolins. I guess they knew what they were doing when they made them.

Yes, certainly... AND the aging process itself is part of the equation here.

It's a good idea to save up more so you can get what you like...you might find a used Breedlove OO pretty close to your range (they often pop up at around $700-750)... now that you know you like that instrument. These instruments are pretty consistent in how they're made, so if you find one that is in good condition (and ask about fretwear as well as repair history,etc.), it's a good bet that it'll sound as good as or better than a new one. My experience is that these can sound/feel kind of stiff at first, but open up nicely with playing.

Old Gibsons that are any good (and free of major repair work) usually don't come in under $1k... and can go up to $2k+ for the good ones. What I'd say about them is that given the huge variability in the conditions they may have experienced, and may be in now, you really must play the actual instrument before buying.... I certainly wouldn't suggest buying one online or from a distance without a decent return policy, but would definitely encourage you to check out any local ones in person. And sometimes the really plain looking ones with no frills end up sounding just terrific...

Meanwhile, it's a good thing you have that Mid-Mo!