Gibson "Epiphone" Mandolin

[8STRINGR]

Hi Folks!

Just throwing this topic into the ring of Cafe' Discussions but what's your opinion on the Gibson "Epiphone" MM-50 F-Style Mandolin ? It's model is based on the original 1920's Gibson Lloyd Loar F-5 Mandolins.

I've came across one at a good price (I think) that I would like to purchase for my Son who now owns an A Model but I would like for him to get the feel of an F model.

I can tell you that from the specs I've read is that it has a 14 inch scale finger board (I'll double check on this). It's an $900 mandolin that I could get for $500. Thanks for the help and advice you folks could give me! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[earthsave]

If you have shopped around and compared prices, and also they insure this mandolin is setup properly when it arrives, then you should have the information you need. Buying a Chinese made mandolin sight unseen and and F-style at that price, you will probably be getting a thin sounding mandolin.

IF you want to play bluegrass on it, then I would not recommend it. The main differences between and A and and F style mandolin are the balance, weight, and appearance. You usually pay anywhere from and extra $500-1000 for those differences when compared to a similar A style, if that makes sense.

I'd save up some more money, and in the mean time visit some music shops, play some top end mandolins, play some medium priced mandolins, and play some Epiphones and hear and feel the difference. IF you dont feel that is possible, buy from reputable dealers that insure the mandonlin is setup, offer a return policy, and even an upgrade policy if that is what you desire.

elderly.com
fqms.com
janetdavismusic.com

are businesses I feel comfortable buying from and will not sell a bad instrument.

[8STRINGR]

Thanks for the info., Scot (earthsave)! I appreciate the input! I was just wondering if anyone had heard, played or owned one and was curious about the quality of this low end intsrument, as well as wondering if it was reputable, being if was in the Gibson family before buying one of these. I know it was "Assembled in USA" and not "Crafted In USA". It's great to get input from the inside!

By the way, I checked out the bloomingstones webpage! Good Luck to you all with the new CD! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Cary Fagan]

I've used an MM-50 as a travel mandolin. It's ok but I wouldn't recommended for a primary instrument. You would be better off putting your 500 into a used A style that is all solid and carved instrument (the MM-50 only has a solid top and isn't carved. Also the neck is a bit heavy). A used Eastman is the obvious possibility. Perhaps a glenn student model?

The temptation is hard but try not to rush into an F style. It takes a fair bit of cash to get a good F. The lowest i'd go is a used Eastman 515. But it might be worth waiting. It wouldencourage your son to keep playing.

just a thought.

[Doug Edwards]

Don't let the Gibson part fool you, there is no comparison. I had a Korean MM-50 that was pretty decent, but have played several others that were not. The last two Chineese ones I saw were not very good.

Remember when Martin introduced the Sigma line (Korean). They looked like Martins but didn't compare much more than that.

[Jim Broyles]

They are usually all over eBay for $3-400.00 I would not call it a $900.00 mandolin. I have played a couple in music stores and was not very impressed. I agree with the idea of a used Eastman. If you want an F model you should be able to pick up a used 515 for around $750.00.

[8STRINGR]

Thanks all for your valued input! I'll hold off for now and keep saving. My son doesn't have any idea that I'm looking in to an F model for him so he'll be fine for the time being.

Thanks for helping me with looking into a better investment! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[Tim Saxton]

I bought one... got caught up with the pick guard and inlay. Promptly dumped it on ebay for a near loss. Keep shopping.

[cbarry]

I've got one of the "seconds" that Musician's Friend was selling last year. It was only $200 and it sounds like it. It got a great set up and fingerboard trim by Paul H., so it plays well, but still sounds kind of tinny to me. Even my used Michael Kelly is a far better sounding instrument. But I'd definitely take it on a plane to Europe! On the plus side, it's really pretty.
Chuck

[Adam Tracksler]

rover makes an F style - the RM75, I used to have one, and it was great, it was around $475.

[cooper4205]

dennis at themandolinstore.com always has some good beginner/intermediate mandolins and you can trust him to do you right (i have no financial interest_. while i know the michael kellys can be hit or miss they have a "mandolin store" special edition that looks really sharp and is all solid woods. you also might want to check out the new morgan monroe F1. i played one recently and was pretty impressed- all solid woods, ebony fretboard and pridge and a satin finish; it sounded very good, too. also you might be able to new alvarez in the $600 range. i just got an F3 ANT model and absolutely love it. any of these should be a step up from the epiphone. i had my eye on one a while back, but was really let down after i played a few of them.

[Chris Biorkman]

I have an MM-50 that I bought in the mid-90s that is in very good condition that I would be willing to part with for around $150.

Let me know if you are interested.

Chris

[cooper4205]

mid-90's would it be korean or japanese made, the older ones like yours i played were good mandos- i think some of them have solid backs and sides. my bad experiences were with the chinese made ones.

[spoefish]

I had a late 90's Korean made MM-50 and it was a very nice mandolin. #It was solid back and top (maybe sides, could not tell) and the back was very plain. #Mine had a professional set up and played nicely and sounded very good for what it was. #I think the earlier ones from Korea are nicer than the current ones from China, and set up is everything on mandolins in this price range. #The finish is a bit thick, but the construction was neat and well done. #I would think any student or beginner would be very happy with one of these, and the fellow up in Nova Scotiaa who bought mine was quite pleased (about $500 as I remember). #I think with current used prices an Eastman
A might be a better deal - I just got a used 804 from a dealer for $500, and I expect this to be a good upgrade. #My 604 has been great for the OT music I play. #Definitely think at this price the Eastman is better than the Epiphone, but if you want a scroll and a little more BG sound .....

Stephen

1992 Flatiron Cadet, black top
2003 Weber custom Hyalite (gloss, sunburst, maple)
2004 Arches A style f hole, walnut, # my favorite
2004 Eastman 604 (being upgraded to an 804)

[Mikey G]

I have a Korean built MM 50 that I believe was built in 1999. It's a really cool looking mandolin, and sounds surprisingly good: it always has. It was my first "real" mandolin, so I've never really considered selling it. It's great to take on a camping trip, or to let one of your buddies noodle around on.

[piknleft]

Glad to see this thread pop up. I bought my dad a MM30 back in the mid/late '70s. Label says , Made in Japan. He never really tried to play and passed it on to my brother who also never really tried. Well my brother moved back to Ohio when he retired and last week brought it to me. Said "Here, you're the one that bought it." It still looks new, and sounds pretty good actually. I can't bring myself to jus' let it go after all these years. It's a righty and I'm a lefty so I'm thinkin' of having it converted and making it my "boat beater". Jus' thinkin' out loud...........any luthiers in northern Ohio? Thanks, Mike

[cooper4205]

those made in japan one's are usually keepers from i hear

[Jim Broyles]

Not to hijack the thread, but how would one go about coverting a righty F to a lefty? I mean, would you cut off the scroll and points and move them to the other sides of the mando? Seems like a lot more trouble and expense than it would be worth. Just curious.

[piknleft]

It's an "A" style. New nut and bridge/saddle, and remove the pickguard. Mike

[Jim Broyles]

Oh. The MM50 is an F style now. Guess it was an A back then.

[piknleft]

Oops,my bad on that one. My apologies, jb, mine's a MM30 No.80865

Not for real positively sure what to do with it. Thanks, Mike

[Patrick Sylvest]

I played one of these at Guitar Center today. Not bad, but I wasn't impressed. It certainly wasn't an improvement over my Epiphone mm30E A style. It was the first F mandolin I've ever played; there aren't any to be found in south Louisiana music stores.

I can't wait to get to Nashville and play a few different ones.

[Mando-Loon]

Yeah, what Cayenne said. Although the F had a deeper bass response to it. It felt pretty good but no better than my MM30E/AS.