Recommendation

[Thundercranium]

I have finally decided to take the plunge and buy a mandolin. I've been playing guitar and singing for close to 30 years, the last few as a semi-pro.

I play solo, as well as with two bands; I need something that I can plug in occasionally to play with the bands, but primarily for acoustic jamming for pleasure.

If I were to set my price ceiling at $500, what would be the best instrument for me.

I know that an A style is probably going to be a better buy, but forgive my shallow nature - Daddy wants an F #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Jim Broyles]

You answered your own question three hours ago in the Fullerton thread. Do it. You can try it free for 45 days. Use the rest of the money to get a good case, strap, extra strings and study material. Maybe even a cast tailpiece, which is the only thing I would want to add to mine.

[Thundercranium]

You answered your own question three hours ago in the Fullerton thread. Do it. You can try it free for 45 days. Use the rest of the money to get a good case, strap, extra strings and study material. Maybe even a cast tailpiece, which is the only thing I would want to add to mine.
You're right, of course.

Pardon my newbiness, but do you have any suggestions on the best (and obviously least expensive) way to add amplification?

I'll do a search - it's probably been covered to death!

[ab4usa]

Bases on what I've read here, the best is probably a Shertler Dyn M, but is's $400. I just installed a Schatten VVM Pro and I'm very pleased witht he sound and the price was $125.

[PCypert]

For 500 bucks the only one that really is quality to me is a Mid Missouri.

Paul

[gnelson651]

Although I nver used one, for an inexpensive pickup, I hear that FISHMAN MANDOLIN PICKUP (http://elderly.com//new_instruments/items/M100.htm) is a good choice for $130.00. Add to that a FISHMAN PRO-EQ II PREAMP/EQ (http://elderly.com/new_instruments/names/FISHMAN-PRO-EQ-II-PREAMP/EQ--FPEQII.htm) for $130.00 and you're good to go for under $500, including the Gloucester at $199.00. Around it off with a Travelite Case for about $70 to complete the setup.

You'll have to take into consideration a pro setup for the Fishman. Not sure how much that will be.

[Thundercranium]

Thanks everybody.

Sorry to be a bother. I've been wanting a mandolin for some time as I posted earlier. My wife and I are expecting a daughter in about 5 weeks, so I seem to be (pardon the pun) fretting overmuch any buying decision. I appreciate your patience and indulgence.

Cheers

[mythicfish]

Save your money ... you'll need it for the wedding. And the medical bills and the diapers and on and on ...

Curt

[Thundercranium]

Save your money ... you'll need it for the wedding. And the medical bills and the diapers and on and on ...

Curt
Weddings and diapers I can handle.

I live in Canada, so medical bills are not an issue.

So...where's me new mandolin? #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[8ch(pl)]

Paul, I posted about Giannini mandolins from Brasil. There are 2 of them for $399 each at the Folklore Center on Brunswick Street. One of them would be a good starter.

I live in Dartmouth.

[newbreedbrian]

I live in Dartmouth.
No one likes a braggart http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

And I won't hold either of those things against you http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[8ch(pl)]

Don't be rude Brian.

I actually live in Cole Harbour.

[Greg H.]

If you're set on getting an F model, one decent option would be a Rover from Greg Boyd (http://www.gregboyd.com/mando.html). Those aren't bad little mandolins for the price and this way you know it's been setup by someone who knows mandolins

[Thundercranium]

Paul, I posted about Giannini mandolins from Brasil. #There are 2 of them for $399 each at the Folklore Center on Brunswick Street. #One of them would be a good starter.

I live in Dartmouth.
Thanks - I'll check them out.

I grew up in Darkness myself. I saw the light one day and moved to the brighter side of the harbour http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I still have in-laws, parents and siblings in Dartmouth, so I do "go over to the dark side" quite often.

Do you play out at all or do any jamming? I'd love to hear you play.

Cheers

[newbreedbrian]

Don't be rude Brian.

I actually live in Cole Harbour.
Just joshing Glen http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[8ch(pl)]

I know Brian, I was refering to one of your earlier posts........

Paul, I will be going to a Kitchen Party Friday night at 7 at the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm. It is sponsored by the Harbour Folk Society. There is a featured band called Homefires which specialises in World War 2 songs. You can come out to it, it is no cost, they pass the hat for the band is all. Coffee, tea, treats etc are for sale.

I also perform with a group called Kindred Spirits. We entertain at seniors residences.

[newbreedbrian]

figured that was probably it, just wanted to make sure. i'm one to talk anyway, living at the bottom of fairview http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[8ch(pl)]

Yeah but you got a great Mandolin - Taggart A.

[Thundercranium]

I know Brian, #I was refering to one of your earlier posts........

Paul, I will be going to a Kitchen Party #Friday night at 7 at the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm. #It is sponsored by the Harbour Folk Society. #There is #a featured band called Homefires which specialises in World War 2 songs. #You can come out to it, it is #no cost, they pass the hat for the band is all. #Coffee, tea, treats etc are for sale.

I also perform with a group called Kindred Spirits. #We entertain at seniors residences.
I used to do the HFS thing years ago, whne they gathered at Sidney's Cellar in HFX.

I'll try to get out some evening.

[hanknc]

Eastman 505

[brandt]

If you're set on getting an F model, one decent option would be a Rover from Greg Boyd (http://www.gregboyd.com/mando.html). Those aren't bad little mandolins for the price and this way you know it's been setup by someone who knows mandolins
Same sitch here - guitar player for 30 years and that is exactly what I did - Rover from Greg Boyd with a great set up and you have a terrific instrument for under your budget.