Mandolin suggestions

[gri_kgriggs]

Im new to the mandolin scene and currently have a cheap Fender A (with f holes) from a music store. Im looking to upgrade to an F style mandolin in the $400-$500 range. Some I have looked at were Kentucky, Bean Blossom, Dean, & Morgan Monroe.
Does anyone have any suggestions??

[DryBones]

save a few hundred more and get an Eastman 515. (somebody was going to say it, might as well be me http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif )

[Jim Broyles]

Read this thread. (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=13;t=37864)

[JEStanek]

Be like Tim O'brien and get an A style. You'll save money or get more mando-tone for the same price. If possible buy used. There are some used in that range in our classifieds. Easmtan makes nice instruments. Their 500 series seem to sound as good as their fancier models (with mando to mando variations of course). I like my Eastman better than I did the Morgan Monroe I had. If possible play a bunch and let your ears and hands decide.

Jamie

[Celtic Saguaro]

I'd agree with Dry Bones. #First understand that A-styles are a better value, particularly at the low end. So getting an f-style that truly is an upgrade is not going to be a small step in price. The price range you are talking about for an f-style won't give you a better mandolin, just a prettier one, probably with worse tone than what you already have. Save a little more wait a little more and get something in the $750 to $1000 range. #You'll be much happier in the end.