Looking to Upgrade but still on a budget

[hhvolfan]

I currently have a MK Mando, I like it, it has served me well. Now I am looking to buy me a better, American made mandolin, But I am still looking at keeping the price under $3000 total.

I want an F style, I am considering the F-9 Gibson, or a Weber Gallatin. Does anyone out there have any other good suggestions?

[Frank Russell]

If you want to play bluegrass, get the F9. Gallatins are nice, but you will need the maple back upgrade if you want any volume. Frank

[Greenmando]

I think there is more value in buying a used mando. I love my Flatiron festival F, they can still be found for less than $2000. I have seen some F9's at the same prices. Even more value in A styles, like a Collins or a Nugget, a lot of money goes into the scrolls.

[Ken Sager]

Of everything mentioned here for value I'd go with the Montana built Flatiron A. I've heard some early 90's Flatiron A's ($1200-1600) that stomp into the ground any of the new Flatirons or Gibsons (A or F short of the Master Model). I'd also look at Bill Bussman's Old Wave ($1800-3600), and Don Paine's Pomeroys (~$3.5k).

For the record, I have a Pomeroy and love it. I also have a Collings A, and a Weber Bitterroot. They're all VERY different, so I'd suggest playing a bunch of different mandolins, look for a builder that has a sound you like, then find the one instrument that stops you in your tracks and makes you realize you were meant for each other.

Don't let anybody else tell you different than what you feel deep in your bowels.

You'll find the one, just take some time and enjoy the hunt.

Best,
Ken

[fatt-dad]

What about the Old Wave Lineup? I think they are in the sub $3,000.00 range.\

f-d

[Coy Wylie]

Weber Yellowstone or Custom Bitterroot. Used Custom Bitterroots can be found in the price range of an F9 but have great finish, flame and radiused boards.

[dj9124]

I have a 81 Taggart F5 that is seasoned, in excellent shape and a real hoss for $2800 if interested.

[Albert Whiting]

i would definitely not go with an f9. there are alot better mandolins than that on the market. one place you might want to check is mandolins.net. jeff will tell the truth about what he has and he offers a 48 hr approval. check out the lebeda mandolins. the finish is absolutely perfect and the tone is great.

[hhvolfan]

Thanks for the help, I'm taking my time, and will want to play several. I liked the comment about finding one that'll stop me in my tracks. I have seen several that I really liked, but the biggest thing stopping me in my tracks was the price. I know that I will eventually find one in my range.

Has anyone here ever played a Janish? What do you think about these Mandolins?

Thanks, hh

[JimW]

hhvolfan, you'll get many differing opinions on this subject, as you've already seen. Some will tell you one mandolin is better than others, and some will boldly tell you to definitely stay away from a particular brand or model. Each of us has our own personal favorites, and those favorites are based usually on our experiences with a particular mandolin. Many things will influence that judgment, including what genre is being played, playing style, level of playing ability, etc.

My favorite genre is Bluegrass, and therefore I will look for that particular sound in an instrument. This should be the first place you start, knowing what you are going to be playing and the sound you want. Then, start narrowing your search by playing as many mandolins in your price range as possible. In your budget of ~3k, you should be able to find a fantastic mandolin that will give you many years of enjoyment and one that you'll be satisfied with. Your search should focus more on "inclusion" rather than "exclusion".

Now, in your initial post you ask for suggestions within your budget and you mentioned two particular mandolins, the Weber Gallatin and the Gibson F9. I have no experience with the Weber, but I do currently have a Gibson F9 that I really like. It has that traditional throaty Gibson bluegrass sound that I look for in a mandolin. So, have fun with your search, and again, play as many as you can find, and don't exclude anything based on other opinions. You'll know when you pick up and play the right mandolin for you.

Jim Watts