Finding a decent mandolin for beginner

[ShiningStar]

Hi everyone, I have just found this place and hope to be here a very long time and get to know others. #

I absolutely love the mandolin and have decided to buy one to learn to play. #I play banjo, piano, and guiter, although it's been a while since I played the banjo. #

In searching the web trying to find a decent mandolin to start with I have found a Fender FM52E FM Series Acoustic-Electric Mandolin. #Here is the link:


http://www.mandolincafe.com/

I can't afford anymore than this right now, what do you all think? #Should I go with the acoustic-electric? #For a very inexpensive mandolin to start, is Fender good?

There's one on Ebay ending tonight here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws....me=WDVW (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10179&item=3723334862&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW)

Thank you so much for your advice on this and help. #

Gina

[sbarnes]

i have one just like it and i like it fine.....i think it's a good beginner instrument....i'm beginning to get mas (mandolin acquisition syndrome) and crave an f style but the fender has served me well......
be aware though that the ad on e-bay is a little misleading....it is not solid wood = it's laminate....i've played mine to learn (acoustic), to perform (plugged in) and to record - direct to board and it sounds good.....the only problem you might encounter is w/the setup....my intonation was pretty far off and needed some adjustment...although better, it still needs a good professional set up.....
of course it doesn't sound like a rigel, gibson, weber, etc. but for the money it's quite nice

[August Watters]

The Fender is an OK beginning level instrument. If it's important to be able to amplify it, that's an argument for going this way -- if bluegrass tone is more important, you'll do better with one of the acoustic Pac-rim A-styles (Kentucky, Rover, Morgan Monroe, etc.). Beware that any of these will need a professional setup, and very few dealers will tell you that since it's a significant extra expense. AND, you're going to outgrow it soon, if you're into playing.

At this price you're not far from affording a Mid-Missouri. If you can afford an extra $100 or so, the Mid-Mo is a much better solution, IMHO -- solid woods and well-made. (It will probably come with a good setup, so that closes the price gap a bit.) You may want something different later, but you're not likely to outgrow it, like you will with the Fender.

August W

[SandyBarRanch]

My vote is for the Mid-Missouri as well. I've looked at a lot of mandos in the lower to mid price range and IMHO Mid Missouris are the best value in the lower price range. I think the most basic models sound just about as good as the fancier ones, after the basic you start to pay for prettier wood & binding etc, but it seesm to me you don't gain extra tone in proportion to the extra price. If you can get your hands on an older used Mid Miss. all the better - they're a great value and you'll probably hold on to it forever - it's nice to have a cheap but playable mando around for road trips, camping etc. I strongly advise you play any mando before buying, if at all possible. I've found quite a wide variation in tone and playability among the same make and model. If you end up getting one via internet or mail order then it could be well worth it to pay a professional to set it up for you. Good luck!! I'm sure you'll enjoy whatever you end up with.

[mcmando]

Another vote for the mid missouri. I have 5 mandos and several are many times more expensive, but I still enjoy the mid mo and play it often. I feel that it's actually a better fit for some styles of music.

[fatt-dad]

I have several mandolins for sale in the "under $250.00" price range. Give me an email if you are interested - fatt-dad@richmond.com