View Full Version : Mandolin purchase help?
sroberts
Jun-25-2007, 2:59pm
Hi Folks, Think I listed this in the wrong area yesterday, anyway. Just joined the Cafe. Been a guitar player for 31 yrs and picked up the Banjo about a year ago and I want to take on the Mandolin next. My question is, I want to buy a Mandolin either new or used and need some advice as to what gives me the biggest bang for my buck. I want an F-style solid wood Mandolin and would like to keep the cost under $1,200 or so. I will be playing bluegrass and melodic and some classical. Kentucky, Eastman??? Is the Eastman 515 or 615 good enough or should I try the Kentucky KM-1000? Even looked at the washburn
or ovation electric...SO MUCH to learn http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
MikeEdgerton
Jun-25-2007, 3:49pm
My suggestion is to stretch a little bit and get a Kentucky KM-1000.
12 fret
Jun-25-2007, 5:19pm
It's not an F style but I've seen used Gibson A9's in your price range. When you move up to a domestic F in the future, you'll be able to get your money out of it easier and you'll have a better instrument in the meantime.
Greenmando
Jun-25-2007, 5:33pm
Hi My question is, I want to buy a Mandolin either new or used and need some advice as to what gives me the biggest bang for my buck. I want an F-style solid wood Mandolin and would like to keep the cost under $1,200 or so.
Flat out - the best bang for bucks is a used American made A style.
I bought a very nice used A9 here in the classifieds for $800. I see used Gibson F9's once in awhile for $1500 plus. The Eastmans are nice and do seem to retain some resale value.
A common thought here that I agree with is that a scroll is a thousand dollar strap holder.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/ferretkona/Mandolins/Gibson004.jpg
cooper4205
Jun-25-2007, 10:31pm
There's a nice Flatiron A5 (http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=24002&query=retrieval) for sale in the classifieds (no financial interest). for $1100 it would be worth checking out. They used to make some really nice and affordable pro-quality mandolins.
pjlama
Jun-26-2007, 12:39am
Ditto; american made 'A' http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Andrew Lewis
Jun-26-2007, 1:32am
There's a Weber Gallatin in the classifieds for $1250. That sounds like a pretty solid deal, and I think the Gallatin sound would fit what you're wanting to play. NFI. If I was in your position, I'd be all over that one...
Any Day Now
Jun-26-2007, 10:04am
The Eastman 615 is a great acoustic f-style for a very low price. I bought one recently and I like it a lot, very high sound quality, volume, and long sustain.
I do hear that some Eastmans (and all mandolins for the matter) don't sound as good as others so you might try to go to a big dealer and pick out one that you like.
swampstomper
Jun-26-2007, 10:22am
I have a bit different advice -- go down to a reputable dealer with a large stock of entry and mid-level models, who has a good shop for setup, and a good in-store warranty reputation. Take a good mando player with you, since you're not good enough yet to compare by playing. Have your friend try out the mandos with a standard set of pieces (also scales, chops etc.) as you listen. Take notes. Also ask for his (her) opinion about sound and playability. Most likely you will find something nice at a good price point. You should clearly hear the difference (also the playability) as you pass a "knick point" in the price-performance curve.
Having said that, if you can't hear much difference, and if a $150 Rover or whatever is decently set up and sounds reasonable, why not start with that? Although I admit, if you have a good guitar ear already, you'll certainly hear the difference at the $500 or $800 point.
An advantage of a dealer is that they often will take your beginner mando in trade when you can play better.
bgjunkie
Jun-26-2007, 10:48am
There's a Kentucky KM-1000 listed in the classifieds for $1100 + shipping.
DeRoy Posted
There's a Weber Gallatin in the classifieds for $1250. That sounds like a pretty solid deal, and I think the Gallatin sound would fit what you're wanting to play. NFI. If I was in your position, I'd be all over that one...
If it's maple bodied perhaps but the mahogany models don't really work for bluegrass.
Otherwise I emphatically agree with all of the other posters who recomended an A model. Much more bang for the buck and in your price range the only really viable option if you value tone over looks.
I recommend taking your time and visiting as many stores/jams/festivals as possible. Once you've played enough different models I think you'll find out the right mandolin will choose you.
GVD
sroberts
Jun-27-2007, 8:27am
I agree, but the problem here in Houston is, there are almost no Music stores that carry mandolins except all the standard el-cheapo models. I am not in a hurry, but am afraid I am going to have to eventually buy something without doing the touchy feely listening comparisons I want to:(
cwtwang
Jun-27-2007, 8:46am
Steve,
This is not an F--but I would forget about an F if you want under $1,200. I would go for a Gary Vessel student model A--it comes in burst, blonde or black, I believe. And, there was one in the classified-I'm surprised if it has not sold yet.
Seriously...Go for tone and playability in order to learn better and be more encouraged--then, it can be your backup mandolin when you eventually buy a really nice F-style. Because as we all know, every mandolin player needs at least two mandolins http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
Best,
Cheryl
Andrew Lewis
Jun-27-2007, 8:51am
Steve,
The last time I was at Fuller's Vintage Guitar (north loop 610, just west of 45), they had a good selection of mandos. You might look them up if you haven't already...
kymandolin59
Jun-27-2007, 9:43am
from the epicenter of bluegrass
you can get a great sounding f-style from jeff cowherd at mandolins and more for 750. the one i have just keeps getting better.
Andrew Lewis
Jun-27-2007, 10:06am
If it's maple bodied perhaps but the mahogany models don't really work for bluegrass.
I agree that the maple is the better BG sound, but if the OP wants to delve into classical or other sounds, the resonance and sustain of the mahog Gallatin may be his ticket. Personally, I think they can fit quite well in a BG setting as well (if the player plays it to fit, of course). YMMV
Why is it that, in a style of music which is ostensibly the music of simple rural folk, evolved from washtubs basses and other folk instruments, the traditional accepted standard style of mandolin is one for which folks apparently feel lots of money is spent on nothing more than visual embelishment?
Is the idea that we're supposed to be carving our OWN isntruments? #Or is it perhaps time to start bringing more A-styles to BG jams and changing the tradition?
ApK Posted ...Or is it perhaps time to start bringing more A-styles to BG jams and changing the tradition?
You're preaching to the choir here brother. When I bring my Kneeland A to a jam for the first time I might get a couple of snobbish looks from the F by gawd only crowd. They usually change their opinion pretty fast after the first couple of chop chords I hit on it rattles their fillings. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
GVD
cooper4205
Jun-27-2007, 8:39pm
Why is it that, in a style of music which is ostensibly the music of simple rural folk, evolved from washtubs basses and other folk instruments, the traditional accepted standard style of mandolin is one for which folks apparently feel lots of money is spent on nothing more than visual embelishment?
Is the idea that we're supposed to be carving our OWN isntruments? #Or is it perhaps time to start bringing more A-styles to BG jams and changing the tradition?
Bluegrass has been a commercial music from the get-go, and it all started on an F5. I would say that is the main reason most feel they need to play an F-style to hold that tradition (I love my A5, though and its all the bluegrass mandolin a man would ever need)
Timbofood
Jun-28-2007, 7:31am
F-5= Monroe. #Bows somewhat to the(sorry to say)" Monkey see, Monkey do" human nature. That being said, I have an F. #OOOh, OOOh, AaaH!
Shop as long as you need to to find something that feels good and sounds the way you want. I am in full agreemant with the "good shop,good warranty" theory. I have been lucky, my last mandolin was set up by a couple of guys that knew what to do, one of them was Bill from Billbows!