My first mandolin?

[atljogger]

I am looking at purchasing my first mandolin F-style for bluegrass. #I've never played one before but I already play some guitar and banjo so I am comfortable flatpicking. #
I want something Used, cheap, but nice to play. I don't care about cosmetics at all as long as the neck is straight and it is easy to play (not an "entry-level). #I would rather have a higher-end model very old and worn, then a cheaper model new or in great shape. I would prefer to purchase one that doesn't need repairs or maintenance however (if possible). #

For those of you familiar w/ banjos, my first banjo has been a Gold Star GF85 - in the banjo world this is considered a good intermediate buy b/c its affordable and has strong tone. #What are the comparable mando brands/models? #Any advice is greatly appreciated before I jump on Ebay and start bidding.

Thanks,
R

[Walter Newton]

Welcome to the Cafe...I don't know anything about banjos but a Google search says a new GF-85 is $900, in that price range I'd say forget an F style (you don't care about cosmetics, right? #A's are simpler to produce and will always give more bang for the buck) and go for a used American made A, something like the Weber Absaroka currently in the classifieds.

[John Flynn]

I agree with Walter on the A versus F thing. You are definitely getting more instrument for you money with an A. If it were me, I would get one of those new Kentucky KM-505's for $500 and hold out a some money for a full, detailed setup and a good case.

[DryBones]

for under $1000 I would seriously take a look at the JBovier Tradition if you need an F style. I would also 2nd the suggestion of going with a good used A style for more bang for the buck or try JBovier A style new.

[atljogger]

Thanks for the advice. #I should be a little bit clearer on what I am looking for - I do now want to spend over $500 on this. #I was using the GF85 banjo as a comparison of quality, not price. #To be honest, I'd love to find one around $300 in good playing shape but maybe poor cosmetic shape. #I am planning on using this more for recording so I don't care about the look. #This will be my first mandolin and I don't want to drop $1K on it when I can't even play yet. #I have learned from past experience with taking up a new instrument that the beginner stage is easier with a nicer instrument that's easy to play. #

Why an A-style over an F-style? #I plan to record primarily bluegrass-style music.

Thanks again.

[Don Christy]

Why an A-style over an F-style? #I plan to record primarily bluegrass-style music.

Thanks again.
Most people agree that f-style doesn't impact the sound and is primarily cosmetic. What you do need for bluegrass is an instrument that can produce a good percussive chop and cut through a band with banjo, etc. Most people prefer an instrument with f sound holes rather than an oval sound hole for this purpose. So not an f-style but an f-hole.
YMMV
Don

[atljogger]

Great - so it sounds like for my price range I need to be looking for a Used A-Style with the F hole. Can anyone throw out a couple of mando makes/brands to look for given my $ range and the fact that I want Used and don't care how old or worn it is. Good tone is really my main focus for recording purposes.

Thanks

[ab4usa]

F style mandolins are typically 40% more expensive and don't add much/any (depending on what side of the argument you are on) difference in tone. For $300 (even used) you are probably looking at a Pac-Rim A style with f holes. The best you can hope for is a solid wood used Kentucky or something similar.

[8ch(pl)]

I would look at the following,used mandolins:

Gibson A9,
Weber Absaroka,
Flatiron A, if you can find one.

[atljogger]

What is a good price on a Used Gibson A-40? #I know a guy selling an old late 60's model in decent shape.

[Tighthead]

This is the one for you, if you can swing it (NFI):

Eastman in the Classifieds (http://http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=25172&query=retrieval)

[des mando]

second on the eastman huge value good hardware and you can get your money back if you decide to

[Jim M.]

I think you need to learn a bit more about mandolins if you seriously want a decent one. Why do you think that $300 will get you the equivalent quality of a $900 banjo? Mandolins have carved wood tops and backs that require more effort and skill than nailing a skin on a circle.

Look on Ebay -- 1926 Gibson mando for $95K / 1927 Gibson Granada banjo for $11K

[Jim MacDaniel]

From the classifieds: A very nice A-style F-hole Weber Absaroka, $900 (http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=25092&query=retrieval)

[bluegrassjack2]

Get you a good JBovier 'A' model and you'll be happy.

[JEStanek]

If you can find a used Eastman 505 that would be a great place to start. The JBoviers have gotten quite the buzz here but I haven't played one. For less than $500 you options are slim and limited to Asian imports. Some are better than others. If new, all would benefit from a good set up. The Eastmans have more narrow necks and thinner fret wire. They are also totally hand carved and have a good thin finish (other imports have thick finishes).

At closer to $1000 you can really get something good on the used market. The used market opens up used Weber, Gibson, Flatiron (original recipe and or Nash recipe) a style instruments. Also, and slightly less traditional looking Breedloves. There is also the Glenn Student Model all handmade in the states that folks really seem to like.

Good luck.
Jamie

[MandoBen]

Get an old beat up Stradolin, $250-$350 http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[JEStanek]

If you pursue the beat up old Stradolin have someone in the know check it out for you. I got one for $100 and it really needs it's neck reset and a new bridge. If possible have someone in the know go with you when you check them out. Even if the person only knows guitars well they'll be able to tell you if the thing intonates well or if its ridiculously hard to fret.

Jamie

[atljogger]

Are the Stradolin's all wood instruments? #Of all of the A-style mandolins recommended here under $500 - Kentucky, JBovier, Eastman, Stradolin - which would give me the best tone for the price. #Again, I am using this primairly to record with so I'm less concerned about look. #The Stradolin actually sounds like it would be a cool instrument but I would probably be doing EBAY on that so no telling what kind of work it would need.

[otterly2k]

Truly, "best" tone is a very subjective matter. In addition to that, there is variation among instruments of the same make and model... especially with mass-produced instruments at the lower end of the price spectrum where you are looking, and among older instruments (such as the Stradolins)where condition can really vary.

Really, rather than going on names alone, you would do better to go and play a bunch, if that is at all possible for you geographically. If there are stores near you that stock instruments, go try them. If there are festivals that take place near you, go and listen and ask questions.

The general advice to look for an A style with f-holes is good advice, as the scroll is mostly decorative and costs a lot (in time and therefore money) to make. Keep an eye on the Classifieds here. But really -- get out there and try some instruments if you possibly can.

You've gotten some good info here to narrow the field... but nobody can tell you what will be "best" to you.

[MandoBen]

I really don't think ebay is the way to go for an instrument because no matter what you get from who, there is a 99% chance that you will have to pay for a professional setup anyway. Since it is primarily recording you plan to use it for and tone is your number one priority, you really should hold it in your hands
and listen to it before you buy it.

[fatt-dad]

In every post you write about how you're not interested in how it looks, wanting a mandolin that's worn. My bet, if somebody has a worn mandolin they're busy playing it and it's not likely for sale.

If you really want to only spend $300.00 for a mandolin, look for a used KM-250s (Kentucky). They're not bad.

[Jkf_Alone]

you want an answer? buy a new kentucky, have it set up, then learn how to play it. if you are mainly using it for recording, it doesnt need the best tone or volume on earth. when i had only been playing for a few months (on a kentucky) i went to elderly and tried out VERY expensive stuff (20k gibbys, webers, collings, independant makers) and the only things i could make sound good were that 499 mk festival pack, a small independant (evergreen?) and an old martin bent top.
this was because of lack of expiriencve

[atljogger]

Thanks. #OK - I am looking at these 2 mandolins at Janet Davis. First is the Kentucky KM-630 F-style? #http://www.janetdavismusic.com/kmand.html $596 for an F-style with Solid Spruce top and laminate maple back/sides. However, they also recommended the Rover RM-75 as a first instrument, which has solid maple back/sides and a solid spruce top for $369. http://www.janetdavismusic.com/rm75.html
Over $200 cheaper for all solid wood - what am I missing here? I wonder if one would be harder to play than the other, or does it come down to setup in the end.

- R

[ab4usa]

They also have a Kentucky 505 A style that is less expensive and all solid wood. All things considered it's a better deal.

[Jkf_Alone]

dont buy a 630, they arent solid wood. the rovers have many good reviews and some bad. buy one from elderlys if you buy it, and have them double check the set up.

[Jason Holmes]

Another thing to think about is that there is solid wood and then there is carved solid wood. Some more economical instruments do in fact have solid tops, but they're heat pressed into shape and not carved. The bracing probably helps them hold their shape over time, but still I'd shoot for something solid and carved.

[Alex Orr]

Dude! #I understand the desire for that scroll. #Around here it's called "scroll envy". #However, the scroll is also known as a "$300 Strap hanger" (price figure may vary). http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

On average, for under $750, you will NOT find an F-style mandolin that is better than an A-style for a comparable price. #This is just the economy of mandolins. #Yes, exceptions abound, but if you are looking for the general consensus opinion, then that is IT. #

Monroe had a scroll, you want to play bluegrass mandolin, so you feel you need a scroll. #That is the wrong idea. #In general, most folks will tell you that the scroll does nothing to affect the sound (although again, a minority will debate that tooth and nail). #All-solid wood, preferably with a hand-carved top...that's what you want. #In general, laminate back and sides means inferior...although, again, there are countless individual exceptions to that rule.

I started playing back in January and have a Kentucky 380S. #It's been a perfectly good starter mando and it sounds tons better than any of the sub-$800 F-styles that I've played (I still have yet to hear a Michael Kelly that sounds all that good). #That being said, I am well aware of its shortcomings (especially after playing several Collings and a sweet Quartz FF) and it only fuels the burgeoning MAS that I struggle to control. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

You should be able to find a good 380S pretty cheap. #Get a good set-up (that is very important) and maybe switch out the stock-nut for a bone nut. #You can also consider upgrading the saddle from the stock rosewood to a good ebony bridge. #That should be all you need for a good starter mando that should sound good for recording as well. #

Also, I'm not sure that the mando will make a ton of diference in your recording at this point. #You say you can't play it, but you're going to use it for recording? #It sounds like your first priority should be learning #to play accurately with good tone. #Then perhaps you can start getting more picky about the mandolin.

If you are willing to spend a bit more, order an Eastman 505 from Gianna's Violins. #I'm pretty sure set-up is included, and for below $750, the general consensus usually seems to be that you will not find a better mandolin. #Hell, you may even be able to drive up there if you live in Atlanta.

If nothing else, go to Gianna's site and read their beginner's tutorial on selecting a mandolin, it will explain a lot.

http://www.giannaviolins.com/esmando/home.html

Good luck and enjoy it. #Mandos are devious little suckers that somehow suck away the time you might have previously spent playing other instruments. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Dan McIntyre]

AltJogger: I agree with mandoBen! I once owned one of the 1930 - 1940 ish Strad-O-Lin and it was one of the best playing and warmest sounding mandolin that I have ever owned. I picked it up on Ebay when I first started to learn the mando for around $300. I now have an Alvarez A style, Vantage 2-pointer, and my main axe now, believe it or not, is a Fullerton (F9 copy) that I picked up from Music 123 for $179 when they were closing them out. I also purchased a Weber, Big Sky from the Mandolin Cafe classified section a few years ago but wound up selling it because I needed the money and I didn't think I was good enough to own a $3000 mando! Anyway, check out item number 130157226698 on Ebay. It looks a lot like the Strad-O-Lin that I had. Solid Spruce top, Maple back and sides, good neck and frets. Probably will need new strings and some set up. If I could convince my wife that I would sell some of my fiddles, mandolins or guitars, I might would bid on it, but that won't happen! Ha! Good luck on learning the mando! When you learn real good, and want a real challenge, start working on the fiddle like I did about a year ago. Best Wishes, Dan

[sinebar]

I am looking at purchasing my first mandolin F-style for bluegrass. #I've never played one before but I already play some guitar and banjo so I am comfortable flatpicking. #
I want something Used, cheap, but nice to play. #I don't care about cosmetics at all as long as the neck is straight and it is easy to play (not an "entry-level). #I would rather have a higher-end model very old and worn, then a cheaper model new or in great shape. #I would prefer to purchase one that doesn't need repairs or maintenance however (if possible). #

For those of you familiar w/ banjos, my first banjo has been a Gold Star GF85 - in the banjo world this is considered a good intermediate buy b/c its affordable and has strong tone. #What are the comparable mando brands/models? #Any advice is greatly appreciated before I jump on Ebay and start bidding.

Thanks,
R
I just got an Eastman 615 about a week ago and I really like it. It sounds great even when I play it. The Mandolin Store gives some good deals on them.

[jim simpson]

Here's a shot of my 1st mandolin. It was kind of pathetic with pieces of inlay missing and not much in the tone department. My 2nd mandolin was a Harmony/Monterey that was a big improvement.