New guy here!

[cambolin]

Just want to say hello, First time at the Cafe...Kind of new to the mandolin...I play a very low end mandolin with a little quartet at work...little bit of every style of music with these guys..I do prefer bluegrass though...Anyway...I'd like to get a better quality mandolin...say in the 1000 dollar range..any ideas on a decent instrument in this price range considering resale for stepping up..

[JEStanek]

Go used, A style, with F holes. Weber Absaroka, Eastman 6X5, 8X5, if you can find a unsed Flatiron (older US made one) A style. Consider the Breedlove (wider, radiused neck with non traditional look). That's my $0.02

Jamie

[cambolin]

Thanks...I was looking at the Breedlove FF Quartz..and although they're not at all traditional looking..it played and sounded great...tons of volume..and the radius neck was nice to play..

[weleetkaoutlaws]

For Asian builders, in your price range, it's hard to beat a JBovier. Info on them is here: http://jbovier.net/

They make both A and F styles, all are solid woods, and exceptional values in Pac-Rim instruments. Each is expertly set up by Jeff before being sent to the dealer(s). My F5-Vine was great out of the box, and is opening up nicely over the past six months.

Good luck and welcome!!

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Eric F.]

The FF gets good reviews, though it is out of your stated price range. Bumping up to that amount of money gives you many more good options, including the Collings MT, which would be my choice, for what little that's worth. At a grand or less you can get a new Glenn student model A, a new Howard Morris A, a used Breedlove Quartz KF, new Quartz OF, used Gibson A9, various Eastmans. The general rule in this price range is you will get more for your money in an A style than in an F. If you live within even several hours' drive of a store with a good selection it will be worth checking out as many as you can in person.

[MikeB]

If the '$1000 range' means plus or minus $300, you stand a good chance of finding an old Gibson A--not a collectible, to be sure--but one heck of a player. Also, don't overlook old Martin As. They fit right in your budget range and for 'a little bit of every style of music.' I would think would be perfect. And, as everyone here, so far, has said: stick with an A model. MUCH better value. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[bradeinhorn]

if it is still there - a-9 for 950 in the classifieds this morning.

[cambolin]

Some great advice here! Thanks...time to ponder!

[Kevin Briggs]

Here's a good one: http://www.themandolinstore.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=8285

My old Breedlove was the first nice mandolin I ever had. It was so great. you'll knwo what I mean if you pull the trigger. Plus, Dennis is a great guy to buy from.

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

Steve Perry is a great resource, and he can get you a nice mandolin that range. He specializes in eastman mandolins, and also builds his own violins, so he knows what the heck he is doing.

Try reading this, also. This is from Steve's site: http://www.giannaviolins.com/esmando/info/Beginner1.html