Looking for help picking out a mandolin

[mjblcb509mando]

I have been playing for a couple of years on a really inexpensive Rogue mandoline (less than $100).

I really want to upgrade but do not have a lot of money to spend. I would like to upgrade for a few years while I improve my skills.

I would like to find something for about $400, includng set up. After reading these boards, it seems set up is really important.

I would prefer an F-style, and used would be fine if it is a good deal.

Any help anyone could offer would be very appreciated.

thanks for your help

[JEStanek]

Drop the F style requirement and buy a used or Demo Eastman 505. These are hand carved individually made and finished mandolins. They are very good imports and many professional players play the Eastman line. I can speak from experience that the mandovoodoo is a good set up so if you can find one used that has been through that it's a good buy. Of course buying used doesn't tell you anything about how it was treated after it left the dealer. Try and get an approval period. That's what I would do in your position. If you can increase your budget to $600 you can get the scroll.

Jamie

[mjblcb509mando]

thanks for the advice. I could probably go to 700 if could make payments.

[mjblcb509mando]

What do you all think of The Loar. I found a new F for about $600?

Good deal or bad?

[powercat]

Big-Muddy / Mid-Missouri mandos are a good value in a flat A-style. A used Fullerton (check out the for sale area on this site) is also a pretty good value in an f-style. They are a pressed top mando, not carved, but they are all-solid wood. Once you replace the #### bridge with a good ebony one, they sound great for the around 400 or less you spent.

[JEStanek]

I'll stick with the used Eastman I recommended but I've not played a The Loar or a Loar Gibson for that matter. Ther reviews on the former are not so hot. The reviews on the latter are evenwith some fit and finish issues they're pretty desirable. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Jamie

PS there is a Breedlove Quartz OF in the classifieds for $675. That would be a good instrument (not very trad looking). American made, wide radiused neck... No financial interest to me.