Valencia mandolins

[mcstrange]

I recently bought a Valencia MD30/VS mandolin.
I know it is an entry level instrument, I'm just starting on the mando. Can anyone tell me more about it? What wood, is it a solid top?
It looks fine but the wood seems to be el cheapo. I am quite happy with it, paid 120 US with a hard case. Was I robbed? #
It sounds ok to me but I am interested to hear what more experienced folk have to say about it.

[mcstrange]

Are you all sleeping?
Simple question.

[mandoanon]

I dont know anything about that particular mandolin. But, if you like it, it should be a great beginning instrument and I dont think you were robbed.

[mcstrange]

Thanks.
For not much.
At least i now have a feeling I was not fleeced by the rapacious.

[Eric F.]

Peter,

Perhaps no one here is familiar with a Valencia, except as a variety of orange. I've played every mandolin I could get my hands on and never come across one. To satisfy my curiosity, I did a quick Google search, but that did not turn up much information other than it seems to be a low-end mandolin mostly marketed outside the U.S. and the price you paid seems about right. It's tough to get much for less than $120, so it seems unlikely you were robbed.

I would think that questions such as "What is this made of?" and "Am I getting fleeced?" might be better asked in advance of a purchase. That said, most of us are famiiar with the "I have to own this now" feeling.

I think you will find that the people who frequent this place have a wealth of knowledge to share about mandolins and how to play them. But you can't expect people to comment on something they know nothing about. Perhaps if you asked in a less-confrontational manner, you would get more results. The tone of your posts comes across as snippy.

I'm going to assume that you didn't mean to be snippy, and that whatever tone you meant to convey was lost in cyberspace.

So, enjoy your new mandolin. May it bring you happiness. And welcome to the Cafe. May your next posts bring you more answers. And sound less snarky.

Cheers,

Eric #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[Steve L]

Eric, you should consider a career in diplomacy.

[ourgang]

There's a Valencia mandolin on Ebay now.