Whats the best bet for 2k

[Ramdolph]

Im a new player, just wondering about what might be the best mandolin to look for around 2k, also any thoughts on the Murpy Method for beginning mando?

[Alex Fields]

Look around for used A-style mandolins in that range, and investigate the specific instruments you find. You will save a few thousand buying A instead of F, and also save a good bit buying used instead of new (in that price range anyway). A Collings MT would be around that price, and they are usually very good, a number of professional players use them.

[JHo]

I got my Newell A5 in that range, and it's a superb instrument and lovely to boot. I wouldn't hesitate for a minute to recommend one.

You can see it here if you care to...my Newell A5 (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=15;t=50377)

[MikeEdgerton]

I'd look for a used Gibson F9 or a used Gibson A5-G.

[pdb]

Yep, I agree. #A used f-9 in the 2200-2400 range would be a great instrument. #Also, Dennis at the mandolin store has a special edition Weber new in that #price range that sounds extremely good. #Another good one ( A model) is a Collings mt-2 in that price range. #A little less if used.

If you want to stay under 1500, the Breedlove quartz FF is probably the best mando out right now in that price range. #

All are great instruments and would serve you well. #The Breedlove isn't as traditional looking and doesn't sound quite as "dark" as the others mentioned but it's a great mandolin. # Good luck with your purchase.

[earthsave]

You should be able to get a very nice A style (used or possibly new) and a nice used F style in that price range.

[Stanley Cox]

IMHO the Murphy Method is a great beginning point. She will have you picking and strumming songs in no time.
NFI but I do have the dvd and am quite satisfied.
Stanley http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[Chris "Bucket" Thomas]

I bought my Flatiron for 2K. I am very happy.

[bienkow1]

I'm in the market as you are, and I was looking to spend around $1000, but after playing a Collings MT (right around 2K), I am saving my pennies and getting one.

I've yet to hear anyone on here or otherwise say anything negative about them.

[jim_n_virginia]

+1 for the Flatiron. You can get a used F style for around 2K you may have to add a couple more hundred to it but it would be well worth it.

Just make sure you get the old ones made in Bozeman and not the new line they are trotting out now, they are imported.

[Jonmiller]

I also have $2200 to spend (I already have a nice A model) and now want an F. I'm shopping very carefully as it's not often I get to spend money on instruments.
I've looked at used Webers, and Breedlove is interesting me-though I love traditional. There have been some "used" of the small makers in this range-but I really want to play them first.
Ramdoulph-please, learn music-not Murphy or tab. Music does it all and is everywhere. Irish, fiddler tunes, whatever you need or want. Someone needs you to play some waltz for their wedding-if you have the music, you've got it!-I can get so many tunes online, or the Fiddler's fakebook-hundreds of old time, Irish, Scottish tunes. Songs you've never heard before-you can play right now!
It's not that difficult-start in G and D first-it's 20 notes to memorize, and you play these over and over!!!!!![U]http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif