Help me choose a first mandolin

[eflowt]

Alright here's the deal. I'm looking for something under $300 (I have an amp, but I'm not nessicarily looking for an electric), my problem is my local shop doesn't stock very many mandolins. I'm counting on you all to offer your thoughts here.

The only mandolin they had in was a Fender FM52E (http://www.fender.com/products//search.php?partno=0955205032)

Which sounded, felt alright. But I know it has a laminate top.

From what they told me the only other mandolins they could order would be Fender's or Washburn's.

So, has anyone here played a Fender FM53S (http://www.fender.com/products//search.php?partno=0955300032), or a Washburn M1SDL (http://www.washburn.com/products/bluegrass/mandolins/m1sdl.aspx)?

Also, I'm not completely opposed to mail-order, how about some of the lower end Kentucky like the KM-150S or KM-161 (http://www.elderly.com/brand/90N_kentucky.html)?

Yes, I know a proper set-up is what's most important, but my choices are kinda limited in my area, and I want to make sure I don't get a piece of junk.

[Ken Olmstead]

The newer Kentuckys would be the way to go IMO. All solid woods can be hat in that price range so the ones in your local store may not be the best option for you.

[earthsave]

Alright here's the deal. I'm looking for something under $300 (I have an amp, but I'm not nessicarily looking for an electric), my problem is my local shop doesn't stock very many mandolins. I'm counting on you all to offer your thoughts here.

The only mandolin they had in was a Fender FM52E (http://www.fender.com/products//search.php?partno=0955205032)

Which sounded, felt alright. But I know it has a laminate top.

From what they told me the only other mandolins they could order would be Fender's or Washburn's.

So, has anyone here played a Fender FM53S (http://www.fender.com/products//search.php?partno=0955300032), or a Washburn M1SDL (http://www.washburn.com/products/bluegrass/mandolins/m1sdl.aspx)?

Also, I'm not completely opposed to mail-order, how about some of the lower end Kentucky like the KM-150S or KM-161 (http://www.elderly.com/brand/90N_kentucky.html)?

Yes, I know a proper set-up is what's most important, but my choices are kinda limited in my area, and I want to make sure I don't get a piece of junk.
Buy that KM150S from Elderly and it'll be playable.

I bought my nephew one of those several years ago and it was a great little starter instrument. Playable, stayed in tune, intonation up neck was good. Sound not so great.

Stick a pickup on it, with a preamp, and crank it up. I'd imagine it'll sound fine.

[MightyThor]

Just to throw fuel on the fire, If you consider that you can justify the extra expense over the life of a more expensive instrument, I started with a Flatiron and found that the quality made learning and playing easier and more enjoyable, plus the instrument has really not lost any value since I purchased it all those years ago. Nothing wrong with starting cheaper, but If you get the bug you will probably end up with a spendier instrument soon anyhow, might consider spending a little more now if you find "just the right one"

[Folkmusician.com]

A properly setup Kentucky is hard to beat. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[TNFrank]

Of the three you listed I'd also say Kentucky. You could also get a Michael Kelly A-Solid for $300 or a Morgan Monroe A-Model mandolin Mahogany for the same price. I'd for sure stick with an A over an F in your price range, you'll get way more "bang for the buck" that way. Either way if you don't know how to set it up yourself spend the extra and have it set up by someone, that's half the battle with the less expensive mandos on the market.

[Timbofood]

I still think that the better introduction to an instrument you can afford will give you more advantage and inspiration to keep on playing it. #If the Fender is something that you might be able to "trade-up" at the place you regularly do business, maybe there's another option. #I don't suppose that's really much help but, it is a consideration. #If you are somewhere whereyou can pick with people and try out what they have I think there is a great way to see what you may or may not like. #After all, it only matters how YOU find the feel of the instrument. #My guitar player Martin plays like a truck but, he likes the set-up. #"Try before you buy" is really the best I can offer.

[Andrew DeMarco]

I played a Fender FM-63s for a few years. I wouldn't recommend it. I cannot, however, comment on its A-style brother.

[TNFrank]

I'm not just saying this because I own one(or maybe I am) but the Epiphone MM-30 I got is pretty decent to learn on and it's only $150. You can add a new tailpiece if you want and maybe a new bridge at a later date and be close to the $300 mark but as far as construction it's a fairly well built mando for the money.

[F5GRun]

Solid Wood Kentucky all the way

[kirkw101]

I just got a KM150 and must say it is actually a lot nicer than I thought it would be. all solid w/ nice wood on the back. bridge is a bit big and the action is a tad higher than I like, I will replace the bridge soon and that will allow me to lower the string height to a better level. but for under 300 the fit/finish is great, tone is really good for the money, tuners are also alot better than I thought.plastic tuner buttons make them look worse than they really are. mine has a deep powerful chop and sounds good up and down the neck. I have never played a flat fretboard for long but it isn't that bad really. Buy one from a good dealer and keep it after you upgrade. it will last you a while though.

kirk

[minnedolin]

Yep, I agree, a Kentucky, Michael Kelly, or Morgan Monroe (although I'm unfamiliar with the latter two) would definately be a good buy. Not to knock Fender, but I'd stay away from that, they seem kinda bulky. Plus Fender makes electric guitars and we all know what that did to music (groan)