Beginner Mandolins in classifieds

[coffeebean84]

Hi. I'm looking to pick up a mandolin to learn on. I was hoping to spend under 300. I've read a bit on these message boards about the mid mo's and kentucky's. I was wondering if anybody had an opinion about the mandos that Thomas Flood is selling on the classifieds. My question isn't really if they're any good, but more if they'd for some reason not be good for a beginner.

If I was going to pick up a used mid-mo M1, about how much should that cost? Where could I look for them... the only one on ebay had the serial scratched out and was admittedly stolen (don't ask). There was also only one on classifieds here.

thanks for any info
~josh

[jaybp30]

I am in the same boat as above except I may want an electric acoustic being that the band I am in is loud. I currently have some terrible Sonar that i have seen on Ebay for $30. I would like something that is actually playable (unlike mine). I was wondering if anyone thought the Fender FM-52E Acoustic/Electric was the best option in the $250-300 price range. The other thing option however, is that I just purchased an AKG c-300 microphone for overhead drum and vocal purposes. I was wondering if anyone knew if this mic would sound better then getting an acoustic electric...any info would be greatly apreciated.
Jay

[Unseen122]

Kentuckys are great buys absolutly the best deal Jay you should get one with and install a pickup I have an M-380 and it is great I love it. The Kentucky As are better buys than the Fenders although the Fenders are kinda nice. The mic might work you would have to try it. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[sbarnes]

i have the fender you're talking about (acoustic/electric A)
and i like it fine....it was/is my first mando and has served me very well...for the price it's great....i'm looking to upgrade fairly soon but will keep the fender....

[fatt-dad]

I have a Fender FM-62 that I will sell for $425.00. It has the look of an electric mandolin, 8 strings and a hollow body (you can use it for practice without the amp). I bought an original hard shell case for it and the mandolin is in almost mint condition (there is a scratch on the reverse side of the headstock). I think that the retail on this mandolin was in the $900.00 range not counting the case. It is probably 2 or 3 years old. email to fatt-dad@richmond.com if you are interested. I also have two Kentucky mandolins (both about the same) for $220 or $235.00. One is a KM 160s and the other is a KM 180s. Both have cases and are in near mint condition. Neither have pickups though.

fatt-dad

[8ch(pl)]

Look atb the c1923 washburn in the classifieds for $200. If that isn't a great starter instrument what is? You couls sell it when you upgrade for the same money.