Rogue RM100F?

[Poilar]

I know that Rogue mandolins are of notoriously shoddy workmanship, but I think all the comments I've seen on here have referred to the A-style $50 model. Does anyone know anything about the RM100F F-style $150 model? (http://folk-instruments.musiciansfri...lin?sku=519275)

I'm looking for a starter mandolin and, before I shell out $250 for the Kentucky 150S (which seems to be the most recommended beginner's mandolin on here), I wanted to see if there was another option.

Thanks!

[ApK]

I got the A model when it was on sale for $29. (The package with the Dread guitar is a good value by the way, as long as you don't get a more doggish specimen of either.)

For the price range, I found nothing in the workmanship on any of my Rogue instruments to complain about. They don't sound like much more than they are, but they seem neatly put together, they're all holding up fine so far, and they look nice.

I haven't played the F myself, but it got considerably worse user comments than the A at the time I was shopping, so I got the impression that, unless your were buying a prop or a wall decoration, a scroll is not where you want your money going in this price range.

For me, the cheap A was a perfect way to get my hands on a mando and see if I was interested, but if I was talking about $150, I'd be seriously looking at saving for the Kentucky or similar.

ApK

[Dan-0]

In my shop, I've sold the Johnson mandolins for years and I recommend them over the Rogues. Not because they're necessarily better than the Rogues, they're both made of laminated wood, but because Johnson seems to have a little better quality control. Remember, if you buy a Rogue online, you'll probably be getting an instrument that has never been unboxed or checked out. Some mandolins in the under $100 price range can be made to sound and play pretty good with some tweaking. If you have a local dealer, check with them first- they can often beat the match the price of an online retailer and give you an instrument that they'll stand behind and even let you use to "trade up" in the future.

Savannah-SA-100-Lynchburg-Mandolin (http://www.instrumentalley.com/Savannah-SA-100-Lynchburg-Mandolin-p/sa-100.htm)

[leathermarshmallow]

My first was a Rogue A style mando. I still have it and my son is playing it. I adjusted the bridge and nut down to make it playable. It has a very tinny sound to it, but it is built very strongly.

[Steve Ostrander]

My first mando was a RM100F. It was OK for $150. It sounded better after a setup, but still tinny. Probably no better than the RM100 for $50. The fit and finish was not good. If I had to do it over I would take the advice that is repeated over and over here: Get a A model. You will get more for your money. The Kentucky 150s is probably a good choice.

I went through a series of Pac Rim F models before I finally took the advice and bought a Collings MT. The only thing I would trade it for would be an MF.

I have a Kentucky km855 Artist model that sounds pretty good, but they start at about $850 new.

I like scrolls too, but they do nothing for the sound. Great for a strap hanger, though.