new mandolin purchase

[reeljigs]

HI there. I have been wishing to learn mandolin for a long time, and am ready to purchase an instrument. Being that I prefer Old-timey and Irish music (over pure bluegrass), I've been considering the A-style f hole and the A-style oval hole mandolins. The f hole style seems to better suit my budget, but I sure prefer the look of the oval hole styles. There aren't many lower priced oval holes out there. Have been looking at the Kentucky 350s and the Mid-Missouri M1. Does anyone have any experience with the Mid-Missouri mandolins? Are you happy with the sound?
As far ease of playing, is one easier to play than the other? I noticed that the strings were spaced further apart in the Missouri compared to the Kentucky. Is that typical for Celtic vs. Bluegrass mandolins?
Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

[bjc]

This might not be much help, but for Irish music I've found the round hole to be more pleasing to MY ear...it sounds more "earthy" to me. Nothing wrong with f holes though, I've got a mando with those as well and some songs do sound better with that one...I would lean for an oval hole...but shoot get out there and play 'em...that's what really opened my ears and fingers up...

[jiffyfeet]

MidMo mandos are worlds better than Kentucky, in my opinion. I own a MidMo mandola and I love it.

[John Flynn]

No financial interest, but Mid-Mos are great mandolins, handmade by great people in Columbia, MO, out of all solid wood. They really stand behind thier product agfter the sale. IMHO, the Mini-Mo and the M-0 are probably the best values in beginner mandos out there. Not the absolute cheapest, but the best value.

[8ch(pl)]

There is a n M-0 Mid Missouri for sale in the classifieds for $325. I recommend Mid Missouris, I have a lovely M-4, Rosewood model. The M-0 is mahogany which will give a mellow tone. The M-2 is maple and will probably give a bit more volume than the M-0.

Something else to look at are the mandolins that Thomas Flood is selling in the classifieds. A Bruno, a Washburn, as well as some others, mostly 1920's vintage. These are well priced.

[reeljigs]

Thanks for your responses. Unfortunately there is no music store nearby that carries these instruments, so I will be basically buying something without testing it out personally, and hoping for the best.

A musician friend said I might grow tired of the softer, mellower sound of an oval hole, and the f hole is more versatile and has more punch (therefore more satisfying)- so I wondered if there were any rebuttals to that on this board.

Also, as far as the mechanics of playing (i.e. learning to play)- how would say, the Kentucky and Missouri compare? Is one easier on the hands? Or are the differences strictly limited to the sounds the instruments create?

thanks again

[Bowzette]

you might also consider a Flatiron N there is a long list discussion on these in the mandolin discussion. I have one i got for $325 and it is great. loud and cuts. they are no longer made, but ebay is a good source.

[bmac]

I purchased my Mid-Missouri new 7 months ago (my first mando) and I would regard it as an excellent first mandolin. I understand that if you cannot play mandolin you cannot evaluate one (sound wise) so I would recommend the Mid-Mo as a serious first mandolin. I bought mine from a very reputable dealer of stringed instruments in the NYC area and the Mid-Mo was his least expensive mandolin brand. It seems to me that it is a perfect choice for your needs as a beginner. You'll get a no frills (bare bones) yet quality instrument.

Mid-Mo does make a wider fretboard model but unless you have unusually large fingers you probably don't really need that extra fretboard width.

The Mid-Mo has a good reputation and will retain a good deal of its value should you decide eventually to sell it.

Good luck, whatever you do.

[keithd]

I concur with all the nice things said above about Mid-Mo mandolins and the company. My first mandolin was a M-11W; they are always in demand, and keep their value.

Another nice looking flat top, oval hole mandolin is the Davis shown on the on the MC home page, with a weblink; it looks worth checking out.

Nevertheless, as stated elsewhere recently on the board, if you are interested primarily in Bluegrass music you might be happier with a traditional ff hole (F type of A type) mandolin.

Good luck!

[yoods]

To echo Bowzette above:

If this helps...another consideration is to look for a used flatiron army-navy model. I am not familiar with the mid-mo's but these pancake, roundhole flatirons were made with solid woods and generally have a decent sound which would make a good solid choice for a beginning player. #And, if it matters, David Grisman endorsed them back in the 1980’s, saying if he was starting out on mandos, flatiron would be what he would use. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif