ourses
Jul-23-2004, 7:35pm
I am looking for a beginning mandolin for my grandson. I saw an Iida in a local acoustics store and was wondering if anybody out there has had experience with this brand. It has a good sound and is an F-style instrument. would appreciate any info and web links so that i can explore it further. also, any suggestions in the 4-7hndred dollar range
John Flynn
Jul-23-2004, 8:05pm
That is not a major brand, even in that price range. I would tend to avoid it. A web search revealed that they primarily make inexpensive banjos. For the $400 to $700 range for a beginner, your best deal is a used instrument. I would look at Mid-Missouri flat tops first. If you want something more bluegrassy, you might look at the Kentucky 350 or 380. I would stay away from F styles in that range, because you are paying for a lot of woodwork that does not get you any more playability or sound quality. If you absolutely must have an F in that range, consider one the less expensive Michael Kelly mandos. There are good buys from great people in the "Classifieds" section of this site.
pathfinder
Jul-23-2004, 10:42pm
I bought an Iida about 15-20 years ago (my first 'F' model) and it didn't have a bad sound to my untrained ear. #I realized when I traded it and upgraded to something better, that it hadn't been set up very well.
You're probably concerned about buying a used mando from the Mandolin Cafe classifieds 'sight unseen', because you know the Iida in your local store is damage-free, you know what it actually sounds like, and you know that you'll take custody of it when you plunk down your money.
But I agree with jflynnstl that you should look into a used Mid-Missouri. #I bought one last year from the Mandolin Cafe classifieds (I was just curious how they sounded, and no one sells them where I live). #It arrived safely and promptly, it 's a beautiful instrument, and a far better 'starter' mando for your grandson than an Iida IMHO. #It has a lot better resale value too, believe me! #
Cafe members are reputable and generally don't have a problem with a 24-48 hour approval period as a condition of shipping and final sale. #Just make sure to ask first, and be prepared to pony up for the return shipping cost (generally not much) if you don't like the instrument.
But if you're fixated on an 'F' model, find a Michael Kelly like jflynnstl suggested. #Good luck.