View Full Version : Cheap F-Style
Monkeymoe1234
Jul-27-2004, 8:57am
Hi guys, i've been playing mando for about 3 months now, and havent had a lesson, but have been playing guitar for nearly a year and a half. From what everyone tells me, i seem to have a gift in this kind of thing, and am progressing pretty fast. I'm in the progress of making a cd and i have had a few gigs at coffee houses and the like. I jammed with a professional mando player a while back, and he said that soon i would outgrow my Fender FM-52E acoustic/electric. So, my ordeal now is to set a goal for my next buy for the future. I really love the looks and feel of F-Style mandolins, so i need to find a nice F-Style that is reasonably priced, and also i need a little info on mandolin pickups. The highest i would be willing to go is probably $1000, and any input on the matter is gladly appreceiated http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Igor The Cat
Jul-27-2004, 9:13am
get a Michael Kelly
Monkeymoe1234
Jul-27-2004, 9:38am
Thanks a bunch, i just took a look at some Michael Kelly mandos and wow, those are some good looking mandolins. Does anybody hear have any input on one i should buy? I'm looking at The Legacy FS-E w/ Fishman Pickup (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=040726134700065004066189227261/g=guitar/s=orig_acoustic/search/detail/base_pid/511752/) and the Legacy O (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=040726134700065004066189227261/g=guitar/s=orig_acoustic/search/detail/base_pid/511754/). The first seems to be a quality instrument, but i cant resist the charm of the vintage-looking Legacy O. Any rants or raves on these two mandos would be awesome. thanks!
steve in tampa
Jul-27-2004, 10:08am
Just got a MK Dragonfly with the Fishman pickup. Love the mandolin. Great sound and action. The pickup sounds very different through different amps. Best so far is a Fender Acoustosonic.
Buy the gallatin in the classifieds http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
I'm sure youv'e read this before but...
for that price instead of of a cheap F style (you're words),
you can get real nice used A style. Flatiron come to mind.
Bobby Brite
Jul-27-2004, 3:31pm
[QUOTE]for that price instead of of a cheap F style (you're words),
you can get real nice used A style. Flatiron come to mind.
I totally agree
mandofiddle
Jul-27-2004, 3:35pm
If you're absolutely dying for an F, I'd check out Eastman...
http://www.eastmanstrings.com/eastmanguitars/mandolins/mandolins.html
Bruce Harvie (Spruce is his Cafe handle) may be able to tell you more, as he posted a nice little review on the co-mando list...
a scroll is a nice strap hanger, though........
mad dawg
Jul-27-2004, 4:44pm
I'm sure youv'e read this before but...
for that price instead of of a cheap F style (you're words),
you can get real nice used A style. Flatiron come to mind.
If you go with and A, need a pick-up for your gigs, and can push your budget just a little, a used Rigel A+ Deluxe would come with a pick-up and end-pin jack, and that Rigel neck is legendary.
nathanpainter
Jul-28-2004, 4:59am
I have a MK Legacy Deluxe w/ a factory intstalled pickup and I love it. I couldn't afford a Gibson or even a Weber but at this point I wouldn't want to. This "F" style mandolin is great. I picked it up on Ebay by the original owner for about $400. A solid wood mando is your best bet and an MK is a great way to start. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif
I did get tp play a MK at a festival this year and was pretty impressed for the price, but you'd get more of a professional mando with the "A" Let it be Rigel or
another.
Look for better deals on all high end brands. You can probably fins a great F style for 300 if you look hard enough. Dont buy the first one you see.
grant_eversoll
Jul-28-2004, 8:42am
I'll put my .02 in here for a Morgan Monroe
smittypants
Jul-28-2004, 1:22pm
Monkeymoe1234 - I have a really nice Michael Kelly F that I am selling. I haven't had time to put it up in the Classified section yet, but I think it might be what you're looking for. I was in the same situation as you when I bought it and I have been very happy and satisfied with the sound, look (especially), and feel. The only reason I am selling it is because I am trading up for a nice A model (and I can't afford to keep it). If you are interested I can send you some more information and photos. The only downside is that it doesn't have a pick-up. However, the upside is that the price will probably be well within your range.
Thanks,
Chris
smilnJackB
Aug-07-2004, 9:00am
I am a fan of Johnson mandos and guitars. They give a lot for the money. But I was dissapointed in the inexpensive ($175.00 with nice case) F Sytle I had. It did not sound as good as their A styles.
My wife has a Micheal Kelly F style mando and it has it all: good tone, good playability and good looks. They are worth the money.
Jack http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif
8ch(pl)
Aug-08-2004, 6:25am
I don't believe there is such a thing as a cheap F Style. Not if you want a quality, hand made instrument.
Red haired boy
Aug-09-2004, 9:57pm
Why not look around for a local builder. You might find somebody building good mandolins in a wood stoved heated workshop by hand that fits your price range. Then not only do you get a good mando from a local person but you can get a few good stories to go with it. If you're near South Central Kentucky (ie with in 50-60 miles of Bowling Green) let me know and I'll tell you how to get intouch with Jimmy Robertson who is one such fellow.
Stuart
I just bought a Legacy O and really enjoy it...I had the M-200 Fishman pick-up installed...sounds excellent acoustic and electric...the only draw back is that I have to use a pre-amp with it...but I already had one...It is a real nice peice, but i have also ordered a hand made A-style David Freshwater...haven't recieved it yet, so I can't compare...but it was under $1000...
flairbzzt
Aug-10-2004, 2:39pm
If you're still looking, try the Morgan Monroe mms-5 for $999.00. Look at banjobarn.com and use the price list to bargain with your local dealer. It's a beautiful piece; nice and loud. No pickup, you'd have to add one.
flairbzzt
Aug-10-2004, 2:40pm
And you can use the dollar left over to make a 20 minute phone call!
patsites
Aug-10-2004, 2:55pm
I can speak from experience here....
I was in the exact boat as you, I was a beginner learning quickly and outgrew my flinthill special and I wanted an F-style very badly. I did tons of research and played every cheopo F I could get my hands on, then finally settled on the Morgan Monroe MCM-CB, it's a very loud and beautiful mandolin. I got a couple of places bidding for my business and eventually landed it and a hardshell case for about $800.
What a waste of money! I've since been playing my buddies breedlove A-style's and for a $100 or so more I could be playing a way better mandolin. Better tone and playability. I've since started searching out A-styles in the $1000 price range and everyone I play is better than my cheap F. I made a rookie mistake, nothing against my morgan monroe, it was way better than kentucky's, Johnson's and I like it better than any kelly I played (I haven't played the legacy), but still not as good as a higher end A style.
Take it from me, don't be an F-snob, unless you can afford a big dog F mando, get the best mando for the buck, which in your case is an A-style. It's biting me in the arrsss now and I really regret it.