Need help with buying a new mandolin

[BriMcFly88]

Hey

I've been playing an electric guitar for a while now and I'm looking to buy a mandolin so I can start playing some of my favorite Zeppelin songs. I love the sound. Unfortunately, I am in college so I cannot afford anything over 400. I am looking for a good quality mandolin/brand, and cheap is good. Can anyone help me out? I'd appreciate it.

I live in New Jersey, USA.. if that helps out with actual store locations

[Lee]

My first mandolin years a go was an Epiphone MM-30. Everyone I've seen has been consistently good.
Where y'at in Jersey? (Which exit are you near?)

[BriMcFly88]

Where y'at in Jersey? (Which exit are you near?)
lol @ what exit, that shows u how small jersey is

i'm from jackson (six flags great adventure, 7A) but i recently got an apartment between 7A and 8 in hamilton

basically i want a cheap guitar to start with, but i dont want to sacrifice too much quality. i could care less about design and craftsmanship, but id prefer a good sound

[Tom C]

What Exit?
It's not because NJ is small, it's because the GSP exits numbers are insync with the miles.

[BriMcFly88]

I gave you the turnpike exit, 7A.. I usually get on the GSP at exit 81 or so, near Toms River... or Further north where Route 9 hits it.

[BriMcFly88]

certainly someone can give me a good brand, as a virgin to the mandolin forum.. it would be nice for some help http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif gotta learn my zeppelin songs

[neal]

Mid Missouri click here. (http://www.midmomandolin.com/index.php)

[bmac]

I second Neal's suggestion of Mid-Missouri. They are slightly over your top new, but there was one used and not very old for well within your price range on this site. They are very well made, and are ideal as beginners mandolins: well built, good sound, good looking no frills mandolin. I've had one for about 8 months and play several hours per day with no problems whatsoever. I highly recommend them. I'd recommend going to Mandolin Brothers in Staten Island and checking them out new. Or you might find a used mando of interest there...(Though I don't know their prices of used mandos). They will be quite helpful to you and you will at least come away with a better understanding of what you are looking for.

Come on man bluegrass is the music if you learn the mandolin you should try some bluegrass tunes.

[cutbait2]

i have an email address for a comando member/dealer that will sell a kentucky 380 new for $290. never met the guy but he's a comando regular for some time.

[Bluebird]

Somthing to think about!
You need to think about the investment value of your instrument. If you are going to go cheap GO CHEAP. If you are going to stick with it. Save your money and buy a good Mando. I wouldn't want to use my $400.00 on somthing cheap then realize, Man I wish I had my money to spend on this Excellent Mando.

[gamehenge101]

hey ive been playing guitar for a few years now and ive recently discovered the mandolin. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the best starting mando would be... I was looking at the epiphone mm30's or mm20's. But i was thinking about getting the acoustic/electric fender fm-52e or the cheaper rogue fm80. I need help on picking this out. i only have a budget of $250 or so. what would be my best buy. if not these which would anyone recomend

[doanepoole]

I'd second (or third) the recommendation for Mid Missouri, especially for the Zeppelin type stuff. You might even check out some of there rosewood, mahogany, or walnut models (vs. maple) for that type of stuff to get a warmer sound. I think you can order them with pickups pre-installed, as well, since you're probably playing alot of stuff plugged-in.

[flairbzzt]

Try the epiphone mm-50. At $399-$499 it's respectable if you want an "f" style. Visit Guitar Center. The furthest south I know if is on rt. 18 in East Brunswick.