best mid-range mandolin - $1500 or so [Archive]

LoneStarMandolin

Apr-17-2009, 9:06am

Brad Weiss

Apr-17-2009, 9:15am

No F's, but an A is the way to go. Used Rigel, Collings, Weber, teens Gibson, Flatiron, etc. For 2k you can find a used Phoenix Neoclassical that will be the match of any 5k mandolin.

Capt. E

Apr-17-2009, 9:26am

You can find a used F that will be a big improvement. A friend of mine snatched up a Ratliff F for only $1500. He was offered $4K for it recently. www.ratliffmandolins.com

Folkmusician.com

Apr-17-2009, 9:50am

The problem here is that your Eastman is a very nice instrument! About as good as they come as far as readily available imports. The next step up is a domestic, and not domestics at the lower price points. You are now jumping from Chinese labor rates to US labor rates. How much would an Eastman cost if it were made here in the states? A whole lot more. :)

With the economy the way it is, there should be more used mando deals out there. Being in the right place at the right time I don't think it is unreasonable to pickup a pretty nice Domestic F for $1500, but it would take some work and luck. In my case, those deals always show up when I least expect it and do not have the funds to act. :)

Steve Ostrander

Apr-17-2009, 9:53am

Look for a used Collings MT. I've seen them in the $1500 range. And I've never played a bad one.

GTG

Apr-17-2009, 10:19am

Yeah, what Folkmusician said. In addition, if you're interested in these $1500-$2k instruments, there will be big differences between individual mandos, both based on the instruments' characteristics as well as on setup and age. So your best bet will be to A/B them as much as possible - it's very likely that some of these (we're talking Gibson A9, Collings MT, Weber A-styles, or Gallatin or others, some Breedloves, lots of smaller builders' A-models, etc.) may not sound as good to you as your Eastman. So it is up to you whether this price point jump will be worth it.

Andrew DeMarco

Apr-17-2009, 10:26am

I would check out A styles as opposed to F's since you almost always pay a pretty penny for that pretty curlicue scroll, which, I think we all acknowledge doesn't affect the sound of the instrument in an appreciable way.

I'd agree with Eastman or Collings MT. I've played some pretty awesome ~1500 dollar Eastmans, and some duds. But as an MT owner, I have played a bunch of MT's and I haven't heard a bad one...

I think you should ask yourself __what do I want from a mandolin that my Eastman doesn't/can't do?__ and try to address that more specifically.

mandroid

Apr-17-2009, 11:02am

Look at the Czech Builders too , Imports from across the other ocean.

after all they were building violins there in the 1700's

My Lebeda is a fine piece, they took to Bluegrass, there. quite a while ago, too ..

(though not that far back , [no Baroque-grass,?] )

oldtimestrings

Apr-17-2009, 11:36am

Collings MT. No, it's not an F-style, but once you get your hands on one you probably won't care about that. I think they are far and away the best factory-made mandolin in the $1500-2000 price range.

JEStanek

Apr-17-2009, 11:46am

I would also recommend a used Collings MT (or even a Gibson A9 used). I played a Collings MT once and it was quite powerful. Your Eastman is a solid mandolin and you really need to be looking at the Collings, Gibson, or Weber in the used market to significantly beat it (and even that is subjective).

What is it about the Eastman that is leaving you wanting more or is it just MAS?

Jamie

SChase@EastmanStrings

Apr-17-2009, 11:48am

I say find a good deal on the Eastman MD815/V
-adi top
-oil varnish
-great tone

robert.najlis

Apr-17-2009, 11:59am

I think one of Ken Ratcliff's Silver Angel econo mandoilins would be a great way to go in that price range.

Eddie Sheehy

Apr-17-2009, 12:09pm

Jump up to a higher-end Eastman. The 915 is an exquisite instrument and they sell "used" for under $1,500.

acousticphd

Apr-17-2009, 12:33pm

No F's, but an A is the way to go.

I absolutely agree. I'm not knocking anyone's taste for an F-style, but that is the one main hangup with getting a subtantially better instrument than your current Eastman in that price range.

I would say you made a good decision to buying something as good as the Eastman 515 to develop on. I had to buy my third mandolin before I got to that level of quality, but then I found a used Old Wave A5 and I had something special, that went way past the "next step up".

My advice would be: Resist simply trading from the "entry level" model to a high-end model of the same brand. I don't think you are as likely to hear a big diffrence. Buy as good/special, handmade-if-possible, A-style as you can afford, and be patient and buy used if possible.

If you liked the F9, grab a used A9. You'll have several hundred $$ left for strings, straps, armrests, etc. Every one I've heard has sounded great. I would probably have an A9 myself except I prefer a wider, radiused fingerboard. I have several better than mid-level A5s, and I've yet to come close to spending $1500 for one instrument. Even though that's getting harder and harder these days, you really have many nice options for excellent preowned A-styles in your price range.

LoneStarMandolin

Apr-17-2009, 1:31pm

getting lots of recommendations to get an A. I appreciate that -- but I don't want an A. I know people are trying to help but I've already worked through the A or F decision and I know it will cost more to get an F, and I can get a better A for less etc. the trouble is I love F model mandolins. I don't want any A. I want an F. that's why my original post asked for recommendations on a $1500 F mandolin.

that may be foolish to you. that may not make sense to you. that may cost me more money. I may miss a great deal on an A.

but it is my money and my choice. I want an F.

so please post your recommendations for an F model mandolin in the $1000-$1500 price range. thanks.

Folkmusician.com

Apr-17-2009, 1:53pm

Sean's recommendation of the MD815V should be on the list. This would be a lot easier if you didn't already own the 515, which just happens to be one of the best mando deals out there.

MD815V
http://www.folkmusician.com/images/md815-v-f.jpg

mdlorenz

Apr-17-2009, 1:56pm

What I think everyone is trying to say is that you WILL sacrifice tone & quality for the strap hanger on an F. (most of the time).

I'm just not sure $1500 is enough to get a MUCH NICER mandolin then your 515.

I'd save you money & check the classifieds often.... good things come to those who wait (& in this economy, good things are getting cheaper)

banJoe

Apr-17-2009, 2:03pm

Howard Morris of Irrigon, Oregon makes a fine F-style mandolin for right around your price range I beleive. I bought one a couple of years ago for just over $1200. I think that he is charging a little more for them now (as he should!) but I'm not certain how much more. They are somwhat unconventional in that they have a "hook" scroll similar to a Webber Gallatin and are un-bound. All and all very nice mandolins but I'm not sure if it would be a huge upgrade from your Eastman.

Woody Turner

Apr-17-2009, 2:05pm

It's been said many times in other threads that a good hand-built F mandolin requires at least 200 hours to construct--significantly more than for an A. It's not likely that many builders can afford to gross only $7-$8 an hour, especially when they would really be earning only $3-$4 an hour.

Mando Newby

Apr-17-2009, 2:20pm

There is an overload of opinions here for you, but I must add one no one else has - I recently bought a JBovier FZ - $1400. I absoluetly love it. I like the F style and the Zebrawood. The sustain on this baby is wonderful. I got mine at the Mandoshop.com. Kyle is very helpful over email and will take all the time you need and answers any and all questions.

f#54

Apr-17-2009, 3:31pm

Lonestar, I also have an Eastman (815) that I began playing with. People say it sounds and plays good, and some of the best have played it. It is probable that your 515 sounds as good as mine. On that note I traveled a long way to find a step up, see Mas Chronicled thread. I may have played the same F9 you played. I have the serial #, it was one of the best "sounding" I played.
I bought a scrolled Collings after all was said and done. I done good. You can too but it will cost you a little more I think. I did not play a bad Weber or Collings while I was looking. I ended up buying out of the cafe classifieds. Good luck

f#54

Apr-17-2009, 3:39pm

One more note-Banjo mentality
If you havent had a setup done to the Eastman, spend some money on that.
IT is amazing what the good luthiers can do, I stress -good-

GTG

Apr-17-2009, 3:39pm

I had a look at the classifieds, and a few mandos in your price range stand out - Used England models going for $1800, $1600; Rose for $1695, Newell for $1895. These are all small builder mandos, which are always exciting - instruments built by one individual, each with its own personality. All of these retail for well over $2k new, I believe.
I don't think I've ever played any of these types of mandos, so caveat emptor! Do some research, ask for a trial period, maybe do some traveling to try these out. Don't take my word for it, but these come highly recommended. NFI on any of these instruments, by the way. Good luck!

Bob Stolkin

Apr-17-2009, 4:04pm

Look for a used Collings MT. I've seen them in the $1500 range. And I've never played a bad one.

Totally agree. Used MTs go for $1500 - $1700, and they are comparable tonally and in fit and finish to much more expensive axes. I sold an MT2 and am planning to pick up an MT instead as a second mando because they sound so damn good with the engelmann top and satin finish.

....Oops, sorry, just noticed you had to have an F. Disregard. Can't delete the post or I would.

But, two cents. I had an Eastman 615. The Eastmans are pretty good, and in my opinion you won't do much (if any) better at $1500, even on a used F. I really doubt the higher model Eastmans sound better. My 615 was better than my friend's 815.

If you went to $2000 - $2500 you might find a used Weber or the like, which would be a huge jump up. Otherwise, you might consider staying with the Eastman until you can go into that range.

man dough nollij

Apr-17-2009, 4:22pm

recon

Apr-17-2009, 4:25pm

Maybe a used Breedlove

Folkmusician.com

Apr-17-2009, 4:45pm

I really doubt the higher model Eastmans sound better. My 615 was better than my friend's 815.

There would be a difference between the 515 (or any other Eastman) and the MD815/V. The 815V is using an Adirondack Spruce top and an oil finish. You can hear the difference. This particular mandolin has the best tone of the Eastman line IMHO.

GRW3

Apr-17-2009, 4:54pm

In reality we cannot choose a mandolin for you. You have to find your passion. The best $1500 mandolin is the one you will play routinely.

Eddie Sheehy

Apr-17-2009, 4:57pm

I have a 2005 915 that I think is an exceptional mandolin. Though I have never played an 815V...

mandroid

Apr-17-2009, 5:10pm

What George said .. play a bunch of mandolins and see if one speaks to you, like a puppy in the window...
May hear what you like for less than that

My '22 A with its Aluminum Bridge [the upper part] has been a keeper and was half that at the time.
plain Ol' Brown.

tburcham

Apr-17-2009, 8:34pm

I purchased the Breedlove Gloss FF, listed by Rich Mesch (ad #33410), in the classifieds new from the mandolin Store. This is an outstanding mandolin...particularly for that price ($1,350). I loved that mandolin...probably the best playing (chording) one I have ever owned. I don't think you could go wrong with that mandolin.

papa willie

Apr-17-2009, 8:52pm

I totally agree with man dough nollij. A used Gallatin or Bitterroot would be hard to beat.

Jean Fugal

Apr-17-2009, 9:07pm

Hmm.......... Not to be a smart alec, but, ........

With $1500.00 you can find a lot of mandolins with the Quality and Sound all over the place.
OR
You can find the one that appears and speaks to YOU and the prices will be all over the place.

Marcus CA

Apr-17-2009, 11:07pm

I would recommend a used Weber Gallatin or Bitterroot. The Gallatin has a little non-traditional "hook" scroll (which I like), and the BR has more of a traditional look. My custom Gallatin cost me about $2300 four years ago. If I were putting it on the market I would expect to get about $1500 for it. It is a HOSS! :mandosmiley:

Some people might be put off by the look of the Gallatin because of its natural finish and the scroll, but I really like it. I haven't played the Gallatin mando, but I have played the F mandola and mandocello, and both had a far richer sound than anything else in their price range. The new ones run around $2K, but used ones show up in your price range periodically.

Happy hunting!

man dough nollij

Apr-17-2009, 11:54pm

Did you see that (NFI) Breedlove FF in the classifieds? I'd be all over that.

lespaul_79

Apr-18-2009, 2:13am

Got an MT. For a while, when I went to jams and traded mandos, after a song, I kinda wanted mine back. Now, I'm just not really interested in playing others 99% of the time...

It kinda rocks.... And I saved some $$$.

One day, I'll get an F.... But it's got to be as nice as my MT.

lyons4398

May-03-2009, 7:35pm

J Bovier makes a pretty decent F style mandolin you may want to check them out

chip

May-03-2009, 7:43pm

Dude...if you don't spend $10,000 then forget about it and buy a harmonica:))

Capt. E

May-04-2009, 9:25am

Have you thought about a Jade? Still being made as prototypes and the price/quality ratio is quite excellent. There is a shop in Abilene, I believe, that is carrying them. Check out their site: www.jademandolins.com

dougiebe

May-04-2009, 3:20pm

I found a used Nashville Flatiron Festival F a few years back for $1600. It's been a great mando and has served me faithfully for many a jam and gig. Made by Gibson and sounds great. I saw a couple here in the Classifieds very recently and was surprised to see one was about $1800 and another at an astonishing $1450 or so. Keep a look out... the deals do show up. Just watch out for the recently reintroduced Festival that is made in China. Not the same instrument and shouldn't be priced so. Have fun and good luck!

Andrew DeMarco

May-04-2009, 3:32pm

Get a used Collings MT. You can get em at 1500.

It's an A style. Don't worry about the fancy scroll. It's about how it sounds!:)

David Lloyd

May-04-2009, 3:59pm

I really like my Jonathon Mann 2 point flat back. It has a really great sound and plays great. I have played lots of high end mandos that didn't come close to this one. I did have Jon install a cast brass tailpiece.
http://www.manndolins.com/prod02.htm
Dave

Jose_L

May-07-2009, 11:35am

Do all collings MT have a radiused fret board ?

I'm saving up for a mando, and it looks like I'll be going the used Collings MT route..

Jose

Stephen Perry

May-10-2009, 7:38am

MD815V - these seem to be just about really there. I picked up some demos and am quite pleased.

The Kentucky KM1000 proves rather impressive.

Loar 600 - well, I think the KM1000 beats it, but a couple of fellows really sounded great on them.

I played one low end Breedlove that pleased me very much, but it wasn't in the same general vein as the rest.

So much taste plays into things.

Setup setup setup setup. Have to compare instruments with comparable setup and play-in time or you're doing yourself and the instruments a disservice.

Have fun.

earthsave

May-10-2009, 9:44am

I'd play a Gallatin before you buy. (That goes for pretty much any acoustic instrument I would shell out a over a few hundred bucks).

I had my mind set on a Gallatin before I bought my Flatiron A in 2001. The Gallatin is a beauty to look at. I love the blondes, but it just didnt have the sound or volume I wanted.

ChrisStewart

May-10-2009, 10:15am

I have a $500 mandolin - an Eastman 515 I bought used. am looking to upgrade to the "next mandolin" but it seems like there is a big jump in price to get a clearly better mandolin.

regularly I read/hear about Eastmans, Kentuckys and especially the new Loar 600 as being "comparable" to $2000 mandolins. these are mandolins in the sub-$1000 price range.

does this mean I really have to spend more than $2K to get better?

I'd really like to find a $1500 F mandolin that is much better than what I've got. I played a new Gibson F9 at the Nashville Gibson store and it was obviously wonderful... and $3000. that's just too much right now.

I'd like to spend somewhere in the neighborhood of $1000-$1500 and get a better mandolin. a mandolin that is good enough/better enough to justify spending that kind of money.

does such a beast exist or should I just save my money until I can get into the $3000 price range?

What is wrong with your Eastman 515? Why upgrade? Maybe you can't get a better sound at any price? I don't know for sure but I would guess that being inexpensive does not necessarily make it bad.

Maybe you own a particularly good one or a particularly bad one or perhaps your playing style is not producing good tone. I saw someone a few weeks ago at a jam picking somewhere between the 12th and 15th fret and it sounded like *&%^*@!

I think you should save your money. The fun is owning a high quality hand made instrument. There are some deals out there right now but around 2k is probably the best you will find unless you want something older.

Alan Perdue

May-10-2009, 1:50pm

For what its worth i just took a chance on a 700 dollar mandolin and i am blown away by this The Loar 600. This thing is blowin down trees and very sweet bell tone. In my opinion there are a lot of great mandolins ranging from 2,500 - 5000 but right now i just cant pay my devorce lawyer and by a big name mando so i have not owned an instrument for about two years.I considered a kit mando to maby have something decent enough to mess around with but im no luthier and the cost was about 1500. That seemed like a pretty big gamble with my present budget.I ran across a link when i googled Loar mandolin talkin about this china made replica.To be honest I was very skeptical but the photos looked awesome.I drove myself crazy lookin for someone who had or had played one of these axes with no luck.I agrrivated Paul at the mandolin hut for weeks tryin to decide if i wanted to take this chance. They offered me a money back garantee so i had nothing to lose and i assure you i am tickled to death with this mandolin.I have played a lot of mandolins in the last thirty years and owned some really great ones.This mandolin is good enuogh to ride on anyones bus or record in any studio and im not joking.Sorry for the long post but i am so excited about my almost free master model i cant shut up about it.I am posting this on my own and i am not endorsing this product i just want every one who wants a great mandolin without spending 7-12000 to have one of these! Jam hard.

allenhopkins

May-10-2009, 7:42pm

Here's (https://robbsbouldermusic.com/p-299-weber-gallatin-f-style.aspx) a new Gallatin in Boulder CO for $1,775.

Bernunzio has this used one (http://www.bernunzio.com/item.php?sku=0913372) on sale in Rochester NY for $1,550.

Weber's basic, no-frills F-model, but Webers are well-recommended, in terms of design, materials, and customer support. If one has "scroll fever," the Gallatin is an American-built instrument by a recognized first-rank manufacturer. Not easy to find a domestic F-model for less than $2K.

Chris Rogers

May-10-2009, 10:39pm

Lonestar Mandolin,
I was in your situation exactly a month or so ago. 1500 was my limit. I played Kentuckys, Eastmans and Michael Kellys that were available to compare, not wanting to take a chance on an internet transaction. The Kentucky KM-1000 (pictured at left) was the best of the lot, and I love it. There were two in the store, and they were like night and day. And the 1500 included the custom finger rest, too.
Good luck!

jim_n_virginia

May-11-2009, 7:33am

For $1500.00 you probably won't find a good F style mandolin that is not Pac-Rim import unless you buy a used stripped down no frills model of a lesser known or beginning builder.

You could get a nice A model for that price but personally I like the look of F style better.

NOW... if you saved up $500. more and had $2K to look with you would have enough to really have a pretty good choice.

My personal favorite in the $2K range is the Flatiron Festival or Performer Series. All the mandolin anyone would ever really need.

Good luck in your search! :mandosmiley:

LoneStarMandolin

May-11-2009, 8:30am

I guess I should finish this thread with some "final results." after emailing extensively with Jeff at JBovier mandolins he is shipping me a traditional finish F5. from the reviews I've read and from talking to Jeff I have great expectations for this mandolin, and JBoviers come in well under $1500. I'll post a review once it gets here and I get to play it a little.

thanks to all for their advice and I hope others will profit from reading this thread.

fatt-dad

May-11-2009, 9:29am

I think you could get a Henderson A-model mandolin for that budget, you'd just have to wait for a while. . .

Go with the MT. I play with a fellow that is really great, actually owns the top of the line Collings F-model and all, but it's his MT that he plays all the time. It just sounds great! I'd tell you to get a Flatiron, but they're hard to find - sound good though! Then again, I'm an A-model mandolin guy. Had my f-model, but after playing the As, decided to sell it.

f-d

ChrisStewart

May-11-2009, 9:35am

Cool, I like the looks of the JBovier's, look forward to hearing more about it.

jjboone101

May-11-2009, 9:41am

You can get a great hand-made A-model for around that price from Paul Newson in Michigan. Here's a pic during the finishing stages of the A5 he built for me. Very LOUD, wonderful instrument.

Marty Henrickson

May-11-2009, 9:43am

Cool, I like the looks of the JBovier's, look forward to hearing more about it.

Same here, as I am in a similar boat as the OP, except I'm jones-ing for my first mandolin (and I'm somewhat stuck on F-style, as the A-style I'm borrowing bugs me with having to tie the strap to the headstock). I've been following this thread with great interest.

ChrisStewart

May-11-2009, 10:09am

I tied mine around the neck joint

http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=40941&d=1239230261

LoneStarMandolin

May-11-2009, 10:14am

just a quick note to late posters who may not have read the entire thread: this is a discussion of F Models only. lots and lots of people have recommended the Collings A model, or have passed along the insight that you can buy a lot more A than you can an F and A's sound just as good (or better).

that's all fine but I started this thread and I'm looking for an F model and an F model ONLY. it's my choice and that's the choice I've made. there are no conceivable circumstances where I will buy an A. in fact, as you read above I didn't. I bought an F. and I'm thrilled to have done so. :cool:

since others are now noting that they are watching this thread I'd like to see if we can keep it on track so others who want an F model mandolin can learn about their options.

my JBovier is scheduled to arrive today (or so says USPS.com) and I can hardly wait. reports to follow!

Mike Scott

May-11-2009, 10:30am

Kentucky KM 1000

earthsave

May-11-2009, 10:37am

Interested to read about the comparison in sound and value between your new F and your old Eastman.

Mandobar

May-11-2009, 11:01am

get yourself a used Collings MT

LoneStarMandolin

May-11-2009, 12:40pm

get yourself a used Collings MT

let's try again ... this thread is about F models only. see the OP or the post about three above this one. the Collins MT has been suggested numerous times in this discussion BUT IT'S NOT AN F STYLE MANDOLIN. it does not fit the criteria for this discussion.

GTG

May-11-2009, 2:11pm

Hmm - Eastman to JBovier. I don't think most would consider that an upgrade. But I hope it works out for you.

allenhopkins

May-11-2009, 2:12pm

just a quick note to late posters who may not have read the entire thread: this is a discussion of F Models only. lots and lots of people have recommended the Collings A model, or have passed along the insight that you can buy a lot more A than you can an F and A's sound just as good (or better)...that's all fine but I started this thread and I'm looking for an F model and an F model ONLY. it's my choice and that's the choice I've made. there are no conceivable circumstances where I will buy an A. in fact, as you read above I didn't. I bought an F. and I'm thrilled to have done so.

I went into the deli in search of a ham sandwich; I knew I wanted a ham sandwich, no other variety of sandwich. Dozens of people surrounded me, recommending the tuna on rye, the turkey club, the vegan special with sprouts, even the beef burrito. Closing my ears to their siren songs, ignoring the sophistry of their arguments, I bought the best damn ham sandwich I could afford!

There, got that off'n my chest; where'd I put that Wegen pick...?

GTG

May-11-2009, 2:33pm

Closing my ears to their siren songs, ignoring the sophistry of their arguments, I bought the best damn ham sandwich I could afford!

Ha! Brilliant!

But let me tell you, the tuna would be so much better value!!

LoneStarMandolin

May-11-2009, 2:47pm

I continue to be amazed at people who, despite all my efforts ...

1. are determined to recommend an A mandolin

2. are derisive to anyone who doesn't choose to do as they've done. :disbelief:

be that as it may, this is still the "ham sandwich" thread...

Mike Bunting

May-11-2009, 3:19pm

"WWBD - What would Bill do?"
Bill would play all the mandolins he could and make his own choice.

man dough nollij

May-11-2009, 3:19pm

Hey Allen, have you considered a Reuben?

Patrick Hull

May-11-2009, 5:41pm

Odd to me that this seems to happen every now and again. For some reason, we just can't seem to resist passing along our own accumulated experiences and wisdom, even though someone makes it clear that they want recommendations regarding a particular style of mandolin. On the other hand, I also can't understand why someone who asks people to take time out of their day and give them some advice gets all bent out of shape when folks get a bit off track. I mean they did take the time to try to help......

H.P.

May-11-2009, 6:25pm

Experience keeps a dear school, but. . .
--Alexander Pope

fatt-dad

May-11-2009, 9:08pm

Ha! Funny Allan. LoneStar, deep cleansing breaths. . . That said, this is a frequent discussion, a vrs f model mandolins. It's almost impossible to stop when there is discussion about lower-priced f-models.

I think you did right re-focusing the discussion.

f-d

Marcus CA

May-11-2009, 11:23pm

I'm looking for an F model and an F model ONLY. it's my choice and that's the choice I've made. there are no conceivable circumstances where I will buy an A. in fact, as you read above I didn't. I bought an F. and I'm thrilled to have done so. :cool:

Maybe you should have gotten some advice from Country Joe MacDonald about this. Forty years ago, when he shouted into a microphone "Gimme an F!" he got 400,000 people to say "F!" Even if you listen carefully to the audio, you won't hear anyone saying "A!" :grin:

Patrick Hull

May-12-2009, 5:55am

Brilliant. I remember it well. But I do believe there were some muttering under their breath that a Mid-Mo (now Big Muddy) would suit his needs better..

GTG

May-12-2009, 10:07am

I suggest a guitar. Plenty of choices are available for under $1500, and it'll be easier to play, assuming you already know how to play the guitar. Easier to sell too.

earthsave

May-12-2009, 10:42am

I suggest a guitar. Plenty of choices are available for under $1500, and it'll be easier to play, assuming you already know how to play the guitar. Easier to sell too.

:)):crying::))

No smilies after some of these posts, but I think some are yankin yer chain, LoneStar. I know I thought about posting something similar, but somehow resisted.

Seriously tho, compare the two, if you still have the Eastman, and write back.

LoneStarMandolin

May-12-2009, 3:21pm

the JBovier came today. her and I are just getting better acquainted but it is a very impressive mandolin. far better than the Eastman 515 I own in the finish department. we'll see how she sounds.

btw, loved the guitar post above. too funny! maybe if this JBovier doesn't work out I can try kazoo... ;-)

earthsave

May-13-2009, 11:08am