inexpensive but playable?

[tallgirl1204]

Hey all:

My coworker wants to buy her husband a mandolin for his birthday, and asked me for a recommendation. I asked "how much do you want to spend?" She asked if there was anything out there playable for $150. I told her I didn't know (I'm an accordion player, not a musician!), but I knew some people who would...

We live in Flagstaff, but she'll be going to Denver next week-- so recommendations about instruments? Shops?

She'll be buying him lessons to go with the mandolin, and I know this is something he's psyched to do-- it'd be nice to get him off to a good start.

[flairbzzt]

If your friend is on a low budget, I suggest looking at the classifieds here for a better quality used instrument. Find out how far she can stretch her budget. The type of music her husband wants to play will help determine which style mandolin would benefit him also.

[Dan Adams]

Olde Town Pickin Parlor in Arvada, The Folklore Center in Denver, The Original Folklore Center in Colorado Springs, Acoustic Revival in Denver. Just a few to visit.

Good Luck in the Search! Dan

[neal]

Look in the classifieds for a guy named Tom Flood, he always seems to have some really nice older stuff for around your price. He always re-works them, makes them playable. I've never dealt with him, but I think I will at some point.

[August Watters]

It's possible to get a respectible beginners-level instrument in this price range -- if you go to a reputable mandolin store. Most stores won't bother to give it the proper set-up it needs! The list above is a good one. Elderly Instruments is another good place to look.

August W

[pickinpox]

I'm an accordion player, not a musician!I could make a ton of jokes with that line... but I won't. Thanks for the laugh this morning and good luck with your search for the right mandolin.

[tallgirl1204]

Hah-- thanks for catching the joke!

I will pass all the info on to my friend and will check out the Denver shops next I'm there... Also, someone sent me a link to a mando he had for sale, and my friend is following up on that...thanks!