First Post: Looking for a 2 nd mandolin ($400-$500)

[zaboomafoozarg]

Hey fellas. I've been lurking around this forum for too long so I figured I'd register and post :)

Anyhow, I've got some questions (And I know everything is personal preference! Just give me your opinions, please.)

I've been going at the mandolin for about 6 months now, and currently play my brother's Martin Backpacker mandolin. It's getting to where I am searching for something better that will last me a good while. Reason being is that, A. I need my own mandolin and B. I keep hearing about just how bad the Martin Backpacker is and I am pretty excited at the thought of getting a "real" mandolin, per se.


Naturally, being in the $400-500 price range, I've narrowed it all down to the Kentucky KM-505: it seems to have the most consistent good reviews for something in that price range.

But, I guess what I'm asking, is there anything else I should consider before I make the splurge? There are so many mandolins out there, I can't help but think there might be other good options that I missed.

And if, infact, you agree that the Kentucky Km-505 would be best for me, then do you have any suggestions on where to order it? Buying used is not really an option for me: I don't trust classified ads or eBay-ing individuals, and I believe that buying from a company with a return policy or something of that sort would be a good plan.

I know that themandolinhut.com has the 505 with extra goodies all for 480-ish, and they do a full setup on the mandolin before shipping it (which is a must. I know of no luthiers anywhere near here, lol.) But I can't really find any reviews of them, so thought I'd ask here.

I'm also considering purchasing the 505 from either Folkmusician.com ($416, professional set-up included) or Woodwind and Brasswind ( (wwbw.com) same price, not sure if they do the setup. Anyone know?)




Hey, whew, this is getting to be a longer post than I expected! I know it'd be impossible for anyone to respond to all of the points and concerns I brought up, so I guess what I'm asking is that you could share any advice you might happen to think of that might help me so I don't do something I regret, lol! Thanks guys.

[Ron Landis]

I just went through this whole thing, tried out several others in the price range. I got my 505 from Janet Davis for around $450 and love it. Just find a deal you can live with. You won't be disappointed.

[man dough nollij]

Hi Zabooma, welcome to the Cafe!

I was going to post that there should be a lot of comparable mandolins in the Cafe classifieds, but I just took a look and there really aren't right now. There is a Fullerton Gloucester for only $250 there, though. Those have gotten a lot of rave reviews here. I've never had a chance to play one.

Good for you for considering an "A" style. I have an Eastman 505 that I got for $500 (A style, ff holes), that I think is amazing. I've played $2000 plus mandos that couldn't touch it, IMO. I don't think that they're all that great, though. I've never seen a really bad one, but they do vary.

I second the idea of buying from Janet Davis, the Mandolin Store, or some other store that takes some time to do the setup. I've never done business with the Mandolin Hut myself, but I have read posts here from folks who did and were less than thrilled with the thoroughness of the set up. Just anecdotes-- they may be great.

Happy shopping!

Lee

:mandosmiley:

[mandolirius]

<Hey fellas. I've been lurking around this forum for too long so I figured I'd register and post>

First piece of newbie advice - we're not all "fellas" here. :)

[Eric F.]

You should also consider themandolinstore.com. I've only bought accessories from them, but they get lots of raves here for their deals and setups.

As to the particular mandolin you should buy, the KM-505 is a good choice in this price range. What kind of music do you want to play? If the answer is bluegrass, then the KM-505 might be your best option if you are buying new. You could look for a used Eastman 505 in the classifieds or elsewhere. They pop up frequently.

If you are open to an oval hole, the Eastman 504 used or a new or used Big Muddy would be nice steps up from a Backpacker.

[zaboomafoozarg]

Thanks for the responses!

Hey, the mandolin store is actually looking like the thing I'm going to go with now. Their prices are quite good and the service sounds like the best available.

Eric, I play (or try, I should say, hahaha) any kind of music that strikes my fancy, lol. I can't move my left hand fast enough to actually play bluegrass yet, so it's more or less country soungs, y'know.

Thanks again for the help guys. (And gals :P)

[clintross]

I seem to be the only who will stick up for Micheal Kelley's. I haven't played this Kentucky model or know what would compare, but Micheal Kelly seems to get passed up a lot. The Kentucky might be better but it could be worth checking out.

[Patrick Market]

In like fashion, I am one of 2 folks (that I know of) at this forum who has a Hohner, so I'll stick up for them. PacRim or not. The HFM100 is a fine competitor in this price range. Get a good look at this link here (http://www.clarindasmusic.com/Loar_Mandolins.html).

[Charley wild]

I seem to be the only who will stick up for Micheal Kelley's. I haven't played this Kentucky model or know what would compare, but Micheal Kelly seems to get passed up a lot. The Kentucky might be better but it could be worth checking out.

Good for you,man!
I've given up recommending Mk's. It seems like everybody on here loves to put them down. I love my A+!! When I bought mine I had the store owner (and player) play a dozen or so PacRims of all prices and styles and for the money the A+ dusted them all! I stood in front of him a ways and he took a couple hours demonstrating all of them. He'd go back and compare any two I asked him to, etc. There was an Eastman F I liked a bit better but it was over three times what I payed for the MK. So when it comes to recommending Mk's I guess it's you and I.:)

[acousticphd]

I bought a very nice, slightly used KM505 for ~$250 around Christmas time. I think you've identified a good mando in that price range. My only advice would be, rather than pay full new price, be patient for a month and look every day or so online for a previously owned KM505 (or Eastman 505), or a Howard Morris A5. Also, I would suggest you talking in person to the store/seller about your "professional setup" and exactly what they do, and the setup you would like.

[Jose_L]

I'd look into this if I had $500 to spend.. search on this site, I think some people have this mandolin.

http://shawneecreekwoodworks.com/default.aspx

Good Luck
Jose