can you get a good mando for under 400?

[fiddlesticks86]

I'm learning to play guitar and violin and I want to play mandolin too. I've been looking at them online and they all seem really expensive, I'm thinking of asking for one for christmas but I dont want my parnets to pay too much for one but I dont want a stinky one either. My local music store only has two they are both fenders, does fender make good mandos? cuz I play guitar and I'm not impressed with their guitars:sleepy:. There just isn't that many mandos around here GuitarCenter is like an hour and a half away from me and I think they only had a couple but now that I think of it I can check the store I bought my fiddle from its an 1hr away too.

I basically want to learn to play anything that doesn't have a spitvalve:)):mandosmiley: guitar, violin, madolin, dobro, drums, piano I want to play all of those haha

[250sc]

At that price you should look for good action. Killer volume and rich tone won't be the strong point in that price range.

[Greenmando]

There are many good mandos in your price range. Avoid the scroll envy.
Get a used A style, some good ones like Eastman can be bought very reasonably. I bought a Eastman 2 pointer for $500.

[Matt DeBlass]

Yep, plenty of threads on this on the forums. Some names that come up are Kentucky, Morgan Monroe, Michael Kelly and Rover, also you should keep an eye on the classifieds, sometimes you can get a good used deal.

[JEStanek]

Used Eastman 505 or 504. Sometimes Dennis at the Mandolin Store has good bargains (like just after Thanksgiving if the tradition from last year continues). Kentucky makse some good instruments too. Skip the F style in favor of an A style instrument to get started and get more instrument for your dollars.

Welcome to the Café!

Jamie

[Capt. E]

Yes you can... you will probably want to go with a used A style. You can often find them in the classifieds here.
You might go for a Big Muddy (used to be called Mid-Missouri). They are simple in construction (though far from cheap), hand-made in USA, play very well and commonly sell for under $400 used. Great starter (or lifetime for some) mando.
I also like the instruments made by Kentucky, especially the model KM-505.
You could get lucky on ebay and find a prize for a modest price. I have found them upon occasion, but don't expect it. Educate yourself before going the ebay route so you know what you are looking at.

[Mattg]

Define good. It's a hugely relative term.

I have a Kentucky 380s that I got for well less than $500 that is pretty darn good.

[MikeEdgerton]

The Kentucky KM-505 (http://www.themandolinstore.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=8068) used to be my favorite under $400.00 mandolin, now it's my favorite under $420.00 mandolin.

[Douglas McMullin]

A used Eastman 505 or 504 would also be my suggestion.

[Jill McAuley]

Rather than asking your folks for a mandolin for Christmas, maybe you could ask them for the $$ for a mandolin and then keep your eye on our classifieds section here. On a fairly regular basis you'll find used Eastman 504 or 505 models listed, used Big Muddy or Mid-Missouri mandolins listed, and used Kentucky KM505's as well. All listed above would be within your price range when bought used.

Cheers,
Jill

[GTG]

No, Fender mandos aren't considered very good. You may find a semi-decent one, but Kentucky, Eastman, or Mid-Missouri/Big Muddy are probably better bets for a starter instrument.

[allenhopkins]

Probably going to Guitar Center or an equivalent store will be futile. Small selection and not much chance of a good set-up. You get more bang for the buck with used instruments, but it really helps to find a dealer who handles used and trade-ins and does pro set-ups. A lot depends on where you're located. As to brand, lower-end Kentuckies and the "500" series Eastmans are in your price range or close. They get good marks as starter instruments, and none of them have spit valves.

If you know anyone else who plays mandolin, see what he/she plays, and try to take him/her along when you go shopping. If you're located in and area without a selection of dealers (which I suspect, if you're "local" Guitar Center's an hour and a half away), you may have to deal on-line. Some of the Cafe sponsors have good reputations for providing decent starter instruments.

[Andy Alexander]

An old Stradolin is probably the best built and sounding instrument for under $400.

[Dave Greenspoon]

Welcome to the Cafe, and to the mandolin, Fiddlesticks!

The Kentucky 505, Eastmans and Big Muddy/Mid Mo's that have been mentioned are all excellent instruments at an accessible price-point around your budget, especially if pre-owned. The KY is a more traditional bluegrass style instrument, and the Big Muddy/Mid Mo pays homage to the Flatiron and vintage Gibson Alrite pancakes. Someone else mentioned Stradolin which can be a great little inexpensive instrument. Try and find one that is all solid wood. They aren't often pretty, and sometimes they're downright funky, but they are great work-horses and will get the job done.

I'd also suggest that as a newcomer to mandolins, you focus on value of some of the used instruments that are sold through the Cafe and not get sucked into the online auction sites. You'll find that the general level of integrity on the Cafe classifieds will spare you a lot of potential grief. If you DO use the classifieds, make sure you know the seller's expectations regarding a 24-48-72 hour try-out period and return shipping costs up front before you buy.

If you are using the Cafe classifieds, you might find some really excellent deals. I bought a nice, higher-end solid wood Washburn F style for well under your price-point not too long ago. I use it as a back-up instrument and camping/beach mando mostly. Even so, it is more than quality enough to serve a beginning/intermediate player for years.

Some of the names listed like Michael Kelly, Morgan Monroe, and even Washburn might need a little extra attention to the neck or frets, even new and out of the box. Other than that, they are more than fine instruments for your needs until you are ready to go pro. :-)

Good luck, and have fun!

[fiddlesticks86]

Thanks for your help everyone!