New here, found a killer video..

[SchlazzGraft]

Hey guys!

I just signed up on here, and I'm in the process of whittling down my list of possible first mandolins... I'm leaning toward an f-style (can't help it :whistling:) and I'm thinking of maybe going rover or kentucky, any other suggestions? I've tried a few brands, but there's not much selection in my area (upstate ny). Thanks!

Also, I'm not sure if this has been posted yet... and i'm no mandolin player, but these kids are nuts:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJG_xzuu7M4

edit: ooh, forgot to say my price range is around $500

[allenhopkins]

...there's not much selection in my area (upstate ny)...ooh, forgot to say my price range is around $500

Where in upstate New York? Plenty of selection here in Rochester, with Bernunzio Vintage Instruments (mandolin list) (http://bernunzio.com/inventory/Instruments/Mandolins), and Stutzman's Guitar Center (click "used/vintage" for a partial mandolin list) (http://www.stutzmansguitarcenter.com/). Bernunzio's selling a Rover RM-75 for $349, which is a very good discount.

If you're within driving distance, I'd spend a day trying out a few. Good selection in both stores. In my experience, Dave Stutzman offers a slightly better price, but has a smaller selection. John Bernunzio has slashed quite a few prices recently, and has quite a large stock of Eastman instruments. I've dealt extensively with both of them, and they're reliable and will give you straight info. I also have most of my set-ups and repairs done at Stutzman's, and he does good work for reasonable prices.

[SchlazzGraft]

The RM-75 is what i've got my heart set on at the moment, but that may change when i get a chance to actually play one.. I've tried out some epiphones, eastman, breedlove, and a couple other brands and nothing's been quite the right match. I live a few hours east of there near albany, and i've been searching the area!

I usually like to try instruments before i buy em, but I know a lot of people go through the internet. Any opinions on the online shops?

[Rob Gerety]

Think about buying a good used instrument. The market is flooded with good used instruments now. You can land a higher quality instrument if you buy used. Figure the cost of a professional set up into the total. You'll get a better quality instrument for the same price and take less of a hit if you sell down the road. Just food for thought.

[Jim]

I think it's hard to go wrong with th RM 75 you're interested in. I got mine at a pawn shop used, I've bought several old instruments on line but mostly from private parties. No real bad experiences with the sellers but shipping can be a problem. Where I live Fedex just thows the package over your fence an drives off, and it might not even be your fence.

[allenhopkins]

..I live a few hours east of there near albany, and i've been searching the area!

Decent selection of Kentucky mandolins at Mountain Music (http://www.banjoshop.com/Inventory.html) in Old Forge, if you don't mind a drive up into the Adirondacks. He's pretty much a banjo/guitar shop, but has some Morgan Monroes as well.

[SchlazzGraft]

Decent selection of Kentucky mandolins at Mountain Music (http://www.banjoshop.com/Inventory.html) in Old Forge, if you don't mind a drive up into the Adirondacks. He's pretty much a banjo/guitar shop, but has some Morgan Monroes as well.

I'll have to check that place out on my way home for christmas break, right on the way! thanks for the tips everyone

[rsgars]

Have you tried Parkway Music in Clifton Park? They have Eastman, Michael Kelly, a pac rim Flatiron, and some Epiphones. Good guys to work with.

If you can pry yourselfaway from the idea of an F-style I have an Kentucky 150S I am ready to part with. It was highly modified by my friend who owned it before me. His goal was to make it easy to play becausee he had some physical challenges. It aint pretty but it is functional.

Let me know if you are interested in it. If not, I highly recommend a trip to Parkway.

[Mandolin Mick]

I have a Kentucky F-5 KM-855 & had it setup by a guy that's really great. The action is perfect. Good volume and the tone is getting better & better as time goes on. This particular model is out of your range but you might find a nice used one.

[SchlazzGraft]

Have you tried Parkway Music in Clifton Park? They have Eastman, Michael Kelly, a pac rim Flatiron, and some Epiphones. Good guys to work with.....

Yeah, i took a trip up there while i was home and they definitely had some real nice stuff and gave me a lot of pointers. I had a hard time prying myself away, but i always get that feeling when i go there haha. As for the kentucky, thanks for the offer! My mind's set on an f-style for now, but i'll let you know if i start leaning the other way

[SchlazzGraft]

Ended up finding a Kentucky KM805 for my first mandolin! Definitely can't wait for it show up now :grin:

http://www.mandolincafe.com/classifieds/upload/38071.jpg