Kentucky or Morgan Monroe?

[cmateer]

I am a drummer who is very excited to seriously begin taking on the mandolin. Since I am just starting out, I am most interested in something that will be great to learn on, hopefully stand up as a wise investment, and that will sound great over time as I improve. I'm willing to invest, but my bottom line is that I am on a budget.

I am wondering if anyone can shed some light on the differences between Kentuck and Morgan Monroe mandolins? For the price range I'm looking for the same models keep coming up: Kentucky 805 and Kentucky Deluxe F, and the Morgan Monroe MMS-8. (Also- how does the Kentucky 630s and 675s fair?)

I guess I'm asking for suggestions and feedback on quality and any major differences. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[sasquatchmedicine]

This thread is predictable. Someone will tell you to get an A. Then someone will tell you that Kentucky has a better track record than MM.

I had a Kentucky 505 that i just loved. I let it break(:crying:) then got an old mahogany model Kentucky from the classifieds. It's not as loud, but I'm still learning how to pull volume out of it.

It might be wise to go with a Kentucky, according to most peoples views on this forum. The models you are looking at are probably adequate, but the 505 just seems to kick butt when it comes to mandolin for the money. It's cheaper than the models you posted(as low as $420 set up from some places on the net)

.....just one beginners opinion to anothers

[JEStanek]

If it were me, I would choose the Kentucky over the Morgan Monroe. I had a Kentucky KM150S (lower end A style) and the Morgan Monroe Rocky Top Cherry Burst (near their high end) back in 2003 or so. The MM had a much thicker finish. It looked impressive but was pretty weak sound wise. It didn't represent a substantial step up from the lower end Kentucky. A lot has changed since then in the Kentucky line regarding quality improvements.

I have, however, not played any of their instruments lately so my choice (of unplayed by me side by side) instruments would be the Kentucky. If you can be someplace and try both side by side and have both played at you, get the best one you can afford.

Jamie