whats the best mandolin...

[Baron Collins-Hill]

im looking into a mandolin in the 500-1000 dollar range, what should i get?

[ShaneJ]

I think the general concensus for "best" in that range would be a used American-made A-style mando, perhaps even one that has a great sound but has a minor cosmetic (not structural) flaw or has been refinished, etc. I'd start by looking at a Rigel, Breedlove (O or K model), Weber, or a Gibson. Personal taste and individual instrument characteristics really dictate "best".

If you want an F-style in that range, an import is probably your only option. I would say that the Michael Kelly mandos would be the first pick, although any of the import brands can turn out a good one here and there. From what little I've seen, the MK's are made a little better, but their finish is not that great. Others have said good things about Eastman mandos, but I've never seen one.

It's hard if you live somewhere, like me, that doesn't have a big supply of mandos in a store to touch and play, but the best bet is to try 'em before you buy 'em and shop around.

I didn't really narrow anything down for you -- sorry, but I hope it helps. Good luck!

[chipotle]

I echo PhishPhans question and your reply helped me as well.

I am looking for an F style for under 1K and have narrowed down to a Michael Kelly or a Morgan Monroe, used.

I read an earlier thread about the difference in the MK and Kentucky, does the Morgan compete as well?

[ShaneJ]

I've never played a Morgan Monroe, but I've read good comments here. Maybe others with experience can help you.

Best MANDOLIN under $1000 is a used Gibson A-9.

If you just have to have a F model the best F under a $1000 will be the Micheal Kelly.

I would prefer to play a Gibson A-9 if it was me.

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Eric F.]

New, it's hard to beat a Breedlove Quartz OF. They've got fine tone, excellent playability, and perfect fit and finish.

[Raven]

I now have 2 Morgan Monroe all solid F-style mandolins plus a (now discontinued) Morgan Monroe Octave. I don't think you can beat the value for the price. I have a Fishman bridge pickup on the one (MMS-2) and play it our regularly with my Celtic band. Of course buying your instrument from a good dealer who sets it up right goes a long way to making your mandolin perform.

Peace

Mikel

[mingusb1]

The two Morgan Monroe F-style mandos I have played sounded quite thin. #THey looked pretty good, and played pretty well, but there just wasn't much there behind the first sound of the notes. #If you plan to amplify, then maybe this is of no concern.

I noticed the pieces of top wood were not very thick compared to other mandos I have played. #Perhaps that explains some of it.

There seems to be used A-styles like the A-9, Flatirons, etc., for sale regularly on the classifieds and elsewhere. #Those may be better options. #

Z

[steve in tampa]

I really like my MK Dragonfly. Just had it set up w/ Gibson/Sam Bush strings. Plays like a dream. Waiting for the tone to open up a little more. Only had it 3 months.

[saznpins]

I've been very happy with my Howard Morris F5. Good tone, price under $1000 and you get an all solid wood, handmade in the USA mandolin. I'd take that over a factory-made import any day http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif
Cheers,
Sarah

[John Rosett]

you can still find teens gibson A mandos for under a grand. i bought a '13 A in january for $850, and i love it. after that, i'd look for a used weber hyalite.
john

[Lane Pryce]

Check out the custom Weber Galatin in the ads. Lp

[chipotle]

Thanks for all the response!

I am reconsidering my need for the scroll. #I have read enough on this site to know that all you experienced players recommend a better A over a less expensive F.

I have been checking the classifieds every day to see whats new and I saw an MK and a Morgan that are affordable to me.

I will go check the Weber.
Eric, I do love the looks of the Breedlove line.

[fatt-dad]

You cannot go wrong with a used Flatiron A-model. There were several trim lines and the pop up for under $1,000.00. I love my A5-1.

fatt-dad

[flairbzzt]

I just got a Morgan Monroe mms-5 last month. It is finished very nicely with very attractive MOP and abalone vine fretboard inlay. #I was impressed with the sound over the other import and many domestic f-styles I tried at Mandolin Brothers amd kept going back to the Morgan + left with it just under $1,000 with a hardshell case. I just ordered an MM mms-6 (satin finish) to accompany it. #It's all solid carved with a beautiful tiger maple back. I'd try one of these models to help your decision making. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[PhilGE]

My Weber Aspen was my first "real" mandolin. It is not a bluegrass instrument, but has a wonderful tone for most other styles of music. I spent many hours at Elderly in search of good tone and settled on the Aspen, though there were many instruments at much greater prices. Many were pretty to look at, but didn't have the tone.

-Phil

[jim_n_virginia]

IMHO for under $500.00 I get a Mid-Missouri M-2 and under $1000 I get a used Flatiron A5 Artist

[biscuit]

I just got a 6 year old 675 Kentucky I do not like the new ky but if you will take time to find one before they moved to china they are verry good mandolins.

[JustLearning]

I have went to buy a MK dragonfly twice now and both times I have came back with a Morgan Monroe. Dont be fooled when playing one off the shelf cause they come with very light strings from the factory. Put a heavier set on and its like a new instrument. I also like their finish much better then what I have seen out of MK. Both are great instruments. I have heard MM is coming out with new mandos so the old ones like the collectors edition with the vine inlays will be heavily discounted. I bought my Collectors Edition new for $500 after taxes and including a MM case. Which I thought was steal.

If you dont need a scroll I think gibsons cheapest A style can be had for $1150. Thats what they quoted me when I was looking.

[Frank Russell]

I have owned MK, Morgan-Monroe, and Kentucky, and none of them stood out, at least to me. If you don't need an F, the Gibson A9 I just sold was the best "affordable" mandolin I've had so far. It went to a Cafe member, and he's real happy. You can find them used, as other members stated above, for anywhere from $750 to $1000. Also, the two Eastman A's at Buffalo Bros, and the Eastman F they had there were pretty impressive in the same price range. Good workmanship and sound. I believe they have an unbound-back F in your price range. Frank.

If resale means anything to you...I'd listen to Frank. There is NO shortage of Pacific Rim F's out there.....& as sales slow, there may well be a glut of them. There is also a Rigel A Natural on the classifieds right now that's worth considering.
Rigel A Natural (http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=10991&query=retrieval)

[magnumgray]

I agree with sarah ..... and frank .... I really enjoy my howard Morris ..... and my next mando is going to be an a-9 ..... Frank I'm really sorry I didn't buy yours... somebody got a real jewell .....

[rakelly3]

i own a breedlove quartz KF. it has been everything i ever needed. it is not mainly a bluegrass mandolin, as far as the deep, woody chop goes, it's more versatile i guess in that sense. i mean ive used it mainly for bluegrass, but it sounds good in any genre you're playing. so if you're looking for an instrument with a little more variety, it sounds as good as any other mando ive heard for the same price or more. I believe there's an ad for one for $750... a very good price for an instrument that goes for about $1200 right now.

[fowl intent]

I have a Breedlove Quartz A style that I am thinking of listing in the classified section. I am looking to move up to an F style myself. The Breedlove is a great mando in the range you specified. This one is in 'as new' condition, and has the sunburst finish which is a $200 factory add on. Let me know if interested, or you may see it shortly in the classifieds.

[RandyLaMoraa]

I have a Rigel a plus that I will be listing soon that is pretty close to your price range, its loud and has a very nice sound, the reason I am going to sell it is that I stepped up to a Rigel G110, if you are interested let me Know.
Randy LaMora
Waconia Minnesota

[Greenmando]

I agree with sarah ..... and frank .... I really enjoy my howard Morris ..... and my next mando is going to be an a-9 ..... Frank I'm really sorry I didn't buy yours... somebody got a real jewell #.....
This is not Frank's but a different seller from our classifieds. Where in Korea are you going to find a A with this kind of flame? or quality?

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Sep/20049156930454829368651.jpg

[HoGo]

Well, maybe not in Korea but in China you are going to find this. Spruce posted it in the "Post a pic of your blonde" thread. Blonde Eastman.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/uploads/post-15-55785-e.jpg

[phillyfred]

I like my Mid-Mo M2------not the bluegrass sound-----but sweet and easy to play