where are they all?

[Mandy87]

I'm a newbie to mandolins. I saw one in a music store the other day. I am very interested in buying one, but I dont know much. From what I've read I want a A model opposed to an F. If any one knows any shops in or around Rochester NY that have a selection of mandolins that I could look at, I would appreciate it. And if anyone has any tips on what models to be looking for I could use those too. My price range is anywhere up to $400. Thanks!!!! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[fatt-dad]

You can check out my web page for mandolins that I have for sale.

Mandolins for Sale (http://home.comcast.net/~fatt-dad/mando4sale.html)

There are several in your price range and other than shipping you can use them for 48 hours to see whether you want to keep it (you have to pay me first though).

fatt-dad
Richmond, VA

Email fatt-dad@richmond.com

[8ch(pl)]

Bernunzio Vintage Instruments is in Rochester at 375 East Avenue. They have a Website that will show you their inventory.

[odeman]

The reason why some of the major mail order houses around the country have been so successful is that they carry certain items that you may not be able to find locally - like well-made mandolins. I've always had a lot of luck dealing with Elderly Music in Lansing, MI. For years it was the only place I could find a good selection of mandolins, ukes and acoustic basses. Their service is outstanding and their staff knows what they're doing. These days, whenever possible, I try to spend my money at the places in my city who finally got with the program and started stocking more acoustic instruments. If you can't find a first class retailer, try Elderly.

[WireBoy]

if you can stand a trip to NYC, Mandolin Bros of Staten Island is a great place to go.

[tnpathfinder]

Just my 2¢ The most important thing you can do if you are in that buget range is have a good set-up done by some one who really knows what they are doing. I speak from experiance. I started out with a Kentucky 380s and had a really good set-up done and upgraded the bridge to a nice ebony one. Big differance. Bottom line...save some cash to get it set-up properly. BTW- that 380s is in the classifieds, and well with in your buget.

[Eugene]

What kind of music do you want to play, Mandy? A bigger influence on sound than the instrument's profile will be hole configuration; f-holed tone is expected in bluegrass and ovel-holed is acceptable everywhere else, sometimes preferred.

Definitely, check out Bernunzio (http://bernunzio.com/NEW/), but they specialize in old stuff. See this thread (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=13;t=17945) for a discussion of new mandolins near your price range. Don't be afraid to order from afar from retailers with good reputation; most will have an approval period for such purchases.