Need some advice on a new mandolin please =)

[Jarred]

So far I've been playing for a little over a year and my only regret is that I didnt start sooner :)

But now I think its come to the important time to find a new mandolin. The one I currently have is a very inexpensive starter mandolin (A-Style) that I got from the store for about $160. It has its own little issues but nevertheless I love it.

Being from the Boston area, mandolin varieties are few and far between and players are even more scarce.

For my skill level I would consider myself to still just be a little past beginner. So I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations of any websites where I would be able to purchase a reliable F-style mandolin on a recent college grad budget. Also, what should I look for when looking to purchase? (i.e- things to watch out for both shops and internet vendors alike)

I'm in no rush to buy one right away to I figure I'd start by asking the community.

-Jarred

[Shawn Gambrel]

The Loars, Kentuckys, Rovers, Morgan Monroe, Michael Kelley are all good brands.. Are you want a Fstyle

[nickster60]

Why dont you Robert at Folkmusician.com a call he sells and sets up all of his mandolins. He will steer you in the right direction. He sells all of the mandolins mentioned above.

[EdHanrahan]

Mostly, just two words: "Cafe Sponsors".

Or... Depending on your driving habits, Cathedral Music in Troy, NY, is a REAL nice shop just beyond your state line. Mostly high-end guitars, all acoustic, but...

When I stopped in there there 2 years ago, Clem apologized that he was currently lacking in mandolins; only had some low-end Kentucky's in stock. (Having never played a Kentucky before, I quickly saw why they're so highly regarded here).

Clem is a great guy to talk to. Maybe worth a phone call to find what he has now, for a possible day excursion.

[Larry S Sherman]

You're not far from the music emporium (www.themusicemporium.com) if your from Boston. Tons to choose from there.

[Jim MacDaniel]

Not sure about local mandolin stores, but if you are shopping for an instructor, I believe Brighton-based Jimmy Ryan (Blood Oranges, Beacon Hillbillies, et al) still gives lessons: http://www.jrmando.com/contact.html

[8ch(pl)]

If you are not playing Bluegrass, one of the Flat Tops is worth looking at. Mid Missouri (now Big Muddy), Resophonic Traveller from Cumberland Acoustics, Peter Sawchyn and others. mid Missouris can be bought secondhand for about $350.

[red7flag]

Music Emporium in Lexington, MA, Is a really fine brick and mortor store. They also have a web site: http://www.themusicemporium.com/
They are a very knowledgable location. Last I knew, due to heavy demand, their repair/set up department was just available for instruments bought there. This may have changed. I really have enjoyed playing instruments there. Their staff is very knowledgable and friendly. Even if you don't buy, you will not regret the trip there. NFI.

[Greg H.]

Well, if you're up to a weekend trip (probably 6 hr each way) a run to Staten Island would be great fun. Mandolin Bros. would have everything from the Kentuckys or Eastmans up to the Gibson master model, Gilchrist, or Monteleone and everything in between. And you could try ALL of them. Among their selections there's a great chance you could find the mandolin that you can afford and fits you just right.