Morgan Monroe?

[Ashville Picker]

I'm kicking around moving up from really cheap mandolins to something a little nicer and several Morgan Monroes on Ebay have caught my eye. Plus, my best picking buddy loves his Morgan Monroe banjo. (Ebay is fun to look at, but I wonder if a wise man would take a chance on buying a decent mandolin without trying it out first.)

Anyway, what's the scoop on Morgan Monroe for someone who can spend about $500. (and still stay married)? And what is the Bean Blossem MMs I keep seeing? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[grandmainger]

Hiya!

I can most definately advise on the new bean blossoms. See this thread here on the cafe (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=15;t=18009). all about my own blonde BB-MM. Another cafe member has bought one too, and is happy with it.

I think there tends to be less variations between pac-rim models, and that probably makes it easier to buy one 'blind'. Then again, loads of dealers stock MMs, so you could go play one before buying it. I quite like the black 'phantom of the opry' model.

Good Luck! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

Germain

[Ashville Picker]

Germain- You have my interest. What should I be prepared to spend for a new bean blossom. I fear I don't know enough to keep from being bamboozled.

[ronlane3]

Ashville,

I have the MMS-3, it is a good instrument for practicing and as a tag along to places I wouldn't take my Gibson.

[Ashville Picker]

I've been reading this bulletin board for a few years now and have just about come to the conclusion that most of you own top end mandolins (like your Gibson). Honestly, if I can swing a bean blossom, that's probably where I will stay for a long time. I play every day, but do most of my picking with a small group of good friends. So, what is a good price for a BB-MM? Thanks.

[ronlane3]

I haven't kept up with the prices, but probably in the $500 - $800 range is about right. I understand about keeping it a while. My MMS-3 was my first mandolin and I still have it and play it at least as much as the other. I would not have the Gibson, if it weren't for an EXTREMELY loving wife and a better than expected tax return.

[Dioptase]

I'd like to suggest a Mid Missouri as an upgrade from a cheapie mandolin. They play and sound like a dream for the price you pay, and can be had used at very reasonable prices. 300-400$ range. I have one that I play in addition to my Gibson, and I love it. It's not simply a beater, it's another great instrument.
Micah

[grandmainger]

I've been reading this bulletin board for a few years now and have just about come to the conclusion that most of you own top end mandolins (like your Gibson). Honestly, if I can swing a bean blossom, that's probably where I will stay for a long time. I play every day, but do most of my picking with a small group of good friends. So, what is a good price for a BB-MM? Thanks.
Hi again,

I bought my MMBB off eBay from BanjoBarn (http://www.banjobarn.com), and the other cafe member who bought one also got his from banjobarn (directly I think, not via eBay). Nice staff there, fast delivery. I paid $500 for it, but it might have been a little on the expensive side, because I got it litteraly the day it was released. Now that the collection is a couple of months old, you may be able to get one for $400-450. Call banjobarn, they may be able to help, they have one on eBay for $500 right now (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10179&item=3754748649&rd=1).

In terms of low-high end mandolin, the discussion rages on here at the cafe. Can one justify paying thousands for an instrument from such or such manufacturer? It is worth it? There is no definitive answer. Some members here have top mandos, others haven't, and most love their instrument.

I'll give you a condensed version of my take on the debate:

-If you want an F-style on a small budget, you will have to go for asian imports, but ask yourself whether you should not consider getting a good A-style second hand instead. ($5-800). For the F, the hot number at the moment seems to be Eastman mandolins. Good price, distinctive looks, good sound.

-If you are not going to play strictly bluegrassy stuff, why not consider a Mid-missouri oval hole. They are very well priced, top quality, and keep the patriots happy. #(maybe from $3-400)

-After that you're getting into the market of the handmade F and A mandos, where you have a lot more choice, but there is a nasty gap to step over as the cheaper second hand models will begin around $1500 or so. Maybe something to consider for the long term.

Best of luck with your purchase. Whatever you buy, keep us posted with photos and a review!

Germain

[flairbzzt]

I'm the other guy who bought the Bean Blossom b200. With a nice low setup, it's nice for the price. I also have a Morgan Monroe mms-5 which is much nicer in terms of playability (neck size)+ tone. They are a little pricey with fancy detail. I just saw one on e-bay for $650. They usually go new from $850-$1,1000. As
Germain said, I got mine from Banjobarn and they are THE best people to deal with (Tim & Tonya Anderson). Give them a call and tell them Rich J from NJ referred you. I'm sure they'll work with you. BTW, their price includes a setup which equates to the $ difference you may see elsewhere. They also are new Eastman dealers-just got my 615 from them........
I think you'd be happy with the Bean Blossom for awhile. It's a good price for a solid carved maple mando.