If you had $800.00 dollars

[brandon]

Well after my ebay auctions end later this week I should have about $800.00 for a mando upgrade. I know it's not alot of money but it's all I can justify spending right now.....so I was wanting to get some suggestions from you kind folks...the only guidline is: must be F-style.

BTW, I still have that electric drum kit if anyone wants to pull a trade. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[brandon]

please forgive the typo in the title...it won't let me fix it. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sleepy.gif

[glauber]

Yes, it should be what woulds you buy. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

I'd go for a good used instrument, instead of a new one. Other than that, i don't know.

[pikinskirider]

Having been in your situation a couple of years ago (wanting an F for under $2000) I would Strongly advise you against buying one. You can get a Kentucky or another import for around that, but they just never sound or chop like a mando should. My sincerest advice, which I didn't abide by so I don't expect you to, is to look for a used A model that sounds good. Discard your sense of vanity and buy something that you can learn how to play correctly on and then buy something that looks hot when you have the cash.

[Greenmando]

Well if you are upgrading from a Gibson or a Nugget $800 could go either way. Assuming you want to buy a mandolin outright and then sell your older one you have very few choices. More value in used mandolins, but not really much in the $800 market.

I would get the current mandolin a professional set up and invest the rest in lessons.

[danb]

Find a somewhat beat up or refinished Gibson Ajr..

[Greenmando]

"the only guidline is: must be F-style"
scroll envy! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

I agree Dan, my suggestion would be to hold out for a Gibson A9 or maybe a Mid Mo

[Greenmando]

Here is a real steal for a great used F style (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3760118038)

[brandon]

"the only guidline is: must be F-style"
scroll envy! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

I agree Dan, my suggestion would be to hold out for a Gibson A9 or maybe a Mid Mo
believe it or not, my wife said it has to be an A-stlye...she also set the price limit. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[steve in tampa]

There is a Gibson A9 in the classifieds here

[grandmainger]

... an Eastman ;) ...

[Jim M.]

Well, if you have to get an F, the Eastman's are the best of the imports by far. Gianna Violins has a 515 on their website. The list is $1050, so you can probably get it for something close to $800. If you go A style, which I'd recommend, you can find an old Gibson A in your price range (there's an interesting A jr. in the classifieds now for $650). If you want f-holes, there are plenty of used Flatirons close to $800. Sometimes Gibson A9's can be had for under $1000. Breedlove Quartz and Rigel A are also in that price range.

[mandocrustacean]

I got a used Weber Hyalite for a little over 700. I'm quite happy with it.

[mtnrose]

I'll second Dan's suggestion. My AJr sounds better than several new ones costing twice as much that Ive tried. Or if you can stretch up to about $1000 how about a used Weber Gallatin?

[brandon]

I'll second Dan's suggestion. My AJr sounds better than several new ones costing twice as much that Ive tried. Or if you can stretch up to about $1000 how about a used Weber Gallatin?
funny you should say that. I was just eyeing one on elderlys site.

[fatt-dad]

I have a real nice Ibanez A5-L knockoff that is posted HERE (http://home.comcast.net/~fatt-dad/a5ibanez.html). I have $625.00 on it, but will sell it for $600.00 and include insurred shipping. You may also like the Eastman that Gruhn has on their web page. Go to www.gruhn.com and follow links to inventory, mandolins and scroll to the bottom of the list. Looks real pretty, but I've never played one.

fatt-dad

[J. Mark Lane]

There was a Morris F5 in the Classifieds for under $800. I have a very similar one, and while it's no Collings etc, it's certainly far more mandolin than the various imports I've played in that price range. Just a thought....nfi etc.

Mark

[PhilGE]

Look around for a used Weber Aspen. While they're a flat-top, they have great sound, tone, and volume. You can find a used one for $600 to $650 or so.

-Phil

[OlderThanWillie]

Your best bet for sound and possible later resale would be a used Gibson A9. They have a carved top and a great sound. Watch ebay and you'll find one in your price range. Because they are a relatively new product, they are generally in very good condition as well.

[cutbait2]

A-9, and you'll have a good sounding mando that will hold value.

[John Flynn]

This is not $800 or an F, but just FYI, Music Folk in St. Louis has a beautiful Flatiron A on consignment for $1,000. I didn't notice the model or the year, but it looks top-end for an A. Lots of binding and inlays. I played it this past weekend and it is sweet.

[Don]

For an F5 style mando in the $800 range I'd recommend keeping your eyes on the classifieds and ebay for a 1970s-80s Alvarez or Washburn.These are solid wood instruments that tend to be very well made,fine playing and sounding instruments.I think a lot of people have figured this out since you don't see so many for sale as was the case a couple years ago.
There was a Washburn M4(F5 style)from the late 1970s early 80s for sale by a reputable ebay seller a couple days ago with a "Buy it Now" I think of $699.It's gone now.That would have been right up your alley.

Don.

[Lane Pryce]

Brandon if ya gotta have an F call Steve Perry at Gianna Violins or look at his site for pics of the Eastman 515 F5 and the Eastman A's. Those are really great mandolins. If you go A style consider a Gibson A9. You can find em used in your price range. They are loud and woody with a dry grassy played-in tone. Lp

[Scotti Adams]

I'd probably bank it and save some more..thats just me....

[brandon]

Brandon if ya gotta have an F call Steve Perry at Gianna Violins or look at his site for pics of the Eastman 515 F5 and the Eastman A's. Those are really great mandolins. If you go A style consider a Gibson A9. You can find em used in your price range. They are loud and woody with a dry grassy played-in tone. Lp
thanks Lane. I'm gonna give them a call today. Btw, do they offer radiused fret boards?

[Lane Pryce]

Brandon they are not radiused as of yet. You can find a used Breedlove Quartz in that range with a radiused fretboard. However it may not be well suited for grass if thats your goal. Lp

[duuuude]

If I had $800 I'd buy a weekend in Vegas!
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[fatt-dad]

O.K. I guess I forgot to read the original post (i.e., must be an F-style). I offer my Aria Pro II PM-780 in a deluxe shaped hard shell case for your consideration. I have no photos as of yet, but it is a real nice mandolin. I have had it since 1986 and it was extensivelly used by a bluegrass picker in Blacksburg for the years prior. I guess it is a late 70s vintage. There is some missing MOP (chips from the fretboard inlay), some pick dents on the bass side of the top and a mar on the headstock.

One just like it sold on Ebay for $660.00 in a gig bag, so I figure $675.00 would be the right price in light of the deluxe case.

If interested, PM me or send me an email at fatt-dad@richmond.com and I will try to get some photos available.

fatt-dad

[Lee]

I was gonna suggest a Rover from Greg Boyd's; $450 and you can keep the extra to upgrade sooner. But then you threw the radiused fingerboard into the mix.

[Kevin K]

Janet Davis music has the Rover for $374.95 with case and Gruhn has it for $375 with case. Elderly has it for $350 but not sure about a case. Greg Boyd charges $450 with case but these have been setup from them and picked as better ones. I've played some at Gruhn and they are really nice for the money. One setup good with a brige and tail piece change and nut work would really be something for the money.

[brandon]

#But then you threw the radiused fingerboard into the mix.
sorry about that. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #but it's a feature that I really want. right now I'm thinking either an MK legacy classic with a tailpiece upgrade or an Eastman 515.

[Lee]

Kevin,
Yep, the others have them cheaper. I was intrigued with G.Boyd's claim of choosing the cream of the crop and letting the rest go to other dealers. What's the true story about this, and which dealer is first in line?
I too tried the Rovers at Gruhn's earlier this year and was quite amazed, however one was noticable better than the other.

[brandon]

btw, if anyone is needing a cheap a-style case
click me!! (http://members.ebay.com/ws2/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=brandrum)

[keymandoguy]

I dont know why they are never mentioned here but I have a great sounding Morgan Monroe f style Just make sure you put a Sullivan Bridge on it that should fit your price range? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[EasyEd]

Hey All,

Brandon would you ship that A case to Canada? If so I may be interested. My 12 year-old daughter is using my Kentucky 250s and it only has a gigbag. Like all kids she tends to put it back in the case but often leaves it lying on the floor of her room or elsewhere in the house just waiting for our 50 lb lab pup to land on - or someone to kick or step on. Even if only for my nerves a hard case may be worth it. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

As for your mando purchase why would you not consider something like this spruce and maple solid wood Epiphone mm-70?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws....79&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10179&item=3759935979&rd=1)

You might be able to get it for a fair bit less than $800 and have money left over for fixing or replacing the pickguard and maybe even having a luthier radius the fretboard for you. Plus you'll own a bit of Gibson history and IIRC even Jethro Burns once played one of these. The tone and volume of the two I've heard were both pretty good.

Oh an I still love the name of the ebay store selling it! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I have to admit I kinda been considering bidding on it for my daughter but probably won't.

Take Care! -Ed-

[brandon]

thanks for the heads up on the epiphone. I haven't made up my mind yet..... #as far as the case,I have no problem shipping to canada for a fellow forum member, I just worry that the shipping will be more than the case is worth.(it's a great case for the price though) http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #if you want p.m. me your address and I will give you a shipping quote.

[fatt-dad]

I have had two fretboards radiused and refretted each for under $200.00.

[fatt-dad]

btw, if anyone is needing a cheap a-style case
click me!! (http://members.ebay.com/ws2/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=brandrum)
Yes, that would be this fatt-dad, bidding on your case. Hope it works out as I need a case for a new acquisition (1979, solid wood, Japanese, Jethro Burns A-stle Washburn).

f-d

[flairbzzt]

I've got a barely used Morgan Monroe in the classifieds I'll deal on if interested. e-mail me and I'll send more info +pics. Otherwise go for the Eastman 515.

[futrconslr]

A stew mac kit, some tools and a can of varnish.:D

[brandon]

After giving it some thought, I'm going to sell my electric drum kit and go for the 815 and just get the fretboard shaved later.