Best place(s) to buy

[MikeZito]

To be brief - I am looking to seriously upgrade my mandolin in the next few weeks, and am looking for places that do a nice setup job on their mandolins, before shipping. (I can do some basic set up work on my own, but I draw the line at things like fret-leveling/crowning, etc.)

I have read excellent things about The Mandolin Store . . . any other recommendations?

[Mark Wilson]

I like the 30 day return from Elderly on new instruments. The setup from Elderly is fine and they will work with your specs if you ask. I've only bought from there, so I can't speak of others, but the sponsors on this site all have stellar rep. See links on home page and classifieds.

[dhergert]

Mike, if I were buying new I'd be talking to Robert Fear at Folk Musician.

If you spend any time at all here on Mandolin Cafe, you'll get to know Robert. He's extremely helpful here, and he's a remarkably detailed setup enthusiast.

With most non-boutique instruments, setup is just about a requirement. Setup is one of the things Folk Musician is known for.

(NFI)

[colorado_al]

To be brief - I am looking to seriously upgrade my mandolin in the next few weeks, and am looking for places that do a nice setup job on their mandolins, before shipping. (I can do some basic set up work on my own, but I draw the line at things like fret-leveling/crowning, etc.)

I have read excellent things about The Mandolin Store . . . any other recommendations?

How serious an upgrade are you looking at? Eastman, Northfield, Collings, Ellis, Dudenbostel?

[MikeZito]

How serious an upgrade are you looking at? Eastman, Northfield, Collings, Ellis, Dudenbostel?

Right now I am thinking an F-style Kentucky Master Model, but I am completely open to Gibson, Rigel, etc. - as long as it is the 'right one'. (I played a Custom Rigel R-100 for a couple of years . . . the first white one they ever made . . . man was that thing nice!)

Anyhow - believe it or not, I actually LIKE the look of a well-worn mandolin . . . so the thought of a used instrument that plays well but looks terrible is no problem for me.

The search continues . . .

[Jill McAuley]

The Mandolin Store does a lovely set up on all their instruments too!

[colorado_al]

If you're looking for Kentucky, +1 for Robert @ Folk Musician, but a quick look at his site shows the Kentucky Master Models out of stock. I've been really pleased with the MandoVooDoo setup by Stephen Perry @ Gianna Violins. It appears that he's selling Kentucky now too.

[Pittsburgh Bill]

Mike, if I were buying new I'd be talking to Robert Fear at Folk Musician.

If you spend any time at all here on Mandolin Cafe, you'll get to know Robert. He's extremely helpful here, and he's a remarkably detailed setup enthusiast.

With most non-boutique instruments, setup is just about a requirement. Setup is one of the things Folk Musician is known for.

(NFI)

I will second Robert Fear, though you won't go wrong with the Mandolin Store or Elderly from what I hear.

[multidon]

Hmmm...I think I'm detecting a pattern here!

[LadysSolo]

I would agree with the Folk Musician, the Mandolin Store, or Elderly. All do excellent set-ups, IMHO. NFI.

[William Smith]

I would agree with the Folk Musician, the Mandolin Store, or Elderly. All do excellent set-ups, IMHO. NFI.

Most places will set up, but you may have to do final tweaking, I have from some places mentioned.

[Luna Pick]

Since you're shopping online and will be able to choose from many mandolins I'll add Gryphon. They too have a great inventory, ship instruments, and have an incredible lutherie/repair/set-up department.

[allenhopkins]

My first piece of advice is to go to a store that has a selection of mandolins in your price range -- if possible. Many of us shop on-line out of necessity, but there really is no substitute for hands-on evaluation. Every individual instrument differs, subtly or obviously, and you can play two "identical" mandolins and find them quite distinct.

I would especially say that if you contemplate spending four figures or more on a new instrument, it makes sense to add the extra time and expense of a manageable "road trip" to a better-stocked dealer, where you can play perhaps a half-dozen mandolins that meet your criteria.

FolkMusician, Mandolin Store, and Elderly Instruments are all fine and reputable dealers who will give you good information, and assist you in selecting a suitable instrument. Here in Rochester NY, there are two fine dealers, Dave Stutzman and John Bernunzio, who have good inventories and provide pro set-ups, support and customer service. Not every location has that resource -- not sure where you're located -- so you may not have the option to "try before you buy," but personally, I'd have a problem if I couldn't try and compare several mandolins before choosing one.

[LadysSolo]

allenhopkins, I envy you. There are NO stores around here that carry mandolins, even if I drive to Cleveland or Columbus (2-2 1/2 hours one way) Sam Ash Music is my only choice of a place that has ANY mandolins, and they are not mid to higher end. So I have to buy long-distance. Thus my recommendation for Café supporters........

[Mandobar]

you live in CT? Shop local. AcousticMusic.org in Guilford, right on Boston Post Road (Route 1). There is a luthier at the shop, and while he is not taking new clients, if you buy from them, he will set the instrument up the way you want. Great place, honest folks, and one of the best luthiers on the planet.

[allenhopkins]

allenhopkins, I envy you. There are NO stores around here that carry mandolins, even if I drive to Cleveland or Columbus (2-2 1/2 hours one way) Sam Ash Music is my only choice of a place that has ANY mandolins, and they are not mid to higher end. So I have to buy long-distance. Thus my recommendation for Café supporters........

Next time you want to drive to Rochester, I'll take you around to our dealers. Buy you lunch, too -- maybe even dinner...

[V70416]

LadySolo,Will Kimble in Cincinnati has mandolins and he does a great set-up too. Drive the 2 hours or whatever
to his shop and I
feel reasonably certain he will have one you like. May be good to call first so he can get them all out and ready to play.

Tell him Cameron sent you.

You can thank me later.