Which is the best starter mando?

[pygmalioneffect]

Well I'm new to the mando world and for the past few days I've been looking around pretty hard for a first mandolin.

I have a low budget. Really low. The most I can afford is probably around $140. And that's at the absolute most. lol.

I've come upon the following three:
Johnson MA-110 Oval Hole (found it for $58)
Johnson MA-115E Madison Electric ($84)
Oscar Schmidt OM12B ($129)

I was really hoping for a round hole rather than the f-hole style, because I plan on focusing on Italian folk and the like and I've read that that is the more traditional for the style. Thus, I'm not really hot about the Madison Electric.

Is it worth the extra money to get the OM12? I was thinking that maybe at this low a level, the difference in price does not really amount to a difference in quality so maybe I should just stick with the cheapest right now and learn with that while saving up for something better.

Thanks,
DJ (teenager on a budget :P)

[Tennessee Jed]

I bought a Johnson A-style as a starter mandolin 2-1/2 yrs. ago. It's not a very good instrument but I didn't want to spend a bundle only to find out that I either didn't enjoy playing or didn't have the talent to play.

You can always learn the basics on a cheaper model and have some time to look around for a better instrument while you are saving money.

I upgraded a couple of years later to something decent and there is a big difference in the playability and the sound.

[JEStanek]

DJ. I have one of those Johnson oval holes. And I still play on it some. It does sound like what it is, plywood, but that is a fine place to start on your budget. The absolute most important thing you must do with that mandolin is get it set up right away by someone who knows what they're doing. ask the guy at your local music store if they know how to check intonation adjust the bridge, lower the nut, etc.

I would suggest you call/click Elderly.com or 1 888 473 5810 and see if they have anything in that range. They are to be trusted and may have something in that range. Anyone else who knows of a reputable store that sells these starters (I'm not for sure Elderly does- they have the OM and Zook and resonator) please post.

You'll also want new strings and then you'll have something to see if this interest is going to take. I've not played the others you mention but someone else will chime in. Is it at all possible to wait until you have ~$300-400. At that range you can get a solid wood instrument that will carry you much further. If not call up Elderly or if someone else posts them too. Tell them what your budget is and see if you can work something out. Best of luck.

Jamie

PS. Don't look at statues all day. Play some tunes.

If you just need a good instrument to learn with, I would look for the mandolin with the best playibility within your budget. Something with a straight neck, level finger board and frets, and already setup to play.

Never judge a mandolin based on name. I wouldn't worry as much about volume or tone at this point, because those are the things that raise the price tag. You need something that is comfortable to play and will keep you encouraged to practice. If its not fun, you might lose interest... and regret it later.

If I were you, I would seek out a good, reputable, and experienced mandolin teacher. They tend to know where to find the better student mandolins and a good one should be able to help you find and pick the right instrument for you.

Buy a metronome too.

Best of luck in your pursuits.

[pygmalioneffect]

Thanks for the responses so far guys (keep 'em comin' )

JEStanek- if I was to purchase the Johnson, what type of replacement strings would you recommend? Or should I just ask at my local music store?
Thanks

[epicentre]

Hi Pygma........;

My first mando was a Johnston off e.bay. It was easy to set up, had a straight neck, and played well for a couple of years; time enough to learn a lot of basics. The neck finally warped a bit and I gave it away.

For the price new, they are pretty good. I wouldn't buy a used Johnston from e.bay.........liable to get my old one

Or, save the sheckles and control the MAS for a bit.......Nah

[otterly2k]

hey-- NFI, but there's a hardshell case priced very reasonably that comes WITH a cheap starter mando in it... on the classifieds. might be worth asking a few q's about it.

[kyblue]

I started on an Oscar Schmidt that cost about $100 at a local music store. I didn't want to invest much until I knew it was something I wanted to stay with.

The problem was it would go out of tune while I was playing. I couldn't take it after a few weeks, and upgraded.

You aren't going to get a lot of tone for your budget, but a question you might ask to a prospective seller is if it will stay in tune. Hope they will be honest.

Paula

[JEStanek]

DJ,
I put Elixers on it the first time I had a guy work on it. The guy who set it up said they were good and last a long time. They did. I've put D'addario J74s on as well. Given what others have said about the cheaper mando necks warping, you may want to stay a little lighter than the J-74s... Strings are cheap. Changing them occasionally draws blood and barbaric yawps of frustrsation but this is a good skill as well.

A metronome is a good investment.

Otterly mentioned the classifieds mando that comes in a case for $70. You should give that guy an e-mail and see what's what with it. Ask about action and intonation. I don't know the person selling it...

Sage advice from everyone on the main things being straight neck and tuners that hold. My Johnson's tuners will hold up for early on learning. This is an oval hole mandolin so I really didn't beat it hard to make chop sounds. I could fake chop just rest my fingers on the strings mid to upper neck to get a percussive sound when people played chords I didn't know and just keep rythm.

Jamie

[pygmalioneffect]

Wow, thanks everyone!

Yes, I have a metronome and the like already, because I'm a trumpet and guitar player also.

I'm out to the music store now to talk to some of the experts and play around with some of the mandolins. I'll keep all of your advice in mind! Thank you very much. I'll be back here

[Jim M.]

DJ - A word of internet advice, don't put your age out for everyone to see. We don't need to know. You won't see me putting my age out there, and I'm a lot older than you.

From your website, it looks like you are in New Jersey. Unless you are going to Mandolin Brothers in Staten Island, you are unlikely to find any mandolin experts at your local music store.

If your interest is Italian, you might want to check out Vintage Instruments in Philadelphia. They usually have a lot of old bowlbacks in stock, often for $200 or so.

[pygmalioneffect]

Just got back from the music store. Yes, you're right Jim, no experts there and barely any selection. I think I'm going to stick with a cheap Johnson for now to learn on and then purchase something better over the summer when I have more money at my disposal.

P.S. took out my age... thanks for that reminder

[rlw]

If your interested in a Johnson you might want to consider
a Rogue form MF there always on sale. It is the very same thing justa different logo on the Peghead. I bought one for a gift and must say that they can be setup to play as easy as
just about anything else. You might get a little string buzz up the neck if you like low action though. And the sound very
good for plywood.

[gospelman]

I've got a Johnson MA-120N (natural finish) that I no longer need. Email me if you are interested.

bryanhaywood@hotmail.com

[Lee]

Is FatDad still around??

[JEStanek]

Fatt-Dad has eliminated his inventory. He posted a while ago and his stuff listed was generally a couple - 400 bucks. That Johnson MA120N is a great little mando. Solid top and back I think they sell new for close to $200. That's a great offer, Gospelman.

DJ That Johnson MA120N is a ff holed instrument while the one I was talking about is oval. If his offer stands you should go for it! That's a good starting point at a price that can't be beat.

Jamie

[pygmalioneffect]

I emailed him a few hours ago

[arbarnhart]

A used Harmony on eBay might suit your needs also, but they are all over the map in price and quality. My Washburn oval A is about as good as you can possibly do for $200.