$1500 bucks to spend!

**jurrassicmonkey** · Sep-10-2007, 8:22pm

Hey everyone its been years since I last visited here, no real reason why. My question for all today is I have about 1000 - 1500 to spend on a mandolin. I was looking for an F-style, mainly for bluegrass. I have seen many different brands online, (Kentucky,MichaelKelley) but havent been able to try any out. In your opinion what is the best mandolin for that price range. from sound(Tone/Volume) to craftsmanship. To looks. any and all opinions welcome(professional opinions needed). I wont be able to get a $10,000 mandolin for many many years, so dont tempt me. Thanks

**DryBones** · Sep-10-2007, 8:30pm

My JBovier amazes me everyday for the price I paid. I own the F5 Tradition (only lefty he had) but for a couple hundred more you could get the Vine with all the fancy inlay work

**h2o-X** · Sep-10-2007, 8:31pm

Kentucky KM-1000.

**MikeEdgerton** · Sep-10-2007, 8:33pm

I'd watch the classifieds here for a Flatiron A or a Gibson A5G. In the last few months there have been several in your price range.

**jurrassicmonkey** · Sep-11-2007, 1:21am

has anyone actually played the newer Kentucky KM1000 or the bella voice ones. whats the sound really like.

**Bernie Daniel** · Sep-11-2007, 5:25am

Originally Posted by

Mike Edgerton: I'd watch the classifieds here for a Flatiron A or a Gibson A5G. In the last few months there have been several in your price range.

This is sound advice -- or if you do not want something fancy watch for a Gibson A9 -- its the A5G for less $$ (and also less trim) and it sounds about the same. #I've been seening those go sometimes for about $1K on eBay with a case. #In fact I bought a used one from the Mandolin Store for just that amount about a year ago. #Its a gem of a mandolin that I bought for travel.

If you can add $500 you might be able to walk away with the Gibson F9 if you watch closely -- a few have moved for approx. $2K lately.

I also agree with drybone's suggestion.#Those JBovier F-models are really a teriffic value -- they look and sound awesome. # Very well made -- very tasteful colors and appearance esp. the satin finish.

I played half a dozen JBovier's at Mandolins and More in Walton KY and each one sounded better than the one before - the best sounding one there that day was not the fanciest model -- but they were all consistently good mandolins. #I do not think you can go wrong with them.

I have not tried the new Kentucky mandolins.

**bradeinhorn** · Sep-11-2007, 9:57am

if you are heartset on an f- i'd go for the kentucky km1000, but you might find more value in an american A5 as others suggested.

**ab4usa** · Sep-11-2007, 10:17am

I think you get a much better sounding mandolin when you buy one from someone who actually plays one. That said, $1.5K will limit you to a new A5 but you might find a used F.

**carleshicks** · Sep-11-2007, 10:42am

For a thousand bucks you might be able to buy that stolen Loar in AZ. It is worht a try.

**Philphool** · Sep-11-2007, 10:58am

I've been pretty happy with a used Weber Bitterroot which I got for about your price.
F style, made in Montana.

Phil

**AlanN** · Sep-11-2007, 11:01am

Originally Posted by (carleshicks @ Sep. 11 2007, 11:42)

For a thousand bucks you might be able to buy that stolen Loar in AZ. It is worht a try.

o, behave!

**JEStanek** · Sep-11-2007, 12:21pm

There is a Weber Gallatin in the classifieds is in your range. NFI. The mahog back will be abit different from a maple back but Weber makes a fine playing instrument. Also, they stand behinf their product, even if you're not the original owner.

Jamie

**earthsave** · Sep-11-2007, 12:38pm

I'd not buy any instrument in that range without playing one and know if you like the sound.

I was in one of our local shops yesterday and thought I'd give what they had on the wall a spin. They were all Michael Kellys. Several Legacy models and one with a pickup battery in the bottom and a less expensive model. All felt and sounded like I expected a MK to sound light, thin, and metallic with no woody tone. Except one that was noticeably redder in finish. It didnt have the fancy scroll inlays but had Legacy on the tag and was priced around $650 or so.

I was impressed with the sound and especially the playability. Didnt have the time nor the inclination to inquire if it was used or not, but I believe it was used and possibly had been setup and modified by someone to improve the sound.

If I would have found this one years ago when shopping, I would have considered buying it and felt it would have been adequate for what I use my Flatiron Performer A. It played better than my Flatiron, but I would have to compare side by side to figure out if it sounded better. This MK has very equal tone balance and volume.

Again, dont spend your $1500 sight unseen or, sound unheard.

**powercat** · Sep-11-2007, 12:44pm

The JBovier Dorado looks pretty sweet. I'd also drool over an Eastman 615 or 815.

**Eric F.** · Sep-11-2007, 12:50pm

Scot, I think I was in that same store about a year ago, if it's in Bloomington just off the square. I also played a wall full of rather blah MKs and then picked up one that absolutely sang. It DID have the fancy inlay on the fretboard, but I didn't hold that against it. ...

**Charles Andre** · Sep-11-2007, 1:55pm

Check out a Breedlove Quartz FF. The slightly wider fingerboard is nice. It's American made and resale seems stable on this model.

**ivey21** · Sep-11-2007, 2:00pm

Try out a Breedlove if one is available in your area. These mandolins are american made, well finished, and sound great. The Breedlove FF Quartz is at the top of your price range but a solid performer. I played one at The Mandolin Store w/ Sam Bush strings and it was one of my favorites, even among to their top notch selections.

**Brad Weiss** · Sep-11-2007, 2:10pm

Gone but not forgotten- a Rigel A+ or A Natural might be found in the price range if you hunt. #Super easy to play, and a great tone IF that'sthe tone you want (yes, even for BG)

**sgarrity** · Sep-11-2007, 2:27pm

There are quite a few in this range in the classifieds. I'd start there and leave the new PacRim stuff as a last resort.

**OldMan1** · Sep-11-2007, 2:39pm

If you can live with an A and are willing to go to mmavbe $1700 for a used model consider that. In the oinions of several friends is that the Collings MT is absolutely the best sounding mando mando for the price. (used)
Just passing on what the big kids have told me. Art

**JoeD** · Sep-11-2007, 3:17pm

I second the MT recommendation. You could probably find one used for $1,600-$1,800. The Gibson A9 mentioned above seems very comparable too.

**tnpathfinder** · Sep-11-2007, 3:40pm

Breedlove FF is a good choice. I have played several and really like them. Used Glenn's come up for sale in the classifieds in that range. You could even have Allen build a nice student F for around that amount.

**Nathan Sanders** · Sep-11-2007, 3:48pm

Here's a video of my A-9. I recently had it listed in the Classifieds but pulled the ad. I wasn't sure I wanted to sell. But for the right price I probably would. IT's a great mandolin!

Gibson A-9 Mandolin on YouTube

Here are some pictures as well:
Gibson A-9

**Greg Ashton** · Sep-11-2007, 3:57pm

As stated above, the best value is buying used. I also strongly urge you to play one before you buy it. Lastly, if you want one new, in that price range, the Breedlove FF.