Newbie and need advice

**lyric_girl** · Jun-22-2008, 10:35am

First off, I'm Lynda and I'm new here.

Starting playing acoustic guitar in March, after wanting to do that forever. My B-day is imminently arriving and I am looking at a mandolin for my present.

Don't really know where to start. My original budget was $500 which may have increased to $1000 yesterday. Trying to find mandolins locally, that are less than the multiple $1,000s is difficult. Saw and "played" a Washburn M120-K yesterday which I loved.

Would appreciate anyones help. Many thanks in advance.

Lynda

**Greenmando** · Jun-22-2008, 10:45am

Welcome to the cafe.
Tell us where you are and we can likely guide you to a store.

I have bought most of mine from the classifieds here in the cafe.
Steve Perry is a pleasure to buy from.

You will see little to no difference between a A style or F style in music quality, the difference is the $1000 strap holder. There was a used Gibson A9 in the classifieds recently for $800.
The real joy is trying many and finding the one that speaks to you. Try a lot of different picks, mandos react differently to each one.

**Jim Garber** · Jun-22-2008, 10:49am

If you loved the Washburn then why not buy it? I am not sure what you are asking. BTW Music 123 is selling the M120K for under $1000. NFI.

**Martin Jonas** · Jun-22-2008, 11:04am

Hey, I like the side bar on the Music123 site, with its bold claim:

Originally Posted by

Customers who viewed the Washburn M120 Richie Owens F Style Mandolin w/case ultimately bought:

- Gibson F-5 Distressed Master Model Mandolin ... $22,999.99

I have this scenario in my mind of some punter idly browsing through the Music123 site, carefully considering the Washburn, then moving on to the DMM and thinking "Yes, that's the one for me -- let's just slightly revise my budget and then press that Add To Cart button"...

Martin

**lyric_girl** · Jun-22-2008, 11:19am

Well, in terms of buying the Washburn, I loved it, but it's more than my Taylor 110 cost. I am a little reserved about spending that much. I mean, it is lovely to look at and I really loved the sound. Just looking for opinions on Washburn and other possible options. Didn't mention that I am looking for an F Style. I live quite close to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Is there any point in looking at Gibson?

Many thanks,

Lynda

**mandroid** · Jun-22-2008, 11:40am

A9 is the Plain Jane version of the A5L, , all the meat and potato's are there ,
just leaves off the fancy trimmings

would, like the Tailor Guitar , be a good lifetime instrument.

**John Flynn** · Jun-22-2008, 11:43am

I don't think there is much point in looking at Gibson if you want stay under $1000 for an F-style. The ways you get more bang for your buck are (I'm not saying these are all options you should take, just some general principles):
> Give up on the F-style and get an A-style. You can get a lot more mandolin for the money.
> Look in the used market, versus the new. The Classifieds here are a good place to start.
> Look for builders who are just starting out, versus big names.
> If you really want an F and you are going PacRim, I think Kentucky has the most complete product line at various price points. You can get a KM-630 F-style for $595 new. They can probably be found used also. It should be a good instrument.
> Save some money for a good setup, good strings and accessories. A very modest mandolin with a great set-up, good strings and things like a Tone Gard and arm rest can often out-class a better mandolin without all that.

But if you really like that Washburn and can afford it, you should get it. Otherwise, you will always be wondering if you should have.

**lyric_girl** · Jun-22-2008, 11:57am

I don't think there is much point in looking at Gibson if you want stay under $1000 for an F-style. The ways you get more bang for your buck are (I'm not saying these are all options you should take, just some general principles):
> Give up on the F-style and get an A-style. You can get a lot more mandolin for the money.
> Look in the used market, versus the new. The Classifieds here are a good place to start.
> Look for builders who are just starting out, versus big names.
> If you really want an F and you are going PacRim, I think Kentucky has the most complete product line at various price points. You can get a KM-630 F-style for $595 new. They can probably be found used also. It should be a good instrument.
> Save some money for a good setup, good strings and accessories. A very modest mandolin with a great set-up, good strings and things like a Tone Gard and arm rest can often out-class a better mandolin without all that.

But if you really like that Washburn and can afford it, you should get it. Otherwise, you will always be wondering if you should have.

Thank you. Good to know about Gibson. I know this is going to sound really vain, but I really don't like the look of the A style mandolins. I'm now ducking from all the stuff that is being hurled my way.

Have been looking for used all over, on this site, Ebay, Craigslist, etc.

Really didn't know much about Washburn and that's why I asked. When it came to buying my acoustic, when I heard a Taylor versus other options in my price point, I knew it had to be a Taylor. As for the Washburn, I haven't heard enough other mandolins to know if it's the one yet.

**JEStanek** · Jun-22-2008, 12:27pm

Any instrument needs a proper set up before it will play well and not hinder you. Most instruments you can purchase off of e-bay that don't have a brick and mortar store behind them are drop shipped from the manufacturer/importer with no set up. Factory set up means no set up. Count on spending an extra $40-100 on a good set up and new strings.

All that said, if I were in your shoes with your requirements, I would consider the Eastman 515 new or used from a dealer like Dennis Vance's Manodlin store or Gianna Violins (referenced above). Both, in addition to our board sponsors, have high reputations for customer service and quality instruments. Full disclosure, I bought my Eastman 814 (F with oval hole) from Gianna Violins. I don't have a stake in his business I'm just a satisfied customer. The Eastman has a narrower neck, is hand carved and has a hand applied finish.

Our Classifieds are a good source as well. If you're not a strict bluegrasser, consider the Breedlove Quartz KF used. A slightly wider fingerboard and a chunkier neck than the Eastman. I have not played the Kentucky F styles or a Washburn. I started with a Kentucky KM140S (solid topped A with F holes).

since you are close to Toronto, visit 12th Fret and try all the mandolins (above and below your budget) and get the best playing sounding one you can afford. Take a friend and have them play them to you too. An f hole mandolin sounds different to the player and the audience.

Good luck,
Jamie

**lyric_girl** · Jun-22-2008, 1:59pm

Just curious, anybody know where the Washburns are made? Are they American or built in Asia?

Thanks.

**Bill Snyder** · Jun-22-2008, 4:26pm

Asia.

**atetone** · Jun-22-2008, 4:33pm

Lynda, you have been given some very good advice here and as a fellow Canuck I feel bound to give you mine

Take Jamies advice and go to the 12TH Fret and try some out.
You will never know until you sample some. Take your time and let things sink in.
You will get way more bang for the buck with an A style but if you are stuck on an F style then so be it.
You just have to understand that you are giving up a lot of instrument in order to get that scroll.
The Washburns are definately not built in North America. I think it is China now.
My personal opinion is that you forget the Washburn. You can do better.
The new Kentucky mandos are getting good reviews and the Eastman 515 is still a good deal.
I second the opinion that you try giving Dennis Vance a call at The Mandolin Store (see link on the home page).
I recently had excellent dealings with him and he has a good selection in your price range and he will give you the straight goods. He is very knowledgable and is willing to share that knowledge in order to help you decide. He is not pushy at all so don't worry about that. Just explain your situation to him and let him start talking. If nothing else, you will learn some stuff.

**lyric_girl** · Jun-22-2008, 5:49pm

Originally Posted by (atetone @ June 22 2008, 17:33)

Lynda, you have been given some very good advice here and as a fellow Canuck I feel bound to give you mine

Take Jamies advice and go to the 12TH Fret and try some out.
You will never know until you sample some. Take your time and let things sink in.
You will get way more bang for the buck with an A style but if you are stuck on an F style then so be it.
You just have to understand that you are giving up a lot of instrument in order to get that scroll.
The Washburns are definately not built in North America. I think it is China now.
My personal opinion is that you forget the Washburn. You can do better.
The new Kentucky mandos are getting good reviews and the Eastman 515 is still a good deal.
I second the opinion that you try giving Dennis Vance a call at The Mandolin Store (see link on the home page).
I recently had excellent dealings with him and he has a good selection in your price range and he will give you the straight goods. He is very knowledgable and is willing to share that knowledge in order to help you decide. He is not pushy at all so don't worry about that. Just explain your situation to him and let him start talking. If nothing else, you will learn some stuff.

Many, many thanks. Will forget Washburn.

Almost went to the 12th Fret yesterday, but didn't feel like going into TO. Will go on Saturday. My concern is they won't have anything there that I can afford. I could be wrong.

Lynda

**atetone** · Jun-22-2008, 6:01pm

Don't worry about being able to afford it. Just go to try some out in order to get an idea of what is what.
You will learn a bit more about what you are looking for in a mandolin. Try out some pricey ones just to get an idea. You might be suprised. It is not always just about how much they cost. Higher cost sometimes does not mean a better (to you) mandolin.
12TH fret also carries the Eastman line which is in your price range.
Maybe try a few out and see what you think.
Just as a matter of note,,, an example of what you can get on the used market,,, an Eastman 815 blond just showed up on the classifieds for $1050.
That is a nice mandolin at a pretty good price.

**pager** · Jun-22-2008, 6:02pm

Lynda:
I am excited for you! We need more great female musicians. I would 3rd the opinion to forget the Washburn - and take a close look at the Eastman 515. Mine is a cannon and it holds up well to my Collings F that I paid close to 7k for! Good luck and happy shopping.

**allenhopkins** · Jun-22-2008, 6:24pm

Originally Posted by (lyric_girl @ June 22 2008, 18:49)

My concern is they won't have anything there that I can afford. I could be wrong.

Well, here's a link to the 12th Fret web page, showing an Eastman 515 which they describe as "offered in the under $1000.00 price point."

They also list a Kentucky KM-505 A-style for under $600. #I know you want the scroll, but the KM-505's a nice-looking instrument.

So it seems their under-$1K inventory isn't too extensive, but has a couple of decent choices.

**CES** · Jun-22-2008, 7:55pm

In general I'd say to forget the Washburn also, but with the wide variability in quality you can see in Pac-Rims, if after trying a few others it sounds and plays the best to you, go for it. I once saw a "no name" mando in a store in Clemmons, NC, that was all solid and very nicely priced. The shop owner said, "For all I know the same Chinese guy who's making Fender and Kentucky carved that one, too." Now, I'm not sure about the exact origin (other than China), and several companies now have their own factories (as opposed to when this occurred). Being skeptical I bought a Kentucky off Ebay that had undisclosed issues but was the same price; I've since spent probably 200-250 bucks in work on the Ebay special, and it honestly doesn't sound any better than the one in that guy's store...should have bought from him and contributed to the local economy!

So, as stated above, compare/play as many as you're able in all price points, be sure to get one that's set up well, or be prepared to factor that extra 50-100 dollars into your budget. If you do buy off the internet, buy from an actual store with a reputable dealer and a reasonable return policy...I've bought a guitar and banjo online from 2 other dealers (one being Janet Davis' store, NFI) and am very pleased with the instruments I received.

Good luck, and don't overthink this too much (like I think I did). Unless you really buy a "top-shelf" instrument, MAS will kick in soon and you'll be looking to trade up, anyway. Just make sure you get one that's playable and you'll be fine. Happy pickin'

BTW, it's now Sunday, the day after the fateful 12th Fret trip...what'd you decide?

**Bill Snyder** · Jun-22-2008, 8:27pm

Originally Posted by (CES @ June 22 2008, 19:55)

...BTW, it's now Sunday, the day after the fateful 12th Fret trip...what'd you decide?

She started this thread today (Sunday) so I think the
Saturday mentioned as the day to go must be next Saturday.

**lyric_girl** · Jun-22-2008, 8:35pm

MAS... hadn't thought of that. I already have GAS.

Yes, it will be this coming Saturday or June 28 b4 I can get to the 12th Fret.

**Jim Broyles** · Jun-22-2008, 9:12pm

Lyric_girl, if you still like the Washburn after you have sampled a bunch of others, buy it. The specs on that mando are pretty darn impressive. I wish someone around here carried them so I could try one.

**lyric_girl** · Jun-23-2008, 6:10pm

Have had long email discussions with Mike at The Acoustic Guitar in Calgary today. I doubt that I would ever buy an A, yes I know I am paying a fortune for the friggen scroll but I REALLY love the Fs.

Can't afford this right now, but will likely look for an Eastman 615 (if I like the sound). Will be going to 12th Fret this weekend and plan on playing everything they have there including the stuff that I can't afford (and the As), unless I win the lottery. Here's hoping.

Many thanks to everyone for your kind advice. I look forward to hanging around here once I am playing and might have something to contribute.

**chordbanger** · Jun-24-2008, 6:35am

I am a female player, and I own a Kentucky 505 A style mandolin. I love it. Great sound, and I am happy with it.

**leathermarshmallow** · Jun-24-2008, 12:11pm

JBOVIER

Call Jeff in Kentucky

Good bang for your buck...

Also, because I am a teacher with no summer pay check, I am looking into selling my Glenn mandolin...I don't want to, but I like to eat and feed the family and the mandolin may have to go.

**lyric_girl** · Jun-24-2008, 7:17pm

Just a further thought. Can anybody give me an idea of what Michael Kellys are like?

**Stephanie Reiser** · Jun-24-2008, 8:17pm

I believe they are pac-rim, which may or may not be bad.
I think you were looking for north american made. Maybe I'm wrong.
If it were me, I'd be searching for a used F-style Weber. Might be a used Yellowstone out there in your budget.
Or build your own. Get a Stew-Mac or Siminoff kit. There is plenty of experience and advice here available.
Good luck, and welcome to the Cafe!