How far would you drive for a decent mandolin?

**JeffS** · Jul-07-2004, 6:24pm

I've been looking for a new (or new to me) mandolin in the Jacksonville, FL area and it is very slim pickings. I've yet to see a carved top mandolin in a music store and out of all the kindling I've found only one has been actually bound. The rest have had a painted on binding. I've avoided going mail order since that is how I got my current mando and it wasn't the best thing out of the box. I'd really like to play a few first rather than making a decision based on looks alone.

Anyone know of any good stores between Orlando, FL and Savannah, GA perhaps?

**Scotti Adams** · Jul-07-2004, 7:05pm

Randy Wood...one of the premiere builders in the world is close to Savannah...

**grandmainger** · Jul-12-2004, 5:52am

I'd fly from the UK to get a custom one

I don't think I could sleep for the whole duration of the shipping if I had it posted over #

#!!!

**cutbait2** · Jul-12-2004, 6:50am

i second Randy Woods shop, he probably won't have an RW but usually has some tradein's in stock, unfortunately they usually sound rather dull next to his work. second contact the north fl bluegrass association, hdqtrs in jax, lots of mando pickers, you missed the opportunity to check out a number of mando's at the fla folk fest, LRB bg fest etc, but there's some festivals coming up in the fall. i recommend the festival circuit for variety.......

**GTison** · Jul-12-2004, 9:10am

when I had the money together I drove a total of about 11 hours. If you're gonna spend the big bucks whats a coupla hundred for travel. In Jax you have access to the east coast. I don't know how far that would take you. But surely to N. Carolina and prob. Nashville too. I bought my 2nd mando from gainsville back in '84( a KM1000). I lived in Orange Park at the time. I couldn't find any good mandos at that time in Jax either. Or I didn't have the money for it. Wish I would have gone ahead and bought a R.Wood back then.

**Jaws** · Jul-13-2004, 2:03am

I got mine on the classifieds, and at the time I lived in Denmark, which only has one reputable maker, and he was out of my league price-wise. If you can't find any ready-to-play mandolins in shops near you, I would recommend Folk of the Wood's mandolin samples. They're all recorded with the same setup, which gives some means of comparison. That makes it a bit easier to know what you're looking for (it helped me a lot).

**BigJoe** · Jul-13-2004, 7:26pm

Nashville is only a good days drive. We have over 30 on display at all times.

**Bob A** · Jul-13-2004, 7:34pm

Personally, I've always preferred pre-owned ("vintage") instruments. You have a better idea of what they'll eventually sound like, because time has taken care of the break-in. Also there's no depreciation shock. Even better, you usually get a 24 to 48 hr approval period, and the instrument is delivered to your door.

Of course, if you don't like it, you have to pay shipping; still, a reputable dealer can give you a good idea of what you'd be getting; I've only sent back a couple instruments over the years.

Jul-13-2004, 8:01pm

Give The Musikroom in Mooresville NC.a look. We import from Europe and Australia and deal with only custom builders. We like that old world craftmanship. We may have something for you. We will from time to time have some nice trades or know of someone selling there mandolin.

Good Luck,
Musikman