Any recommendations for entry level F-style at a good value?

**86skywalker** · Nov-05-2008, 9:01am

I'm getting ready to upgrade from a dirt cheap A-style mando to an F. I'm still very new to the instrument, so I'm not comfortable pouring a large amount of money into it just yet. I've been searching for an economically priced F-style, and I know that I'll be somewhat sacrificing tone for value, but I'm really curious if anybody has any recommendations or feedback on any of the following instruments:

Kentucky KM-55
Washburn M6SW (Jethro Burns signature model)
Michael Kelly Legacy Dragonfly Flame

Can anyone recommend any of these mandolins, or suggest a capable entry level F-style for under a grand?

**dragnlo** · Nov-05-2008, 9:09am

I got a Morgan Monroe mms-8 at the first of the year and I have been happy with it.

**JEStanek** · Nov-05-2008, 9:15am

I would recommend a used Eastman 615 or a new Eastman 515. Both near your $1k limit. Hand carved, thin finish. Eastman mandolins have narrower necks than normal and use the vintage style skinny fretwire. The necks have more of a V shape. Get your hands on one if possible to see if it fits you.

Honestly, for your money at the $1k level an A style will perfrom better dollar for dollar. You can even get a hand made Howard Morris A style (US made if that is important to you) for ~$1k.

Jamie

**Steve Ostrander** · Nov-05-2008, 9:27am

Of the 3 you listed I would reccomend the Kentucky if you are referring to the km855 because I don't know of a model km55. Actually I would recommend an A style for a better value, but it sounds like you have your heart set on an F. I would also add Eastman md515 or md615 to the list.

I owned a md615 and I liked it, but my km855 is just a little woodier. The fit and finish on the Eastman was better.

**Ken Olmstead** · Nov-05-2008, 9:48am

Kentucky 675 or an Eastman 515 I can vouch for personally and they are great options. J Bovier gets fabulous reviews here.

**woodwizard** · Nov-05-2008, 9:57am

There have been good reviews on the new Jade's as well. I been thinking still about getting one of those.

**JEStanek** · Nov-05-2008, 9:59am

If you could find a Fullerton used that would be a great (more affordable) F style too. People who have them love them and compliment their tone and playability. They aren't made anymore and don't show up used here often (speaks to them beeing good-uns).

Jamie

**JEStanek** · Nov-05-2008, 10:00am

Do the Jades come in under $1K? If so I would add that to the list to.

Jamie

**Tim Peter** · Nov-05-2008, 10:06am

I bought a MM Phantom and enjoyed it. However, it couldn't touch my Gibson A-50. Save a little more and get a deal on a used Gibson F-9 or Breedlove FF.

**cudofcow** · Nov-05-2008, 10:14am

I was lucky enough to grab a Morgon Monroe MMS8-FE for about 200 bucks less due to the vendor not having the original model i requested and an offer for the next best model. I've been really happy with it but i gotta say, the Eastman mandolins and even Big Muddy's have a lot more sound. I find my instrument to be a little on the quiet side.

On the good side, i get a lot of compliments on it. She's purdy.

**recon** · Nov-05-2008, 10:21am

I took a Kentucky KM-805 on trade with the intentions of putting it right up for sale. It has convinced me to hold on to it. I was pleasantly surprised by it tone and volume.

**Ken Olmstead** · Nov-05-2008, 10:39am

oops forgot. There is no doubt in my mind that I would try "The Loar" (600) in that price range! That would simply be on the way!

**Capt. E** · Nov-05-2008, 11:35am

I know the jade A styles are well under 1K, but the F's are selling for around $1300 from dealers. Contact Bob and buy from Jade directly and he may well sell it to you for under $1000. You can only ask.

**DryBones** · Nov-05-2008, 4:22pm

don't forget the oft overlooked JBovier F5 Tradition. Right in your price range and great looks and sound. (plus they make a lefty!)

**David Lloyd** · Nov-05-2008, 4:47pm

I am having a 2 point Manndolin built that is a little higher than a thousand. I went with the flat back. http://www.manndolins.com/prod02.htm
But I have no plans of getting rid of my trusty Washburn F. I think if you really wanted an F, The Jethro Burns would be a great instrument. I liked the one I played. Mine is a refinished M3sw.
I know you said F ,but if you can do without the scoll you get more bang for the buck.
But don't settle for less than you want.
Dave

**86skywalker** · Nov-05-2008, 8:17pm

Originally Posted by mad4mandos

Of the 3 you listed I would reccomend the Kentucky if you are referring to the km855 because I don't know of a model km55. Actually I would recommend an A style for a better value, but it sounds like you have your heart set on an F. I would also add Eastman md515 or md615 to the list.

I owned a md615 and I liked it, but my km855 is just a little woodier. The fit and finish on the Eastman was better.

Sorry, I did mean the KM855

**Steve Ostrander** · Nov-05-2008, 8:45pm

I believe the The Kentucky km855 and km805 are identical except for inlays.

**Big Joe** · Nov-06-2008, 7:13am

No question in my mind. The Loar 600 is the best dollar value in a quality mandoliln available in the sub 1K price range. Hand carved, nitro cullulose finish. Good playability and materials. Great case. What more could one want? While it is a pac rim instrument like most of those mentioned, it is a step above the others from my experience and well worth the investment!

**f5loar** · Nov-06-2008, 7:21am

I would lean to the Eastman 515 or even the 615. There was an early 615 with the cool bound F holes on the cafe for $1000 the other day.
But no doubt for name sake since you have decided to go with the fancy strap holder F model that a "The Loar" is impressive at least on the name.

**Eddie Sheehy** · Nov-06-2008, 1:56pm

You can't beat a Tony Tsai F5 for money-value as an entry-level instrument. Solid woods, not the best hardware, needs a good setup. And you have to like Inlay.... a lot.

**allenhopkins** · Nov-06-2008, 3:50pm

Originally Posted by Eddie Sheehy

And you have to like Inlay.... a lot.

But if you don't, wait a few weeks, and some of it will fall out...

**Payit Forward** · Nov-06-2008, 4:44pm

If you like blondes (I think they're sweet) you will call up The Mandolin Store NOW an buy the JBovier Dorado he has for $549!!!!!

These go for well over $1000 new, and are IMHO as good or BETTER than any Kentucky, Eastman, The Loar, Jade, etc, etc. The ones I have played have been loud, have great tone and are very playable. The string spacing is just a little wider than normal - almost like a breedlove, with a slightly radiused fingerboard which is what puts it above Eastman (in my opinion).

I can't believe no one has bought this yet. This will be listed next week on the thread about "the one that got away".

**Eddie Sheehy** · Nov-06-2008, 5:57pm

Originally Posted by allenhopkins

But if you don't, wait a few weeks, and some of it will fall out...

I've had my TT mandos for a while now and they're still ok - no warping, splitting, inlay falling out, machine heads breaking, tailpieces imploding...etc.