Need a new Mandolin - suggestions?

**edodge** · Nov-14-2008, 10:37am

Hi all -

I'm looking to purchase a new mandolin. I purchased a Michael Kelly A O mandolin from Musician's Friend, but was most unsatisfied with it and returned it. I've been playing mandolin for about 5 years, and am on a budget. I'm looking for an oval soundhole type. I've looked at the Kentucky KM 174 (I believe that's what it is), and that appears to be a nice instrument. I've found a online dealer that sets them up in his shop before shipping.
Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

**sgarrity** · Nov-14-2008, 10:45am

It's hard to beat the quality of a Mid-Missouri/Big Muddy mandolin if you want an affordable oval hole.

**edodge** · Nov-14-2008, 11:05am

Are there any websites that have the Big Muddy mandolins for sale?

**Big Joe** · Nov-14-2008, 11:13am

The Eastman oval holes are pretty nice for the money. Steve Perry at Gianni carries them and he is very good to deal with. He is a regular on the cafe so he would not be hard to find.

**Greg H.** · Nov-14-2008, 11:26am

Yes, and there are also some rather nice looking Eastmens in Mandolin Store http://www.themandolinstore.com/scri...idproduct=8644 or possibly this one: http://www.themandolinstore.com/scri...idproduct=7499

Then again there are a few at Elderly instruments:
http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/MD504C.htm,
http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/MD504CSB.htm,
http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/KM171.htm,
http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/KM172.htm, or
http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/KM174.htm

and then while at Elderly don't forget Trinity College mandolins
http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/TC250.htm or
http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/TC250B.htm

Uh. . ..sorry if I got a bit carried away here. . . . .but there are some nice options. . .

**edodge** · Nov-14-2008, 11:33am

Greg - Thanks for the leads. Are Eastman mandos US made?

**Greg H.** · Nov-14-2008, 11:50am

No, the Eastmens are made in China (like the Kentuckys etc.), but there are different groups to look for. In general, the Eastmens and Kentuckys are are viewed significantly better than many of the other PacRim instruements (e.g. Michael Kelly etc.).

**JEStanek** · Nov-14-2008, 11:51am

No Eastman is made (by hand, hand carved, hand finished) in China. So are Jade, Kentucky, The Loar, J Bovier (better imports), Trinity College too. For the US look into a Howard Morris A - oval or a used Weber Absaroka.

Jamie

**Greg H.** · Nov-14-2008, 12:01pm

Oh, and here are the Big Muddys http://www.bigmuddymandolin.com/products.php

This is flattop, but an excellent sounding mandolin for the money. Also, if you happen to notice any older Flatiron flattops (on the Classifieds here etc.) would be other excellent option.

If you wanted to go a little higher, there are other options (as in an old Gibson A jr. or something along that line), but that is more expensive.

**Jkf_Alone** · Nov-14-2008, 12:07pm

No, Eastman mandolins are not US made, they are made in Beijing. The new ones I've played have been very tight, but they open up nicely when played in. I have noticed a big jump in volume & tone on my (used) Eastman just this past month. Some people complain of "tinny" tone in these, but the sharp bite of the high end can easily be tamed with the right set of strings (I use Black Diamond black coated strings for this).

Many people here recommend Big Muddy / Mid - MO , or used flatiron pancakes, but I have yet to hear one that sounds as "mandolinny" as an eastman oval or even the Kentucky you mentioned. They sound nice, but more like the high unison notes of a 12 string guitar. I guess for me, a mandolin should have a more "boxy" or "woody" sound. I think of Pancake style mandolins as having a more "airy" or "stringy" tone. Not bad,just not for me

**edodge** · Nov-14-2008, 12:14pm

Thanks, all, for the information. Any leads on a used Gibson oval? What would the price range on those be?

**Michael Cameron** · Nov-14-2008, 1:22pm

Originally Posted by Jkf_Alone

(I use Black Diamond black coated strings for this).

Jkf,Just wondering where to find te black-coated Black Diamond strings?
I bought a bunch of them,in bulk,from Peter Mix;but,would ke to know of another source for when I run out.

TIA,
Mike

PS:I meant to send this as a private message. My apologies to all.

**Greg H.** · Nov-14-2008, 4:40pm

On the Gibsons they would generally cost from just over $1,000 to $5,000 or more depending on what you get (i.e. the difference running from a very simply A0 or Ajr up to an F4). One possibly might be:http://www.vintagemandolin.com/28gibsona0_521420.html,
http://www.bernunzio.com/item.php?sku=0812230, or
http://www.bernunzio.com/item.php?sku=0812269

**edodge** · Nov-14-2008, 10:45pm

Hi all -
I'm thinking about this...what do you think?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...id=p2759.l1259

I'm quite enjoying this webpage and the mandolin community here!

**Eddie Sheehy** · Nov-14-2008, 11:10pm

You don't have to look further than Gypsy's Music mandolins. Walt Kuhlman makes them in Arizona. He has models and prices to suit all tastes. A big sounding woody mandolin.

**Ivan Kelsall** · Nov-15-2008, 3:22am

You might care to have a look at Kenneth Olmstead's thread re.his forthcoming 'Redline Traveller' mandolin in the 'post a picture.....' section. That looks to be a great instrument that's coming along. I've no doubt that if you sent a personal message to Ken,he'll give you some background info on the instrument & it's maker,
Saska

**Marcus CA** · Nov-26-2008, 4:03pm

Originally Posted by edodge

Thanks, all, for the information. Any leads on a used Gibson oval? What would the price range on those be?

I know this is easier said than done, but I would strongly recommend that with a vintage instrument, you play it before you buy it. Make sure that if you order on line, you get at least a 48-hour approval period.

I was lucky enough to find a store that had both a 1917 A-1 and a 1921 A in stock at the same time. I really wanted the A-1 because it looked a lot nicer, but the A had a significantly better tone in every part of the range. I went back and forth repeatedly, unsuccessfully trying to convince myself that the A-1 sounded better. If I had bought that particular A-1 online, I never would have known what I was missing.

That said, once you play one, you instantly understand what people mean by an instrument "opening up" over time!

**JEStanek** · Nov-26-2008, 5:02pm

A good source for used Gibson players mandos is the Mandolin World Headquarters of Charles Johnson. Tell him a budget (at least $800 is reasonable for a pretty beat up non original but very playable vintage Gibson) and start talking.

The Mid Mo you are looking at is a good price and a good instrument. The mahogany back will give it a warmer sound than a maple backed one. These flat top oval hole instruments aren't the best for bluegrass but have their own voice (one I rather like myself). You can hear what they sound like here.

If your budget is more like $500 instead of $1000, a used Eastman A style (504, or 604) with an oval hole may be a good way to go. Dennis with the mandolin store is having a post Thanksgiving sale. He's a good guy to deal with from my personal experience. Stephen Perry with Gianna Violins is great too. Elderly, is top notch as are all of our sponsors.

Knowing your budget may help people focus suggestions your way. Right now you have mandos on the table from $300-1300!

Jamie

**aphillips** · Nov-26-2008, 6:05pm

Hey edodge I'm about to put mine Big Muddy up on the classifieds - check this link out and see if you're interested - comes with a Guardian hardshell case. It's an M2 - maple and spruce.

http://santabarbara.craigslist.org/msg/934115612.html

**edodge** · Nov-26-2008, 9:33pm

Hey all -
Ended up going with a handmade mando by Tom Flood I found on the classifieds page. It's quite a beautiful instrument - all solid woods, and sturdy construction. I was looking for a flat top, because I love the tone (I don't play much bluegrass), and this one fits the bill. With a little tweaking of the bridge, it'll be set-up wonderfully.

**Caleb** · Nov-26-2008, 9:53pm

Originally Posted by Jkf_Alone

Many people here recommend Big Muddy / Mid - MO , or used flatiron pancakes, but I have yet to hear one that sounds as "mandolinny" as an eastman oval or even the Kentucky you mentioned. They sound nice, but more like the high unison notes of a 12 string guitar. I guess for me, a mandolin should have a more "boxy" or "woody" sound. I think of Pancake style mandolins as having a more "airy" or "stringy" tone. Not bad,just not for me

This is very well said. You basically nailed how I feel about my flattop mandolin. I do like the sound, but sometimes I think, "This doesn't really sound like a mandolin should sound..." The 12-string guitar reference is a good one.

For the most part, any type of music can be played on any type of mandolin, but there is just something special about that carved top sound.