Morgan Monroe Bean Blossom BM4A Mandolin any good?

**lemi430** · Jan-04-2010, 9:10am

Hi I am brand new to the mandolin world and I am looking for a good inexpensive starter mandolin (Just like every other beginner). I am looking at the Morgan Monroe Bean Blossom BM4A but have not found much information on it. I am also looking at the Kentucky KM 150. Can anyone help? Any information is appreciaed

**jim_n_virginia** · Jan-04-2010, 9:58am

This is just my opinion as I have never owned either one of those mandolins but I have played them. I consider those two brands pretty similar in quality and sound with the MM's usually being the prettier of the two.

I have seen some really nice looking MM's but when I played them they just sound OK. With a good (professional) set up either of those mandolins can be pretty playable and a good mandolin to learn off of.

But as you get better you'll quickly outgrow them.

Somebody much smarter than me about mandolins told me that you should buy the best mandolin you can afford because your talent will only expand to what the quality of your mandolin will let you.

good luck

**lemi430** · Jan-04-2010, 10:13am

Ok thanks. I was thinking the same thing, but any store I go to around where I live only has thousand dollar mandolins. So.... I am unable to play any entry level ones to get an idea for what I want. I am going to make sure I get it setup properly whatever I get. I am open to anymore suggestions.

**JCook** · Jan-04-2010, 10:57am

I have a Kentucky KM150S. I don't know how different it is from the KM150 (if at all) but I've had it about a year and a half and I'm loving it. I paid $185 for it used, but I think new they're only around $285 or so. For such an inexpensive mandolin it really is amazingly good. Good tone, stays in tune reasonably well, easy to play, nice looking, too. I highly recommend it for a starter mandolin. I've been trying to save for a better mandolin for myself, but have not been able to save any money, so I'll probably be playing my KM150S for quite a while, and that's fine because it's really quite a good instrument. I've had cheap (and I mean cheap) instruments before and usually they are not very good for playing, but these Kentucky mandolins are excellent. I'd say you couldn't really go wrong with one.

Wherever you get it, though, it will benefit from a professional setup. Everyone on the cafe says that, and it's true. I had my Kentucky set up by a good luthier (about $65) and it was greatly improved.

Jack

**allenhopkins** · Jan-04-2010, 11:23am

Originally Posted by JCook

I have a Kentucky KM150S. I don't know how different it is from the KM150 (if at all)...

I believe the "S" suffix on Kentucky mandolins means they have a "solid" (made from a single piece of wood) top rather than a laminated-wood top. Generally, a solid top is considered better for sound. Some of the entry-level Kentucky models come with both options, and you pay a bit more for the solid top.

**JCook** · Jan-04-2010, 11:47am

Thanks, Allen. That makes sense. It's certainly well worth it, as this mandolin has quite a good tone. I am very impressed with the Kentucky instruments.

Jack

**Steve Conley** · Jan-04-2010, 3:36pm

Originally Posted by allenhopkins

I believe the "S" suffix on Kentucky mandolins means they have a "solid" (made from a single piece of wood) top rather than a laminated-wood top. Generally, a solid top is considered better for sound. Some of the entry-level Kentucky models come with both options, and you pay a bit more for the solid top.

I believe all currently manufactured Kentucky mandolins now come with solid tops and the "S" has been dropped from all the model numbers, though I imagine there are still plenty of old laminate ones out there.

**Lefty Luthier** · Jan-04-2010, 3:55pm

Another approach to mid-priced mandolins would be to contact the professional lutheirs to see if they know of any of theirs for sale used. This happens to me occasionally when someone wants to move up and asks me to keep an eye out for a possible buyer.

**allenhopkins** · Jan-04-2010, 4:15pm

Originally Posted by Steve Conley

I believe all currently manufactured Kentucky mandolins now come with solid tops and the "S" has been dropped from all the model numbers, though I imagine there are still plenty of old laminate ones out there.

I still see descriptions on the internet of KM-140's with a "laminate spruce top." These sellers may be working off older inventories, or not have upgraded their web site descriptions. The Saga website lists solid top, laminate back & sides.

Until the stock of older plywood-top 140's is off everyone's shelves, probably should ascertain whether the instrument is one of the older ones with a plywood top, or the newer ones that have a solid top and plywood back & sides.

**Mandolin Mick** · Jan-04-2010, 6:47pm

I play a Kentucky KM-855, an upper level Kentucky, and it's great. Kentucky makes great instruments for the money and I highly recommend them. I have played a Bean Blossom and would consider it a good value, but quality varies from instrument to instrument of course.

**jim_n_virginia** · Jan-04-2010, 8:39pm

Originally Posted by lemi430

but any store I go to around where I live only has thousand dollar mandolins. So.... I am unable to play any entry level ones to get an idea for what I want. I am going to make sure I get it setup properly whatever I get. I am open to anymore suggestions.

Don't be afraid to buy online from a reputable source like Elderly's and Janet Davis but I think your best bet would be to buy from one of the small shops that are sponsers of the Cafe. Most of the owners are members of this forum and they will make sure you get one set up correctly from the get go and you can also ask to hear it played over the phone. Not exactly like playing it live but you can here if it sounds good or is a clunker.

Also you will be able to get a good mandolin in the range you want.

good luck!