Yep ... another New Guy looking for sage advice!

[ovrclkd]

Hey gang ... going to pick up my first mandolin and was looking at a used Morgan Monroe MM-100 electric w / case for $250.00. I've been playing guitar for 40+ years and owned a mandolin as a teen and want to get back in it.
I've been reading thru the forums and see the KM150 /160 is recommended but I like the F style body. Anyone familiar with the Savannah MF-100? I want to stay around the $300 mark ... I know that may be tough.
Thoughts and wisdom are appreciated!

[Grommet]

Hi oc,

I am fairly new here as well, but since it is late, I'll start off. Wise choice to check around first! I should have done more checking myself. I haven't played that MM. To me, the Savanah I played was a not quite as good playing or sounding as some of the $100-$175 A styles I tried. General consensis here is that F body adds $1000 to the price of a decent mando... those in the low end are clearly exceptions to this, but can often sound a little weak. However, many have reported liking their Rougue RM 75 F styles. You might want to hold out for a good used one of those. The Kentucky and Eastman lines regularly get top reviews in entry level to intermediate level mandos particularly the 504/505 A style/F hole series(most oft recommended). But most important is getting the one you like the best and getting the set-up attended to. Whichever mando you choose, make sure you and the seller have an understanding whether a professional set-up has already been performed or is included in the price. Play as many as you can before pulling the trigger!

Scott

[Capt. E]

Electric mandolins are greatly in the minority here on the Cafe. Most people consider the quality of the acoustic sound to be paramount. The instrument can always be amplified in any number of ways if needed. So, I would look to acquire the best acoustic mandolin you can find within your budget. Since you like the F style, I would recommend a Rover RM-75 as your first pick over any other. If you could spend upwards of $1000 your choices would enlarge greatly. Think of it this way, a mandolin will cost you twice the price of an equivalent quality guitar.

[ovrclkd]

Hi oc,

I am fairly new here as well, but since it is late, I'll start off. Wise choice to check around first! I should have done more checking myself. I haven't played that MM. To me, the Savanah I played was a not quite as good playing or sounding as some of the $100-$175 A styles I tried. General consensis here is that F body adds $1000 to the price of a decent mando... those in the low end are clearly exceptions to this, but can often sound a little weak. However, many have reported liking their Rougue RM 75 F styles. You might want to hold out for a good used one of those. The Kentucky and Eastman lines regularly get top reviews in entry level to intermediate level mandos particularly the 504/505 A style/F hole series(most oft recommended). But most important is getting the one you like the best and getting the set-up attended to. Whichever mando you choose, make sure you and the seller have an understanding whether a professional set-up has already been performed or is included in the price. Play as many as you can before pulling the trigger!

Scott

Thanks for the quick reply and insight Scott. Playing a few quality ones in my area could be a challenge but I will look.
The KM 150 /160 would be one of my A style choices as a starter to see if I get the bug again.
Before I buy a new guitar, especially acoustic, I will spend hours at a local GC or music store.
To comment on the rest without repeating and remaining cordial allow me to respond to the next post.

Electric mandolins are greatly in the minority here on the Cafe. Most people consider the quality of the acoustic sound to be paramount. The instrument can always be amplified in any number of ways if needed. So, I would look to acquire the best acoustic mandolin you can find within your budget. Since you like the F style, I would recommend a Rover RM-75 as your first pick over any other. If you could spend upwards of $1000 your choices would enlarge greatly. Think of it this way, a mandolin will cost you twice the price of an equivalent quality guitar.

Capt E ... once again thank you for the reply & info as well. I have looked at the RM75 with strong interest. The electric MM was a bonus that was included in the sale. It has since expired so it wasn't meant to be.
Although I wouldn't mind that feature as I own a Hartke 75 acoustic amp that I use with my Takamine TAN16COV which would be interesting to play around with. Now I gotta tell you I am not ready to pay twice what that TAK's worth on a Mando but the RM75 seems like a solid recommendation for a beginner like myself.
Thank you both again for breaking the ice with the newbie! Maybe I'll call a few places and check the classifieds to see if there's any deals.

Kind Regards,
Jay Riling