Re: Real Starter Mandolin recommendations around $400~ range?
just pointing out, I don't ever recognize the fretboard markers on the fretboard. Now, the sideboard markers, I do notice them!
I will agree there is variability in manufacturer's fretboard markers. There is also variability in the neck joint. Oval hole mandolins with a 15-fret neck joint are known as, "Hybrid" oval holes. Traditional oval hole mandolins have a 12-fret neck joint and transverse bracing. Hybrids are not like that. As such, they sound unique - not bad to some, but not the same as the traditional oval hole mandolin. It's a blending of the arch-top f-hole mandolin to the oval hole look, which does modify the sound.
Your OP discusses oval hole sustain, which can be very real. That said, if somebody asked me about a first mandolin, I'd likely advise to get an arch-top f-hole mandolin. They are much more versatile than bluegrass. Heck, listen to what Thile is playing on his, "Bluegrass" box!
Pheff gave good leads on pancakes. (Flatiron is a geologic structure next to Boulder and the character of the mountains in Bozeman is similar.)
I love my pancake!
I also love my oval hole Gibson A3. The paddle head Gibson mandolins are actually great bargains, if that's the direction you want.
I do have two A5-type mandolins too, which is often what I play in large jams or perform (rarely and as a hack).
If properly set up, a new Kentucky KM-270 is likely for getting your feet wet. Saving for a Collings MT or something of that ilk may be the end game though? Unless you get scroll envy!
f-d
¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!
'20 A3, '30 L-1, '97 914, 2012 Cohen A5, 2012 Muth A5, '14 OM28A
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