Looking for a first mandolin

[Grog289]

Hello,

I am looking to start playing the mandolin, and I have come here for some suggestions.
Other than sounding goo and being relatively beginner-friendly, my main qualifiers are 500-700$ price range, f shape, and ideally not made in China/Korea. I am not experienced enough to know much about what denotes a quality mandolin.

Any suggestions?

[Mike Scott]

If not Chinese or Korean then the prospects narrow drastically. Here's a few to consider Redline Traveler, Big Muddy, Bulldog Flattop, used Morris or possible a flat top new Morris, or a used Flatiron Pancake style. I am sure others will have some other suggestions but those will give you a start. I hope that helps.

[Jim Ferguson]

The Mandolin Store (see their weblink here on the cafe website on the right side) has an Eastman Economy F model mando for $699.00 There is a mp3 of the sound of that style of mando for you to listen to also. I have an Eastman MD515 (a bit higher price than you want to spend) & I have ben very happy with the Eastman mandolins. The same website has a Kentucky KM600 for $599.00 Kentucky makes a very nice low-middle end mandolin.There is an mp3 of that too for you to check out. The Mandolin Store also has some Rover mandolins ad The Loar mandolins in your price range. The Janet Davis website also on the right side of the cafe web page has a bunch of nice mandos in your price range......check them all out.
Peace,

[JeffD]

The two things that are limiting you are ruling out a mandolin from the east, and the f style. If you can be flexible on either of those there are a lot more options in your price range.

[Grog289]

The two things that are limiting you are ruling out a mandolin from the east, and the f style. If you can be flexible on either of those there are a lot more options in your price range.

I figured that would be a problem, I figured I would see how far all of my conditions got me. So what would you suggest from the East?

[Ivan Kelsall]

Having played one here in the UK several months back,i wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Kentucky KM505.The KM900 model (the much more expensive one) has been one of the most talked about instruments on here,& it's little sister is superb in it's own right. The one i played was easy on the fingers & for the price $499.00 US at the Mandolin Store,you're saving $330,that's a heck of a saving & a heck of a good Mandolin. Forget "F" styles if you want a top quality & good sounding Mandolin to begin with,& go with the "A" styles.They sound just as good & a far less expensive,
Ivan

[bmac]

I would forget the f style for the time being. There is simply nothing in your price range that would satisfy you sound and quality wise. At least in the $500 range. If used maybe,,,, but as a beginner you might not want to take that risk. Everyone wants their first to be an f style but many get over that quickly when they realise the advantage of the a style regarding quality and price.

Regardless of the style you buy as a beginner, in a few years you may want to upgrade anyway, as in the long run very few have only one mandolin. The Kentucky suggested above seems to have received good reviews on this site.

Once you are a year or two into mandolin you will be in a far better position to make your next decision regarding new, used, a or f style, erc. It is generally agreed that the f style strap hook is a $400 item in addition to the mandolin itself.

Good luck in finding something you can enjoy.

Also you may have to have whatever manolin you buy new set up for easy playing. Almost all new instruments need it.

[michaelpthompson]

I'm surprised that nobody has thought to ask yet, but what style of music are you looking to play? That can also make a difference in which instrument you should look at. F-style is de rigueur for bluegrass, but a lot of players play that music on A-style or others. Italian folk music and bowlbacks seem to go together. If you're planning to play in a rock band, then an electric or acoustic/electric would probably be more your style. You can learn on anything, but certain types lend themselves more to certain music.

That said, the advice you have gotten so far is good. The best way to find an American-made F-style in your price range would be in the Cafe Classifieds, or maybe from one of our vendors, but it won't be easy, and as a newbie, you won't know what to look for as far as quality. That warning goes more than double for eBay, as even experienced players have been disappointed in what they've bought online.

If you really want the F-style, the Loar LM-520 seems to get good reviews if it's properly set up. Some of the discount places are not taking this essential step, so you have to add that service to the price of the instrument itself when comparing. I notice that Folkmusician.com has these on a special sale right now, though the setup is a bit extra. Great price, even with the setup. And Robert is a contributing member here on the Forum.

[allenhopkins]

Lowest-priced US-made F-model, carved-top instrument I've found is made by Shawnee Creek, and it's $950. There are quite a few Asian-made instruments in your price range: Loar, Rover, Kentucky et. al., which others have mentioned above.

I'm a big Eastman fan, but the Loars and the Rover RM-75 have gotten good Cafe press. Don't overlook the fact that you can save quite a bit of money buying used.