Wishnevsky $600 Mandocello, or a $550 Washburn m3swk f-style?

**McMahon** · Aug-06-2012, 8:24pm

Hello mandolin cafe, I have a bit of a dilemma.

My father says he will buy me an instrument of my choice at the end of summer, and I don't know what too choose. He took me to guitar center down in Oxnard CA, and I fell in love with the nicest mando there which is the Washburn. I also read on Mr. Wishnevskys website that he makes an 18" Mandocello off of a jazz guitar body for $600. My father said that my budget up to around $650-$700. I really love the mandocello, even though i have never played one, I know I would enjoy it. Currently I have a Ibanez M510, it's an entry level mando and I would also enjoy the Washburn mandolin. IM TORN!!!
So MC, what would you do in my position? Any feedback is welcome!!

Ryan

**delsbrother** · Aug-06-2012, 9:07pm

If those are really your only two choices, I would go with the Washburn. But if it were me I would probably save up and look elsewhere/other brands.

Wishnevsky is good if you're looking for a unique instrument and you're willing to put up with some very eccentric workmanship/materials (or if you're willing to do some modifications yourself). I wouldn't suggest him for my first (or second) instrument.

**McMahon** · Aug-06-2012, 9:10pm

Well, what other mandolin brands do you prefer? In that same price range of up too $700 at most, what would you recommend?

**multidon** · Aug-06-2012, 9:18pm

I will give you the following advice and of course you can either take it or leave it. If i were in your shoes I would stay away from mandocello at this point. You already have a starter mandolin, I would want a better quality mandolin at this point. Plenty of time to pick up 'cello in the future. Although I don't know the specific Washburn model you are looking at it very likely is either partially or completely made of laminated wood, not the best sound. You really want solid wood construction for the best sound.And GC is a great place to buy guitars, but I wouldn't bet they know how to properly set up a mandolin. And on mandolin, proper set-up is CRITICAL. They never come from the factory set up right, they always have to be tweaked.

You could do so much better with your $700 than the Washburn. Here are some things for you to look at that would be better investments in your mandolin career: Big Muddy- flattop, all solid wood, made in USA, around 600 dollars or so. Eastman- made in China in a European style workshop, completely hand carved solid wood, excellent build quality, they start at under 500 dollars. Kentucky- look for the all solid wood models, excellent quality, Made in China, can sometimes be had for 300 or so.

I would highly recommend you buy from a shop that includes set up by a professional luthier. Many of our Cafe' sponsors will do that for you. Check out Elderly, Folkmusician.com, The Mandolin Store just to name a few. Or if you prefer a local store just Google "mandolin dealers California" and I am sure you will find some shops that carry the brands I named. I know Buffalo Brothers and Gryphon Strings are out there to name just two.

A little research will go a long way towards getting the most bang for your father's dollars. I have no financial interest in any of the companies or stores I named, and I am sure others will chime in with scads more suggestions. Good luck on your journey!

**shortymack** · Aug-06-2012, 9:19pm

Eastman, The Loar, Kentucky all get very favorable reviews. Any of them would be a good choice. +1 on buying from a forum sponsor/dealer that will do a pro setup.