looking to weigh in on expert advice; what are the best two mandolins that $1000 can buy? I'm a biuegrass player and i'm not married to an f style. Soooo watcha think?
looking to weigh in on expert advice; what are the best two mandolins that $1000 can buy? I'm a biuegrass player and i'm not married to an f style. Soooo watcha think?
Used Gibson A9
Used Flatiron Festival A
You can find both of these at $1000-ish
Get ready for an avalanche of people telling you you are asking the wrong question.
What he said...
-Patrick
"It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity.'' -Dave Barry
Shaun Garrity
http://www.youtube.com/user/spgokc78
U will do better used 4 under $1000.00.
For as much as I enjoy the MC, JonZ has a point. I've seen the phrase "dog pile" here, as well as "echo chamber" to describe responses to this kind of question.
That said, I'll pile on and mention the nice little Weber A-style I played recently---it was used, and right around $1K. WOOF Woof woof..
(And my advice is *NOT* expert.)
-Patrick
"It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity.'' -Dave Barry
If possible play as many different models as possible. If possible goto a store/jam/tasting party and get your hands on as many as possible. Find a brand that fits you and your budget. Then buy the best one of those you can afford. You will get more instrument for your money if you buy used than new, and get an A style rather than an F style, in general. Many of the voicing opinions are very taste specific to the person offering you advice. I like Eastman's mandolins because of the neck shape. A used Gibson A9, Rigel A, could also be in the cards along with the Breedloves and Webers. A used Kentucky KM-1000 would be nice too.
Jamie
There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946
+ Give Blood, Save a Life +
My biased answer is a used Gibson F-9, if you can find one at that price. But, chances are you'd find an A-9 much easier; since you're not married to an F ...
I played the new Kentucky KM900 prototype at SPGBMA and was blown away. The rep said dealers should have them available very soon.
Chris Fontaine
Wiliams Fine Violins
Nashville, TN
chris@williamsfineviolins.com
www.williamsfineviolins.com
The Breedlove FF in the classifieds for $ 1300 is a great bargain and a superb instrument...I should know I used to own it. The Loar 600 and 700 are excellent for less than $ 1K.
Tim Burcham
Northfield Big Mon (Red Spruce/Red Maple)
Gibson F-9 Custom
1942 Strad-O-Lin
1948-54 Gibson LG-3
2011 Gibson J-45 True Vintage
2017 Martin HD-28 VTS Custom Shop
Bailey Mandolin Straps (NFI)
Bell Arm-rests (NFI)
The questions that you usually can't get a straight answer to are the, "What's the best mandolin for $xxxx." There's not enough info in that question to provide a straight forward answer.
The OP on the other hand told us that he 1) plays bluegrass, 2) is willing to look at A-styles, and 3) has about $1000 to spend. And I think he's gotten some pretty good suggestions.
Shaun Garrity
http://www.youtube.com/user/spgokc78
One of the best A style mandolins I have played was the Kentucky km900 at Gruhn's. I was totally blown away by how great a tone and bark it had. Definitely worth the money.
I like mandolins.
Play all you can of those in that price range and then buy the one you just can't put down.
There are some nice mandos in the classifieds right now in your range.
Breedloves are always a good option at a reasonable price. You can usually find used OF's for around $700-$800. I'm always amazed at the volume they have.
That's because of my Whithering Sarcasm First Strike.
Most people asking for suggestions on mandolins in a certain price range do so because they are not yet confident in there ability to gauge quality. They are concerned that the brassy blond that grabs their initial interest may not be the best long-term choice.
(Talkin' 'bout mandolins, of course.)
Hence, the need for specific recommendations rather than "Choose the one that speaks to you."
Of course, more specifics on the type of music you play helps with more specifics on recommendations.
I second the opinion that Eastman can make a good mandolin for under $1,000.
I have to agree with that , .. because as a thing made out of a natural material, Wood,
there will be a sound produced variation, that you can hear, when it is in your hands,
even though the finish on the outside, is standardized.
and a neck feel, shape, that also is difficult to describe with words.. or saying D or V section.
writing about music
is like dancing,
about architecture
Gibson A-9
Danny Clark has a black top Fraley A that I would be looking at.
Greg Potter
"Tiller of the land and feller of trees"
A9
Seriously, I loved the A9 I had for a while but there are a lot of good options in your price range. A solid A for 1k is totally doable so try and get to play some. If you;re in an area where you can't there are several reputable dealers that offer "trial periods" and can point you in the right direction sight unseen. Danny Clark was mentioned and is great to deal with so is Dennis at the Mandolin Store just to name a few. Good luck and enjoy the hunt, it's part of the experience and should be fun.
PJ
Stanley V5
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