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Thread: Best Beginner Mandolin

  1. #1

    Default Best Beginner Mandolin

    Hello folks,

    I have recently caught the Mandolin bug and was wondering what the best instrument would be for a total beginner in Mandolin? This will be the first instrument I have ever attempted to try soo I am somewhat lost. My budget for now is right around 400 dollars and I would like the Mandolin to last a while and give off a good sound. I would mainly want to learn bluegrass as that is my genre of preference. I know some folks recommend F Style mandolins for bluegrass, but I've heard A-Styles with F-Holes are both cheaper and sometimes equal or better quality than the fancy F-Holes. I am also wondering what kind of reading material/DVDs/ or CDs I should purchase along with any other necessary equipement for a beginner.

    Thank you all in advance for your expertise and advice.

  2. #2

    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    I would go for this:

    http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/MD305C.htm

    or if that's too expensive, this:

    http://www.folkmusician.com/Kentucky...ctinfo/KM-150/

    Yes, A styles are exactly the same as F styles only cheaper.

    First and foremost, find a good teacher, or join Mike Marshall's School of Mandolin:

    http://artistworks.com/mike-marshall

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  4. #3
    Registered User rb3868's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    Get the idiot's guide to mandolin, it has a bunch of info about choosing your instrument.

    READ the various threads here. You will find that yes, dollar for dollar a-styles get you more for the money. you will also find three brands that are usually considered good bets for beginners - Eastman, Kentucky and Loar. I like my Eastman, but everyone has their favorite.

    Do you have any good acoustic music shops near you? (if you tell us where you live, someone might have a suggestion) it is always better to play before you buy. If not, the sponsors of this web site are all good to work with and will get you that all-important set up. and don't forget to check the classified ads here - and sign up for the twitter feed once you get a feel for what you might like. good deals don't last. I got the twitter notification on my baby and got in there fast.

    There is a theory, tips and techniques section in the forum that has good advice, and some fun exercises over on jazzmando

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  6. #4
    Searching for the Sound
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    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    I stepped up from a ... low end ... mando to the Eastman 505 and am thrilled, but I'm sure the 305 would make you happy.
    - 2013 Eastman MD 505
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  8. #5

    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    Thank you all for you help and suggestions. OldSausage, I've been actually looking at the Kentucky KM 150 for quite some time as it comes highly recommended by many folks on this site, quick question, what is the difference between the KM 150 and 160 apart from its price? Also, thank you kindly for the lessons website, I will be sure to sign up for it after I purchase the mandolin.

    rb3868- What was the difference between the Eastman and Kentucky? Which model do you have? Also, I live in Boston, if you know of any good music shops that sells mandolins around here please point me in that direction, however I have no problem ordering one online since I wouldn't know what to look for in person. If I did come across something on the classifieds I would jump on it right away, alas, I'm not sure what to look for in a mandolin as of yet.

    Again, thank you all for your help, it is much appreciated.

  9. #6

    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by DirectorEric View Post
    Thank you all for you help and suggestions. OldSausage, I've been actually looking at the Kentucky KM 150 for quite some time as it comes highly recommended by many folks on this site, quick question, what is the difference between the KM 150 and 160 apart from its price? Also, thank you kindly for the lessons website, I will be sure to sign up for it after I purchase the mandolin.
    The KM150 is made under supervision and in the same factory as the same folks who make the higher end Kentucky models, KM900, KM1000 and so on, and so it's a different construction method and, from what I hear, tone from the KM160, which I believe is made in a different factory. I learned this from comments Robert Fear of Folkmusician.com posted on here earlier in the year. He seemed to think the KM150 was a pretty good deal as long as you made sure to get it from a place that offered a good set up.

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  11. #7
    Constantly In Search Of.. Michael Bridges's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    If you don't mind going used, there is what appears to be a good deal on a KM-620 in the classifieds right now. I know nothing about the mando or seller, but from the pic, it appears to be in good shape. At least worth a look,maybe. Edit, Cuz I didn't look close enough! The 620 is laminated, you're gonna get a better sound out of the 150, which uses solid woods.(That's what I get for posting on cold meds!)
    Last edited by Michael Bridges; May-09-2013 at 4:40pm.

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  13. #8
    Mandolindian rgray's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    You have found a great resource here at the Cafe. Best of luck to you.

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  15. #9

    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    DirectorEric,

    I don't know about the other mandolins suggested, only the KM-150. For the price, I don't think you can get a better mandolin than the KM-150. Mine sounds great and plays very nicely with good intonation up past the 12th fret. Although it was my 'starter' mandolin, I still get lots of use out of it as a 'travel' and 'campfire' mandolin.

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  17. #10
    Loarcutus of MandoBorg DataNick's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by DirectorEric View Post
    Hello folks,

    I have recently caught the Mandolin bug and was wondering what the best instrument would be for a total beginner in Mandolin? This will be the first instrument I have ever attempted to try soo I am somewhat lost. My budget for now is right around 400 dollars and I would like the Mandolin to last a while and give off a good sound. I would mainly want to learn bluegrass as that is my genre of preference. I know some folks recommend F Style mandolins for bluegrass, but I've heard A-Styles with F-Holes are both cheaper and sometimes equal or better quality than the fancy F-Holes. I am also wondering what kind of reading material/DVDs/ or CDs I should purchase along with any other necessary equipement for a beginner.

    Thank you all in advance for your expertise and advice.
    This topic has been covered extensively on this site...here's some homework...the usual suspects get mentioned quite a bit...happy hunting!

    http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/se...archid=3661163
    1994 Gibson F5L - Weber signed


    "Mandolin brands are a guide, not gospel! I don't drink koolaid and that Emperor is naked!"
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    "Perfection is not attainable; but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence" Vince Lombardi
    Playing Style: RockMonRoll Desperado Bluegrass Desperado YT Channel

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  19. #11
    Registered User Charley wild's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    Another vote for the KM-150. I've played one and was favorably impressed. It played easy and sounded pretty good. The owner was very pleased with it. As mentioned setup is very important with any mandolin and also as mentioned it would be a good "second" mandolin should you decide to upgrade in the future.

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  21. #12

    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    Thank you so much everyone! It seems as though I will go for the KM 150 by count of all the great suggestions. One more question and then I'll be out of you folks' hair, for now. What is a reputable website to purchase the KM 150 who will set it up well?

    Thanks!

  22. #13

    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    KM-150 sounds very good for price.

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  24. #14

    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by DirectorEric View Post
    Thank you so much everyone! It seems as though I will go for the KM 150 by count of all the great suggestions. One more question and then I'll be out of you folks' hair, for now. What is a reputable website to purchase the KM 150 who will set it up well?

    Thanks!
    If you go through Folkmusician, you will get an excellent instrument which has passed the scrutiny of Robert Fear, one of the most honest sellers in the music business as well as a professional setup by him. The KM-150's have some quality control issues, usually with fretting, but Robert sorts out the good from the bad. The Chinese made instruments also need a good setup by a professional after they arrive and before they are sent out. Robert will not let an instrument out of his hands that is not up to standard. You will find cheaper prices on eBay, but you won't get a good one. The cheaper prices offered by most eBay sellers are selling you the ones a guy like Robert would not sell.

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  26. #15

    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    Thank you so much for the information Vegas, you have convinced me to go through Robert Fear. One last question, unlike other websites, Folkmusician only offers the mandolin and nothing more. Which is totally fine. I was just wondering if you had advice on what else to buy from their website along with the instrument, ie, picks, tuner, strap, case (maybe)?

    Thank you so much!

  27. #16
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by DirectorEric View Post
    Thank you so much for the information Vegas, you have convinced me to go through Robert Fear. One last question, unlike other websites, Folkmusician only offers the mandolin and nothing more. Which is totally fine. I was just wondering if you had advice on what else to buy from their website along with the instrument, ie, picks, tuner, strap, case (maybe)?

    Thank you so much!
    Eric--

    Elderly would provide a number of those add ons at no additional expense: http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/DEAL4.htm

    Pat

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  29. #17

    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    Thank you Pat, are Elderly as good as vegas states Folkmusicians are at setting them up?

    Just want to take a second to give a big thank you to all of you who replied to my post. I can tell that the Mandolin community is full of talented and warming folks to whom I cannot wait to be a part of.

  30. #18
    Registered User dcoventry's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    Call Robert Fear and talk to him. All will become clear.
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    Remember to grin while you pick, it throws folks off!

  31. #19
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    Just be willing to drop a grand and you can begin with something
    not compromised to meet a lower price point.

    like this one:http://www.themandolinstore.com/scri...idproduct=9244
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  32. #20

    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    I just started as well, and got an Eastman 304 from the mandolin store. It plays very easy, sounds wonderful and is truly a quality instrument. Someone mentioned a 305, same thing but with f holes. Check them out!

  33. #21

    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by DirectorEric View Post
    Thank you so much for the information Vegas, you have convinced me to go through Robert Fear. One last question, unlike other websites, Folkmusician only offers the mandolin and nothing more. Which is totally fine. I was just wondering if you had advice on what else to buy from their website along with the instrument, ie, picks, tuner, strap, case (maybe)?

    Thank you so much!
    Folkmusician usually offers package deals like Elderly. I'm told all the board sponsors here are reliable. I spoke with Robert extensively when I was first buying a mandolin. I found him helpful, a wonderful source of information and a completely honest gentleman. If you call him see what he would be willing to put together for you. I have spoken to other distributors in the music business who also speak highly of Robert.

    I would start with a good mandolin properly set up. You will need a case and I advise a digital tuner. Picks are a topic here that will generate all sorts of opinions. A thicker guitar pick would be an inexpensive and easy to acquire starter. Once you begin playing, you will be in a better position to decide what other things you need and as your style evolves, so will your needs more specifically to your style of playing. Many of the terms people used here like "chop" and "bark" meant nothing to me until I actually started playing.

    There are plenty of free materials here and on Youtube to teach you basics and if you discover you like playing (how could anyone not?) then think about getting lessons from one of the online companies that advertise here or from a teacher in your area. Also, check out local mandolin clubs and jam sessions. I've found mandolin players are especially friendly and helpful to newcomers. I find if I enter a topic or a mandolin builder name in the search engine here, all sorts of wonderful information is recorded from past discussions. In fact, I would suggest doing that before asking any questions on any subject. You will often find the answer is already here.

    One of the really delightful things about mandolin are all the styles the instrument in its various forms can be used to play. The Blue Grass people like different sounds and prefer different instruments, strings, picks, etc. than those who play Irish Traditional Music, Jazz, Folk, Rock, Classical and the various ethnic styles. There is room for everybody doing all sorts of things on the same basic design of instrument. Listen to all advice and use it as it suits you. Try to keep an open mind understanding there are a variety of tastes and as one poster said to me recently, "some of us can't stand a particular style of music but because we are all trying to play our own, we are on the same artistic/musical quest and manage to get along with each other." Sometimes that doesn't always work when you discuss a topic that generates strong personal preferences, but the moderators here do an outstanding job of keeping people civilized and on topic.

    So....I've generated enough hot air for now, get yourself a mandolin, start playing and use the wonderful resources of this board to not only accelerate your learning curve, but to get a network of people with a wealth of information to help you. I sure wish there were something like Mandolin Café for guitar back when I started playing but that was in the days before Al Gore invented the Internet.

  34. #22
    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    Hey welcome. Lots of resources and helpful people around here.
    A talent for trivializin' the momentous and complicatin' the obvious.

    The entire staff
    funny....

  35. #23

    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Zaose View Post
    I just started as well, and got an Eastman 304 from the mandolin store. It plays very easy, sounds wonderful and is truly a quality instrument. Someone mentioned a 305, same thing but with f holes. Check them out!
    Another good mandolin maker. I own two and I hear nothing but positives about The Mandolin Store in Arizona. I live in Las Vegas and have a cousin in Scottsdale so I may think up a reason to visit him and stop there just to try so many great instruments in one place.

  36. #24

    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by JeffD View Post
    Hey welcome. Lots of resources and helpful people around here.


    ^^^
    One of the good guys here. He's the one who recently pointed out, "some of us can't stand a particular style of music but because we are all trying to play our own, we are on the same artistic/musical quest and manage to get along with each other." or words to that effect. In a nutshell, he hit on what, IMHO, is the common denominator at this board and explains why there is a bond of mutual respect here which transcends what, under other circumstances, could be insurmountable differences.

  37. #25
    Registered User rb3868's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best Beginner Mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by DirectorEric View Post
    rb3868- What was the difference between the Eastman and Kentucky? Which model do you have?
    I have an Eastman 805 D - the two-point that is no longer made. I've never played a Kentucky, actually, I've never even seen one, so I can't comment on differences.

    What I like about the Eastman is the radiused fretboard and the neck shape make it very easy to play. To me, it sounds well-balanced , but i'm about as far from an expert on that as I am from being a fish.

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