Electric-Acoustic Mandolin Recommendations Requested

[BumblebeeWhiskey]

I am planning to buy an electric-acoustic mandolin, and hope to spend no more than $300. I prefer the looks of a-style or f-style, and want to stay away from the mandoes that resemble electric guitars. I'm willing to buy something used, and am strongly considering the Ibanez M510E. I'm hoping some of you can provide me with some constructive advice and feedback. Thanks!

[roysboy]

I am planning to buy an electric-acoustic mandolin, and hope to spend no more than $300. I prefer the looks of a-style or f-style, and want to stay away from the mandoes that resemble electric guitars. I'm willing to buy something used, and am strongly considering the Ibanez M510E. I'm hoping some of you can provide me with some constructive advice and feedback. Thanks!

Epiphone MM30 E

[pheffernan]

The acoustic tone is often lacking on these AE instruments. If you plan to play unplugged quite a bit, I'd recommend a good solid wood mandolin like the Kentucky KM150 http://elderly.com/new_instruments/names/kentucky-km-150-mandolin--KM150S.htm with a pickup like the K&K Twin http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/KK8-INT.htm installed for right around your budget.

[Markus]

For that price you are unlikely to get a mandolin that does both well. If you are looking for something to purely play electric they might work but as acoustic instruments many of those are fairly weak.

[BumblebeeWhiskey]

Thanks for the advice. . . I found a used Kentucky 505 online, and it arrives today!

[lflngpicker]

Thanks for the advice. . . I found a used Kentucky 505 online, and it arrives today!

The 505 is great. You planning to put a pickup in it? Great pick... Congratulations.