Interested in learning the Mandolin

[BridalWreath]

Hello everyone! My name is Manda and I have been looking over this site for the past couple of days, due to the fact that I am interested in purchasing a Mandolin. I was hoping to get some help and helpful opinions from those who have been playing on what to get for a beginner instrument. I am planning to get lessons locally (one of my coworkers brother's plays the mandolin in a band) or otherwise, do some online lessons as well.

But first, a little bit about myself. I was debating between the guitar or mandolin, only to decide on the mandolin due to both its size (I am a petite person) as well as its sound. I've have played the violin for seven years and enjoyed it a lot. I am wishing to enjoy the mandolin just as much.

As for what I am looking for:

1. I am looking to spend a max of $750 to $2000 for the mandolin. I would prefer not to go over that price point.
2. I would prefer style A over F. As pretty as F styles are, I would rather spend more on a better quality A.
3. New or used. Needs to be set up. If used, I would like as little damage as possible. Please, no holes in the wood. Playing the violin, I know how much it can affect the quality of sound the instrument can give.
4. I would prefer the F holes and no oval.
5. I am looking to learn a variety of music but I may lean more towards classical and folk though I would like to learn Bluegrass.

If any other questions, please post below and I will try to answer it to the best of my ability. Thank you all for the help.

[Jim]

There is an A9 Gibson in the classifieds right now in your price range. There are several good things about buying used,the instrument is likely already setup and it won't go down in price right away.With the Gibson it will probably go up in value after a while should you want to upgrade. Good luck with your search.

[BridalWreath]

Thank you, Jim, for the quick reply and advice! It is greatly appreciated.

As for the A9 Gibson. I have been eyeing that one. Put it in my favorites as a possible instrument.

[bart mcneil]

Sounds like you have thought through your options pretty well and your price range should get you a very nice mando which should last for years before upgrade is thought of. Perhaps a lifetime. Nice to see a new player who has thought through their options as well as you have.

[sgrexa]

I second the A9 recommendation. They do not hang around long though, so I would scoop it up if it is still available. There are a lot of great mandolins in that price range so do not be discouraged if it is gone.

Sean

[fatt-dad]

get the a9. Collings MT (used) is another option. You've set aside enough of a budget to get a winner.

Also, look for A5L Gibson or an a-model Flatiron. Bonus points if the Flatiron is from Montana!

f-d

[Jim Garber]

Good luck on your search. it sounds like you may have read thru the many beginner mandolin threads esp the part about the "more bang for the buck" A-models.

[BridalWreath]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. Much appreciated.

[Denny Gies]

Another suggestion is to rent a decent mandolin and play with it for a while to get a feel for your committment to learning. Which ever way you go you are in for a lot of fun. Good luck and welcome to this wild, wacky world.

[Steve Sorensen]

Check out The Mandolin Store's list of A-style mandolins. Some great options available. Tremendously helpful guys who do an excellent set-up.

Steve

[BridalWreath]

Thank you all for your thoughts and ideas. They are much appreciated.

[Mark Wilson]

Hi Manda! Welcome to MC. Any chance your middle name is Lynn? That would be :cool:

[Pasha Alden]

Good luck with your search. My first mandolin was a used one. As Jim says it is advantageous buying used mandolins as these are often setup. My mandolin setup was good. I also find, even if it is not a Gibson people in the know about music instruments wish to purchase it from me for more than I paid for it. So used, if there are no structural faults, is certainly a good way to start.

[Marc Ferry]

The Eastman 505 is quite a mando. It's got killer tone and incredible resonance for $700. See if you can try one out at a nearby music store - you'll see what I mean!

[bayAreaDude]

I'd try to find a used Collings MT - I'd make sure you play whatever you're considering first though, standout 'playability' and then tone is why I choose a Collings over several other similarly priced options - it felt and sounds like it's in a different class.

[BridalWreath]

I was looking around at some of the local shops to see what they had. Not much sadly. One of the guitar shops had a vintage kay (1950s) for $300 in which he was willing to sell me a set. I've read Kay have problems with the neck however, this one had all its original parts. Was in good condition and when played, it actually had a pretty good tone to it. I am still looking around however to see what there is. Hedi and Guitar Centers had nothing.

I have been looking at FolkMusician as well as other websites too. Still browsing to see what my options are.

On the plus side, one of the Music Shops close to me offers Mandolin lessons.

Also, if you guys do find some mandolins that may work well, if you could link them. It would be greatly appreciated!

Also, if anyone could give me thoughts on the Big Muddy, I have been looking at those as well.

[sgrexa]

The Big Muddies are perfectly good mandolins but I would get something with F holes. If you do decide to pursue bluegrass you will have a single mandolin that will handle all of your needs. That Gibson A9 at around 1K is highly recommended and you won't lose much if any at all if you plan on selling. A used Kentucky 900 or 950 would also be an excellent choice.

Sean

[bart mcneil]

I would avoid a Kay as they are not noted for their good tone. Basically lower end of the mando market. A Kay might be fine if you are a collector but as a player I think you can do a lot better,

Big muddies (round hole) are great but you want f holes I understand, These are very fine sounding for the money and well within your budget new.

I don't think you mentioned where in the country you are located, But if you could find your way to NY City Mandolin Brothers and other NY state stores will knock your socks off, If you tell us where you are located in the us perhaps folk could recommend well Stocked dealers in your part of the country,

Within your price range you are going to find something really interesting I think,

[BridalWreath]

I live right in Wisconsin, where there really isn't much of anything. Most centers sell guitars and drums, not mandolins.

I would like an F hole but I have been listening to a lot of videos with the Big Muddies - I like the sound of them. And as much as your wouldn't be able to play bluegrass on one, there would be a lot of time for that in which I can add another mando to the collection.

[Jim Garber]

Wisconsin is a big place. Maybe let us know what town or city you live in or near.

I have never dealt with these dealers tho I have looked on their web sites: Dave's Guitar Shop (http://davesguitar.com/products/type/mandolinbanjoukulele) in LaCrosse; Spruce Tree (http://www.sprucetreemusic.com/) in Madison; and Madison Music (http://www.madisonmusic.com/instruments/mandolins-banjos-resonators) (also in Madison). They all seem to have a few mandolins at least.

[BridalWreath]

I live in the Green Bay Area. Madison and LaCrosse is pretty far away. I will be going down to the Madison area in early October for a trip.

[darrylicshon]

Since you have played violin for years you have an advantage in picking the mando instead of the guitar , cause it is tuned the same and fingerings are all the same i also started on violin and still play , i like to play alot of violin or fiddle music on my mandos i would guess you can read music so you can play any of your old songs that you may remember from violin and if you have any sheet music for violin you can play it also , i have an old time fiddle book i love playing with my mando , good luck

[BridalWreath]

Since you have played violin for years you have an advantage in picking the mando instead of the guitar , cause it is tuned the same and fingerings are all the same i also started on violin and still play , i like to play alot of violin or fiddle music on my mandos i would guess you can read music so you can play any of your old songs that you may remember from violin and if you have any sheet music for violin you can play it also , i have an old time fiddle book i love playing with my mando , good luck

Thank you! Much appreciated. I have quiet a bit of pieces, one of which is Stairway to Heaven. I am hoping I will be able ot transfer it to the mando. If not, good experimentation.

[DataNick]

Welcome Manda!


I concur with the adviice on mandos given above. Here is what is available in your range right now in the classsifieds:

The Gibson A9
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/78893

Collings MT
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/78850

1923 Gibson A2
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/78810

2001 Gibson A5L You may be able to negotiate him down to your range seeing he just lost a sale on this
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/78900

2001 Flatiron Festival F If you can stomach an F model, these are essentially a Gibson F5G for 2/3 to 1/2 the price
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/78724

1980s Flatiron 1N (Pancake model)
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/78572

1920 Gibson A2
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/78520

2014 JBovier A5 Tradition one of the best deals going
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/78494

Pava A5 Satin: maybe the best in your range for what you want
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/78421

Don't wait too long! The prices right now are very good, so inventory will move quickly!

Good Hunting!

[BridalWreath]

Welcome Manda!


I concur with the adviice on mandos given above. Here is what is available in your range right now in the classsifieds:

The Gibson A9
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/78893

Collings MT
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/78850

1923 Gibson A2
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/78810

2001 Gibson A5L You may be able to negotiate him down to your range seeing he just lost a sale on this
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/78900

2001 Flatiron Festival F If you can stomach an F model, these are essentially a Gibson F5G for 2/3 to 1/2 the price
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/78724

1980s Flatiron 1N (Pancake model)
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/78572

1920 Gibson A2
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/78520

2014 JBovier A5 Tradition one of the best deals going
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/78494

Pava A5 Satin: maybe the best in your range for what you want
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/78421

Don't wait too long! The prices right now are very good, so inventory will move quickly!

Good Hunting!

Thank you so much for posting links! It is greatly appreciated!

[bayAreaDude]

I live right in Wisconsin, where there really isn't much of anything. Most centers sell guitars and drums, not mandolins.

I would like an F hole but I have been listening to a lot of videos with the Big Muddies - I like the sound of them. And as much as your wouldn't be able to play bluegrass on one, there would be a lot of time for that in which I can add another mando to the collection.

Depending on where you live in WI, a day trip over to Elderly in East Lansing, MI could be an eye-opener. Best music store on the planet in my opinion, you can play plenty of great mandolins there, and it's a nice drive to see fall colors this time of year. Everything in the shop will be set up wonderfully, which is so important.

[BridalWreath]

Depending on where you live in WI, a day trip over to Elderly in East Lansing, MI could be an eye-opener. Best music store on the planet in my opinion, you can play plenty of great mandolins there, and it's a nice drive to see fall colors this time of year. Everything in the shop will be set up wonderfully, which is so important.

Thanks for the heads up! I know I messaged one of the Madison shops and they said they would be more than willing to ship to Green Bay for free. $699 for setup and case.

[Elb2000]

Manda,
Madison is a great place to try high quality Mandolins.
Spruce has a very large selection of Webers and Eastman, as well as many vintage Gibson's
Madison Music has a good selection of Breedlove & Collings and sometimes other preowned mandolins.
There are many great choices for used instruments in your price range, but it will come down to personal preferences.
My personal choice is a Flatiron A5.
Have fun!

[BridalWreath]

Manda,
Madison is a great place to try high quality Mandolins.
Spruce has a very large selection of Webers and Eastman, as well as many vintage Gibson's
Madison Music has a good selection of Breedlove & Collings and sometimes other preowned mandolins.
There are many great choices for used instruments in your price range, but it will come down to personal preferences.
My personal choice is a Flatiron A5.
Have fun!

Thank you for verifying this! I think when I am in that area I will head down there to check it out. I mean, I might have an instrument already but they might be excellent places to find books and other mandolin accessories!

What picks do people generally prefer when playing? Any suggestions?

[DataNick]

...What picks do people generally prefer when playing? Any suggestions?

Blue Chip...You might prefer a Golden Gate as a beginner, and they're cheaper. But in my experience the BC is the way to go...

[BridalWreath]

Blue Chip...You might prefer a Golden Gate as a beginner, and they're cheaper. But in my experience the BC is the way to go...

Thank you! You are very helpful! Any style that is preferred or is it really up to the user?

[DataNick]

You're Welcome!

Mandolin players (Bluegrassers at least) tend to favor the 3 sided rounded style, which is what a Golden Gate or Dawg pick is. Blue Chip offers different options for side configurations (1R, 2R, 3R or Guitar style).

I would probably try the Golden Gate or a Dawg pick first, and then look at a Blue Chip once I'm reasonably comfortable with picking.

[BridalWreath]

You're Welcome!

Mandolin players (Bluegrassers at least) tend to favor the 3 sided rounded style, which is what a Golden Gate or Dawg pick is. Blue Chip offers different options for side configurations (1R, 2R, 3R or Guitar style).

I would probably try the Golden Gate or a Dawg pick first, and then look at a Blue Chip once I'm reasonably comfortable with picking.

Sounds good! I will look into.

[John Garcia]

Question...if a male had posted this, would there be over 30 responses?

:-;

[Petrus]

Question...if a male had posted this, would there be over 30 responses? :-;

Then his name would've been Mando instead of Manda? :grin:

[BridalWreath]

Question...if a male had posted this, would there be over 30 responses?

:-;

Well, I am continuing the conversation so that helps as well.

[Timbofood]

Try a load of picks, at first you won't probably "like" any of them, they will all feel odd. I started with the only thing around back then which were old standard "Fender" heavy normal guitar style picks. Now there are so many "premium" picks you will see threads that get a little heated on that subject. Try any you can get and find one that you like. It's the last thing between you and the sound you want. Good luck.
The road trip to Elderly might be fun if you have the time!

[sgrexa]

I would recommend the Dunlop Primetone brown 1.5 mm picks over a Golden Gate or Dawg pick for a beginner. The Dawg is too round IMHO and hard to get a proper "bite" on the strings. Even with twenty some years of experience I have trouble with Dawg picks, but that might just be me. I have trouble with lots of things!

Sean

[BridalWreath]

Thank you all so much! You have been very helpful and knowledgable. Now I am going to pin down that instrument that will last me a lifetime. I can always add another one, yes?

[BridalWreath]

I feel like I ask a lot of questions: Sorry everyone!

I was wondering about a pickguard, since I am considering purchasing one for my mandolin. Where would the best place be to get one?

[sgrexa]

If you are going to get a new mandolin, why not just get one from the builder / manufacturer? Do you want a pickguard for an existing instrument?

Sean

[BridalWreath]

If you are going to get a new mandolin, why not just get one from the builder / manufacturer? Do you want a pickguard for an existing instrument?

Sean

The instrument I plan on getting if all goes through well is a used Gibson A-9 without the pickguard.

[sgrexa]

Specifically designed for an F-9, should work on an A-9:

http://www.cumberlandacoustic.com/id4.html

Sean

[BridalWreath]

Thank you!

[BridalWreath]

So I thought I should update you all: Guess who will be hopefully getting her mandolin on Friday! :D Like you guys have suggestions, I went for it and ended up purchasing the Gibson A-9, which comes with the case, arm rest and strap. I am so excited!

[DataNick]

Congrats Manda!

Solid choice on the A9; and when you upgrade, it will hold it's value reasonably well as it is a Gibson made to Loar specs.

Enjoy!

[BridalWreath]

I thought it would be the best choice for me because it allows me to actually put some pride into something. And I think the chances of me selling it will be slim to none. I plan on getting that bad boy up to par. Might even send it off to have it refinished when I have enough money. I will also be getting a pick guard as well.

[JeffD]

I am going to second the recommendation of the Big Muddy. It will do everything you want real well, except perhaps bluegrass. But bluegrass wasn't your main emphasis, and by the time you want to be good at bluegrass you will probably be purchasing a mandolin that is.

The Big Muddy is no compromise - it is extremely well made flat top mandolin, not fancy to look at, but great sound and playability. Very affordable. It will make you happy for ever. Yes it will. And you are going to get another mandolin at some point anyway. Of course you will. That carved arch top f hole bluegrasser will be there when you are ready. Until then, a flat top like the Big Muddy is a great choice, enough mandolin to get you down the road and further and even make you proud as a second mandolin.

Remember you don't have to spend the entire budget. Save some money for picks, tuner, metronome, tune books, videos, gasoline to drive to the jams, all the other parts of your new musical life.

[dezguy]

Welcome to this all consuming obsession :)

Cheers,
Mike

[bart mcneil]

I think what is important in this thread is that you have done an unusual amount of thinking about your first purchase and very likely have selected a nice instrument. You would be amazed how most of us have stumbled through our first purchase relying on hope and luck to get something playable. You did well. I am sure you will enjoy it.

[BridalWreath]

I think what is important in this thread is that you have done an unusual amount of thinking about your first purchase and very likely have selected a nice instrument. You would be amazed how most of us have stumbled through our first purchase relying on hope and luck to get something playable. You did well. I am sure you will enjoy it.

Thanks for the compliment. I think it helps me as well because I think that by asking a lot of questions and reading about the possibly instruments of choice, you end up etching out which ones you want, and which ones you don't want. Also, google searching are amazing as well as youtube. >>

And another thing is when I am down in Spring Green, we are going to take a pitstop down to Madison and look at some of the music shops down there. Cause they might have something unique that Green Bay don't offer.

[Capt. E]

I would really go for the Pava. I have had the pleasure of trying the full range of models and they are all wonderful. A Pava could be your life-time mandolin. I doubt you will never need anything better. In my opinion, a fine mandolin will also make learning easier. A Collins, Weber, Gibson or other US made instrument would also work just fine. Good luck on your decision.

[Steve Ostrander]

Collings MT, Kentucky km900, Gibson A9

[Mark Wilson]

So I thought I should update you all: Guess who will be hopefully getting her mandolin on Friday! :D Like you guys have suggestions, I went for it and ended up purchasing the Gibson A-9, which comes with the case, arm rest and strap. I am so excited!A fine choice imo. Congratulations. Whats gonna be your first tune?

[BridalWreath]

A fine choice imo. Congratulations. Whats gonna be your first tune?

Probably Old McDonalds. LOL! But I do want to learn some classic rock songs. Also going to see if I can translate my violin music onto the mandolin and see how it sounds. I have a lot of different pieces including Stairway to Heaven. I also want to learn some blues as well.

[Capt. E]

A fine choice imo. Congratulations. Whats gonna be your first tune?

The A-9 is a great choice as would the Pava have been. Many of us here would love to have such a fine instrument...you are lucky to start off with something so nice. Now you'll have to learn to use a pick!

[BridalWreath]

The A-9 is a great choice as would the Pava have been. Many of us here would love to have such a fine instrument...you are lucky to start off with something so nice. Now you'll have to learn to use a pick!

Yes, the picking will be interesting, considering I am used to bowing. Correct me if I am wrong but with picking it is more wrist movements? I know bowing is more wrist/elbow movements.

[sgrexa]

I would focus on proper grip first and work with your wrist a little. Just start out on what feels comfortable, but also pay attention to the techniques many experienced players use. Great choice, enjoy!

Sean

[BridalWreath]

I would focus on proper grip first and work with your wrist a little. Just start out on what feels comfortable, but also pay attention to the techniques many experienced players use. Great choice, enjoy!

Sean

Thank you Sean, for the advice!

[Capt. E]

Yes, the picking will be interesting, considering I am used to bowing. Correct me if I am wrong but with picking it is more wrist movements? I know bowing is more wrist/elbow movements.

I think you will find the elbow comes into it just as much, though perhaps more emphasis on the wrist. Holding your pick firmly but not too tightly is important. Heck, as with violin, there is a complete set of skills for mandolin, many of which you already have with the violin. For example, you will automatically fret the strings better than a guitar player will as it is done much more in the manner of a violin than guitar.
One important thing is to keep a steady up/down rhythm. You might start by striking a string only on the down stroke then later strike an occasional note on the up. Only down strokes may give you quarter notes, add the up and you've got eighth notes while picking at the same speed.
Don't think on it too hard at first. Just get a feel for a smooth up/down rhythm.
There are quite a few online lessons out there, especially good is "Mike Marshall's Mandolin School" http://artistworks.com/mandolin-lessons-mike-marshall

John
Austin TX

[BridalWreath]

I think you will find the elbow comes into it just as much, though perhaps more emphasis on the wrist. Holding your pick firmly but not too tightly is important. Heck, as with violin, there is a complete set of skills for mandolin, many of which you already have with the violin. For example, you will automatically fret the strings better than a guitar player will as it is done much more in the manner of a violin than guitar.
One important thing is to keep a steady up/down rhythm. You might start by striking a string only on the down stroke then later strike an occasional note on the up. Only down strokes may give you quarter notes, add the up and you've got eighth notes while picking at the same speed.
Don't think on it too hard at first. Just get a feel for a smooth up/down rhythm.
There are quite a few online lessons out there, especially good is "Mike Marshall's Mandolin School" http://artistworks.com/mandolin-lessons-mike-marshall

John
Austin TX

Thanks John! The help is much appreciated!

[Cheryl Watson]

I'd consider this, seriously...

Girouard A Style Turtle Shell Binding Beautiful Great Chop

http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/78976

Or, if you would rather buy new with a really nice setup included, definitely buy from Dennis Vance of The Mandolin Store.

[BridalWreath]

My Gibson came in! Pictures to come soon.