Best Deal for a New player

[Wild_Rose]

I am about to acquire a mandolin to learn toplay on. Im looking for opinions as to what the best deal of the following might be

Flinthill FHM 50 $ 260 used including case
Kentucky KM-150 $ 230 open box new, no case
Rover RM 50B $ 105 new, no case

Ive played the top two,but there is no store here in Calgary that stocks Rover, hence the question.

[gtani7]

It's good that you've tried some instruments. You really need to feel neck shapes, wide and narrow nuts, flat or radiused fingerboard, high action, tight tuners etc in person to appreciate the little things that can go right or wrong on the instrument. Here's a couple recent threads about buyer's guides and how to test-play instruments:

http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?127832-Two-questions

http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?127873-Good-start-mandolin-for-experienced-musician

Also I think they mentioned member Rob's e-book on proper setup, but you should read it even if your'e going to have an experienced mandolin luthier do all your work:http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?112876-Thanks-to-robster

My first instrument almost was a Kentucky 150. When i finally decided to buy it, i went to Dusty Strings in Seattle and was really disappointed that they stopped carrying Kentucky's in favor of Eastman. They said that there were a lot of QC issues, tho that was, maybe 4-5 years ago. You should look especially if the bridge leans or has gaps wehre the pieces are glued, and if there's a hump over the neck joint.

And I recommend eventually investing the less than $100 that a used superior or similar case (either tolex over plywood or the lightweight nylon over styrofoam case).

[allenhopkins]

Kentucky or Rover. Play 'em both and see what you like -- or have a mandolin playing friend play them both, and tell you what he/she likes.

You've go two solid-wood, carved instruments, with generally favorable Cafe reviews. Make sure that the one you pick gets a good shop set-up, or, if not, learn to do your own set-up, or take it to a local shop that'll do set-up for you.

[colorado_al]

I'd go for the Kentucky. That's a good price. Plan on $30-$50 to take it to your local mandolin store to have it setup. It will not play great right out of the box. Or, if you're handy, use Rob's e-book to do the setup yourself.
Here's a great deal on a hard case for $30 (usually $45):
https://smile.amazon.com/Musicians-Gear-Hardshell-Style-Mandolin/dp/B004PFWZHM/

[almeriastrings]

The recent KM-150's I've seen have all been absolutely fine, in fact, amazing for the $$$.

[Pittsburgh Bill]

I strongly suggest you purchase from one of the advertisers on this site. Your Mandolin will have been properly setup and played. No Mandolin is easy or fun to play that has a poor setup.