Have $1500 to spend on a Used Mandolin... [Archive]

ChristopherLeeHarriman

Apr-01-2017, 10:59am

I have been playing for about 6-8 months now and currently have a Fender FM-63s. I would like to purchase a "New to Me" Mandolin. I am not partial to a A of F, either one... I was looking for a Gibson A9, but that seems impossible to find. So, I am open to suggestions... Thanks in advance... Christopher...

mrmando

Apr-01-2017, 11:31am

Hi Christopher, why don't you look through the Classifieds and see if anything grabs you. Or post a Mandolin Wanted ad there.

crazy legs

Apr-01-2017, 11:32am

I found a '93 Flatiron Performer F in that price range and I love it. They are under rated and under priced if you can find one. Of course you will get more for your money if you get an A style.

ChristopherLeeHarriman

Apr-01-2017, 11:35am

Thanks for the info. I will post a wanted A9 and see what happens.

Br1ck

Apr-01-2017, 11:56am

I've seen Silverangels, Sumits, Webers and even a repaired Collings MT in that range in the classifieds in the past, all A style mandolins.

In F style, you can find nice Kentucky master built for quite a bit cheaper, or maybe a J Bovier.

Really need to hone in on features you want, like a radius fretboard or larger frets, and of course the tone you like.

I'm partial to Silverangels, but they tend toward a darker tone. You can play bluegrass on them but if that is your thing you'd probably want a brighter mandolin.

$1500 will get you a nice mandolin, but if you like the Collings MT you are going to have to get lucky or add a couple hundred bucks. This budget does get you into the good stuff, and you will hear a big difference, much bigger difference than going from $1500 to $3000.

Bill Kammerzell

Apr-01-2017, 11:57am

Thanks for the info. I will post a wanted A9 and see what happens.

Looks like there is a Flatiron Performer A, Nashville made, for slightly under what you have to spend, at the classifieds, right now. Excellent+ condition according to the seller. NFI

choctaw61

Apr-01-2017, 4:44pm

Or You can check out Audey Ratliff of Ratliff mandolins.A new country boy A style for your price range. Check him out on Youtube or his web site. Every mandolin he makes has a youtube video.See what You think NFI.

spufman

Apr-01-2017, 4:56pm

That's a fine limit in the used market, you'll do well. Don't rush. When there myself, I bought a great Weber Gallatin F that remains my #1.

Charles E.

Apr-01-2017, 6:18pm

Looks like there is a Flatiron Performer A, Nashville made, for slightly under what you have to spend, at the classifieds, right now. Excellent+ condition according to the seller. NFI

Always nice to include a link.......

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/109333#109333

If you could go a bit higher, there is this........

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/108614#108614

This looks to be a great deal on an American, small shop, made mandolin. NFI

Dave Greenspoon

Apr-01-2017, 6:29pm

There are many great mandolins available in that range. Rigel A+ is an outstanding instrument, regularly available used. Not beloved by the traditionalist bluegrasser, this instrument gets a lot of respect from a lot of players and lot of love from their owners.

George R. Lane

Apr-01-2017, 6:33pm

here is a nice Kentucky950 at half of what you want to spend. A couple of rough spots, but that adds mojo.

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/108842#108842

Jim Bevan

Apr-01-2017, 7:16pm

Ditto on Rigel (I've got five of 'em).

I've got an A+ Deluxe that I got used for around $1600, I don't remember exactly.

My go-to amplifiable regular 8-string acoustic is also the cheapest of my arsenal, at $1350 used: my Rigel R-100. Louder (well, more projection) than my Collings MT-O, and easier to play, just not quite as sweet.

Loubrava

Apr-02-2017, 9:08am

My advice go play the new models your looking at and get feel for the ones your interested in. I had a 2500 budget and was sure I wanted a Gibson but after playing a few Webers that was it. I ended up with a used Gallatin F from the Mandolin store. If your spending that kind of money & buying sight unseen I'd go with a buyer who offers returns.

Bill Kammerzell

Apr-02-2017, 9:21am

here is a nice Kentucky950 at half of what you want to spend. A couple of rough spots, but that adds mojo.

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/108842#108842

Really a nice buy!

ChristopherLeeHarriman

Apr-02-2017, 10:09am

Thanks for everyones input. I would still prefer a Gibson, but you guys have got me looking at other brands.

EdHanrahan

Apr-02-2017, 10:19am

... would still prefer a Gibson, but you guys have got me looking ...

Do be aware that, back in the '80s or so, Gibson resurrected their mandolin credibility by buying Flatiron, and continued to build both side-by-side for quite some time. Sort of a long and convoluted story!

Jeff Mando

Apr-02-2017, 11:11am

Thanks for everyones input. I would still prefer a Gibson

If you like vintage there are several teens and 20's Gibson A's in the classifieds right now in that price range, including a couple snakeheads. (and many more priced higher) Just do a classified search for Gibson A

George R. Lane

Apr-02-2017, 11:34am

Gibson's are like Harley-Davidson's, you are paying big time for the name. As an example I rode Harleys for many years and got tired of them having problems and the high cost of parts and labor. I then bought a new Yamaha Roadstar, rode it to Sturgis several times and all over Montana. I never broke down in 11 years and when I sold it last year (I needed a new baler), I sold it for more than I paid for it. Try that with a Harley. So I say don't be struck on one maker, take a trip to a store with more than a couple of mandolins and see if one speaks to you. If it is a Gibson, great, if not some other one will catch your ear. Good luck on your journey.

Charles E.

Apr-02-2017, 11:41am

Thanks for everyones input. I would still prefer a Gibson, but you guys have got me looking at other brands.

Paul Schnider, who builds "Summit" mandolins, worked at Gibson before going out on his own.

Another mandolin in the classifieds by an independent luthier......

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/109152#109152

Jim has a steller reputation for workmanship and tone. NFI

Caleb

Apr-02-2017, 1:03pm

I've seen Collings MTs on Craig's List for 1500 before. I would hold out for a deal like that. You might even find someone here in need of fast cash selling one for 1700 or so and make them an offer.

Stevo75

Apr-02-2017, 2:23pm

I have a Summit A-200 and it's a great mandolin!

Al Trujillo

Apr-02-2017, 2:58pm

Hey Chris....I sent you a PM. Best of luck on your hunt!

Charles E.

Apr-02-2017, 5:48pm

Always nice to include a link.......

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/109333#109333

If you could go a bit higher, there is this........

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/108614#108614

This looks to be a great deal on an American, small shop, made mandolin. NFI

And the Summit is gone......Looks like some one got a great buy.

Mark Wilson

Apr-02-2017, 6:32pm

If you really want to see the best mandolin you can buy for $1500, watch the classifieds closely for 3 weeks after you get yours. It never fails :)

JeffD

Apr-02-2017, 7:52pm

I am not partial to a A of F, either one....

Have you decided you definitely want an arch top? Because you could get a really nice flat top within your budget, perhaps even less, and be very happy with it for the rest of your life. Likely a better bang for the same buck. Some great flatties out there.

Mike Snyder

Apr-02-2017, 8:51pm

Gibson owner here. Play one or two before you plunk your money down on a mandolin. Folks have many different reasons for bashing. Mine is a lifetime companion and has the classic Gibson sound. Watch the classifieds and good luck.

colorado_al

Apr-02-2017, 11:46pm

Chuck Leyda

Apr-03-2017, 1:36am

Charles E.

Apr-03-2017, 7:25am

+1 on the Girouard. Max and Laurie make a fine mandolin. That is an excellent price.

ChristopherLeeHarriman

Apr-03-2017, 8:45am

Thanks for everyone's input. I decited on getting a Summit instead of a Gibson... 155604

ChristopherLeeHarriman

Apr-03-2017, 8:48am

I will play it for a while, and if need be, move to another... So I'm still looking and learning.

Br1ck

Apr-03-2017, 12:23pm

Good luck with the Sumit. It really is hard to go wrong with a hand crafted mandolin. While different, they are all flavors of good.

JeffD

Apr-03-2017, 12:27pm

I will play it for a while, and if need be, move to another....

"Need", what does "need" have to do with it. :)

colorado_al

Apr-03-2017, 1:25pm

I'd check out this Redline
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/109449#109449
Seller is asking $1500. New, those sell for $2200 http://cumberlandacoustic.com/product/redline-a-5-10/
I've played a few of Steve Smith's carved A5 and all have been excellent! This one looks really nice with the sunburst finish.

This Redline is down to $1400 now. I think that is a good buy. And it looks like it has been upgraded with a cast Allen tailpiece. If I were the one spending the money, this would be the one.
155607

I prefer the ones that Steve has made with a classic finish, as apposed to the bright red or orange ones:
155608

Charles E.

Apr-03-2017, 9:13pm

Chris, congrats on the Summit. It looks really nice from what I can tell. Keep us posted on how it sounds and your getting to know it.

Bill Kammerzell

Apr-03-2017, 9:25pm

This Redline is down to $1400 now. I think that is a good buy. And it looks like it has been upgraded with a cast Allen tailpiece. If I were the one spending the money, this would be the one.
155607

I prefer the ones that Steve has made with a classic finish, as apposed to the bright red or orange ones:
155608

I can appreciate that. Still I like my unusual colors and finishes also.

DataNick

Apr-03-2017, 10:37pm

Looks like there is a Flatiron Performer A, Nashville made, for slightly under what you have to spend, at the classifieds, right now. Excellent+ condition according to the seller. NFI

First off Christopher, congrats on the Summit.

As for this Gibson made Nashville Flatiron A, it used to be mine, I still wish I had it, it is a bluegrass hoss with percussive tonal qualities off the charts, and a couple of pros said it was the best Flatiron they had ever played...YMMV

doublestoptremolo

Apr-04-2017, 8:43am

First off Christopher, congrats on the Summit.

As for this Gibson made Nashville Flatiron A, it used to be mine, I still wish I had it, it is a bluegrass hoss with percussive tonal qualities off the charts, and a couple of pros said it was the best Flatiron they had ever played...YMMV

Small mandolin world! I've been in the OP's situation for the last few weeks and have looked at pretty much every mandolin mentioned in this thread, and even corresponded with DataNick and some others about what's out there. The Performer A should be on its way to me today. I'm very excited.

Stevo75

Apr-04-2017, 9:03am

I played that Flatiron A over the weekend and almost bought it. It's a great mandolin!

doublestoptremolo

Apr-05-2017, 10:10am

I played that Flatiron A over the weekend and almost bought it. It's a great mandolin!

That's great. I'm glad to see that several people that know more about mandolins than I do have such a high opinion of the sound. Anything will probably be better than my Rover but I was hoping for a good bluegrass workhorse, something I wouldn't want to trade up from for a while.

I noticed this Flatiron on eBay for a good price: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-Flatiron-Mandolin-1990-Performer-A-/122427895403?hash=item1c81456e6b:g:M3MAAOSwXYtY09u M

The seller has it labeled as a 1990 but I think it's a 1999 Performer as well. Reading all the past threads about these it seems like a pretty good deal.

9lbShellhamer

Apr-05-2017, 10:35am

Summit mandolins are total beasts. I really like the ones I've played. Very open and powerful.

I always wondered why they weren't talked about more!

Congrats.

Bill Kammerzell

Apr-06-2017, 2:10pm

Summit mandolins are total beasts. I really like the ones I've played. Very open and powerful.

I always wondered why they weren't talked about more!

Congrats.

Same here. Loved mine. They don't appear as popular as some other mandolins, that I find they are better than. Or at least as good.

ccravens

Apr-10-2017, 10:07am

This looks like an amazing deal. NFI but I have a similar Girouard mandolin and love it.

https://reverb.com/item/4537960-girouard-a-5-mandolin-2012-sunburst?gclid=Cj0KEQjwwoLHBRDD0beVheu3lt0BEiQAvU4 CKiBGGC57bul2fGvLp3pGQZzrpZV79aGlKMnV7idNrAsaAhXv8 P8HAQ&pla=1

That is an insane deal on an American hand-made mandolin.

If I didn't already own one....I do, and I'm still tempted.