View Full Version : Looking at new mandos
SpazMan
Oct-14-2007, 12:13am
Hey all,
I'm looking for a replacement for my old mandolin, a Rogue that I've been learning on. I'd appreciate some advice on finding a solid-top F-style for under $400... and set-up and adjustment isn't an issue, I do all of that myself, so I'd love to find an internet-deal.
Thanks!
ab4usa
Oct-14-2007, 8:37am
Let me be the first of what will probably be several, who tell you you will get a much better mandolin in an A style at that price. Remember that 30%-40% of the cost of an F style is in the scroll.
bradeinhorn
Oct-14-2007, 1:48pm
400 is going to get you much either way in terms of upgrading from what you have, even going with an a style. i'd save some more money and wait to get maybe a new flatiron f2, once you have 750.
mando83
Oct-14-2007, 1:55pm
As a teacher and musician.... I have to second the wait remarks. Save up some more money.
Mandolins are good investments. That is if its a mandolin worth playing. Even if you save up 800 and get an Eastman, you'll be able to sell it for 700 or so. Where as if you buy the 400 dollar mando you are looking at. If you decide it isnt for you..you might get 25-50 bucks.
You'll also find that spending 800-1000 dollars on a mandolin will get you a mandolin that is easier to play, sounds good and actually is worth having. You'll be more inclined to stick with playing it.
SpazMan
Oct-14-2007, 2:19pm
Would the $700 Eastman in the window of mu local music shop be worth looking at?
Yellowmandolin
Oct-14-2007, 2:23pm
Anything is always worth looking at!
otterly2k
Oct-14-2007, 2:51pm
Would the $700 Eastman in the window of mu local music shop be worth looking at?
yes. definitely worth looking at, and likely to be a step up from the Rogue. I'd encourage you to check out other mandolins (A and F styles) in that range as well...
MiguelATF
Oct-14-2007, 2:51pm
I have a Rover RM-75 model which are hard to find these days since they were only produced in a limited run. Word is that they were made through the same company which makes Kentucky Mandolins, some were made in Korea, the last ones made in China. I've had mine for several years and.....it keeps getting better and better. A deep rich woody sound....wonderful resonance....and great playability. List price on these used to be around $300 when they were still available new; price on used ones varies....but I find mine to be one of the richer sounding and more playable mandos I've ever played...and that includes my old Gibson A-1. Additionally, the mandolin is on the LOUD side which is a plus for some folks.....although in this case the richness of its tone is what really makes it sweet. If you could find one in good shape between $200 and 300, it would be worth considering. Having said that, no matter what mandolin you play or buy....it's still worth getting it 'set up' well. I have a friend who is a master luthier and musician who specializes in basses but does all kinds of string instruments; he originally reset the action for me and installed and one-piece violin style bridge....small changes but ones which enhanced the sound of this instrument more than words alone can describe. So....yes, there are some fine sounding inexpensive F style instruments around. Mine incidentally was one of the last production run which was fabricated in one of Rover/Kentucky's Chinese shops....and it has a dark nitrocellulose finish which in addition to being beautiful is also relatively thin, so it doesn't seem to dampen the sound of the wood. Good luck in your search.
-Miguel
8ch(pl)
Oct-14-2007, 3:02pm
There is an Oscar Schmidt F style in the classifieds with hard case for $425. Solid top.
mandolirius
Oct-14-2007, 3:15pm
I'd have to agree that $400 isn't likely to be enough to make a significant improvement. The Eastman would be a step up. I'd hang on to the Rover because it's always good to have a spare mandolin for those times when your main instrument is in the shop or for a "beach" mando or whatever. The Eastman will have a decent resale value when decide to go to the next level, maybe something like a Collings MT or a Gibson A9.
sockmonkey
Oct-14-2007, 4:56pm
I've got a rover rm-75, and have been very happy with it... With a hard shell case it came to $373... I found it on ebay at <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-ROVER-RM-75-F-MODEL-SOLID-TOP-MANDOLIN_W0QQitemZ270170912652QQihZ017QQcategoryZ1 0179QQ
rdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem" target="_blank">EF Productions</a> The Rover I bought has good volume and tone.
allenhopkins
Oct-14-2007, 7:37pm
Would the $700 Eastman in the window of mu local music shop be worth looking at?
Tell him to take it the heck out of the window! Nothing worse than having it sit out in direct sunlight day after day unprotected. The window is where the Crafters, Rogues and Johnsons go; the good stuff, as always, is "in the back."\
Having said that, I think you'll find the Eastman is a cut above what you have. I second the advice to hold on to the Rover as backup, "beater" and sentimental heirloom.
jfbrown42
Oct-14-2007, 7:46pm
I just replaced my Rouge with a $700 Eastman 605 (A-style with F-holes). It's a nice step up.
SpazMan
Oct-14-2007, 8:19pm
I'm thinking of going with the MK A-O, since I'm into old-time and want a sweeter sound. It's ~$450.
bradeinhorn
Oct-14-2007, 8:48pm
i would try it out before buying. i've seen a lot of inconsistency in their products. again, don't think it would be much of an upgrade...
how about a big muddy or midmo if you want an oval hole? i think that would be money better spent.
otterly2k
Oct-15-2007, 5:58pm
I agree with Brad. MK's can be fine or they can be not-so-fine. I wouldn't buy one untested.
jim simpson
Oct-15-2007, 10:51pm
Pressed top or carved might be a consideration.
red7flag
Oct-16-2007, 8:06am
For about 600 you can get a 505 Eastman that is Mandovoodooed by Steve Perry. That is a solid wood A style with f holes. It has been tuned, for lack of a better term by Steve Perry which includes set up (there have been many threads on the topic of Mandovoodoo do a search). You will not be disappointed. Steve would not let it leave the shop except in great condition.
Tony