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View Full Version : Looking to purchase a new mandolin, any advice?



seanscott10
Apr-05-2010, 5:18pm
So I am new at the mandolin and I was hoping to make an educated purchase of one. There are five that I am considering and I was hoping someone may be able to shed some unbiased light on which one may be the best buy. I'm shooting in the $300 range and I am looking at an Ibanez M522S f-body for about $300, a Strunal a-body at about $250, a vintage 60's Silvertone at $350, and either the Kentucky FM-140 or FM-150 both at about $250. Has anyone played these and may be able to advise me which one is more quality or a better investment. Anything is most appreciated, thanks!

George R. Lane
Apr-05-2010, 6:30pm
Use the search feature and all your questions will be answered.
This question gets asked at least 2-3 times a week.

Mark Gibbs
Apr-05-2010, 8:11pm
It is too bad you don't have another 300.00 making 600.00 total and you could get a decent mandolin to start with such as an Eastman 505. All solid woods and very playable. Many buyers shop at the Mandolin store. http://www.themandolinstore.com/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=51
I think you can listen to a sound clip too.

Earl Gamage
Apr-05-2010, 8:15pm
For $300 you might need to wait for something to pop up on the classifieds. The Kentucky will work fine if you want to go ahead and get something.

And go ahead and ask questions, we like to talk about this stuff.

rap4th
Apr-05-2010, 8:36pm
I purchased my first mandolin and it is going to arrive tomorrow. I got the Kentucky KM-150....and I suggest you at least go for the same rather then the 140. The 140 might have a solid top but the sides and back are not. Check the following link out....it is a package deal for the 150 and includes a case, strap, pick, book and tuner....and it includes the mandolin being fully set-up before being sent to you which is vital. http://www.folkmusician.com/Beginner-Mandolin-Package/productinfo/FM-MPK1/

Rob

Mandobart
Apr-05-2010, 8:49pm
I have an Ibanez M522S which I bought new from a local guitar shop (had to order it) about two years ago. Paid about $300. This was BEFORE I discovered this wonderful forum. This is one instrument I haven't made any youtube posts with, but I should do it so you can hear what mine sounds like. I am still new to the mandolin, but not new to stringed instruments. I know the care and playing of fiddle, guitar, bass, and recently mandolin, octave mando and mandocello. Anyway, I am mostly happy with my Ibanez, but it is not a high or even medium quality instrument. I now use it as my camping/travelling beater instrument. One of the G-tuner plastic buttons cracked in half after about a year (before it became a beater, fixed with epoxy). Just this weekend I found my nut (also plastic, I think) had the low side corner chipped off; again, fixed by epoxy build-up. The neck is straight, bridge fit ok initially (I've since fit it better). The body is fine, no cracks or problems and I live in a very dry area. Sound is bright, but not harsh or strident. Folks at my jam sessions like it ok. I've played many better mandos since I bought this, and will likely replace it with a better one this year (hope my wife isn't reading this). I'm thinking used from the classifieds here. This one http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=40371&query=retrieval (http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi? (I have no financial interest in any of the current classifieds)search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=40371&query=retrieval) in the classified is probably a whole lot better than the Ibanez. I know this one http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=40303&query=retrieval would be a lot better as I have played many similar Eastman models. One of the kids I jam with plays one of these http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=40230&query=retrieval and I think its better than the Ibanez, esp with the Allen tail piece. I jam with the builder of this one http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=40199&query=retrieval and everything he builds is great. Might get one from Sonny myself! Kinda ran long, but bottom line is you (and I) can do better for the same or little more $$ than the Ibanez.

Jake's Gig
Apr-05-2010, 8:55pm
I found a 'New York Pro' locally here...very inexpensive at 125$....so it is my 'travel mando' that if lost... no broken budget.
Fret play OK, and does the trick in an airport...I had to try several of the same model, (A style, F hole), to find the best of the bunch...

mandolirius
Apr-05-2010, 11:51pm
So I am new at the mandolin and I was hoping to make an educated purchase of one. There are five that I am considering and I was hoping someone may be able to shed some unbiased light on which one may be the best buy. I'm shooting in the $300 range and I am looking at an Ibanez M522S f-body for about $300, a Strunal a-body at about $250, a vintage 60's Silvertone at $350, and either the Kentucky FM-140 or FM-150 both at about $250. Has anyone played these and may be able to advise me which one is more quality or a better investment. Anything is most appreciated, thanks!

A Kentucky 250S (the S means a solid top) just appeared in the classifieds. I've played a bunch and they've all been really nice for the money. I can't imagine a better deal for $250. They're definitely a step up from the 140 or 150. If I'm remembering right, they even have radiused fingerboards.

allenhopkins
Apr-06-2010, 12:56am
It is too bad you don't have another 300.00 making 600.00 total and you could get a decent mandolin to start with such as an Eastman 505. All solid woods and very playable...

So ya wanna buy a ham sandwich? Too bad ya don't have twice as much money, ya could get a steak dinner...

Of the ones you listed I'd go with one of the Kentuckies. Also might take some others' advice and slightly upgrade to an all-solid-wood instrument. The mandolin's top is the most important vibrating surface, so solid vs. laminated makes more difference there, but solid-all-around is generally seen as better -- at least, it's more expensive.

None of the instruments you mentioned is an "investment." Lower-end mandolins don't generally appreciate in value significantly. The used Silvertone (likely made by Harmony) is not going to depreciate further, but it's probably all-plywood. Kentucky instruments are sorta the standard for entry-level mandolins, especially in your price range. You could also consider the KM-160, sold here (http://www.folkmusician.com/Kentucky-KM-160-Mandolin-Sunburst/productinfo/KM-160/) by Folkmusician for $230. Get a good pro set-up, a decent chipboard case or gig bag, and an electronic tuner.

And remember, if you're like most of us, you'll be looking for a better mandolin fairly soon. Don't worry that you'll be permanently impaired if you don't make the best initial selection. Just get one that's easy to play -- more important than volume or tone when just starting out. Enjoy!

seanscott10
Apr-06-2010, 7:14am
Thanks a lot for all the advice guys, that really helps.

JEStanek
Apr-06-2010, 7:26am
I would go with the Kentucky models you list with preference towards more solid woods. Playability is often determined by a combination of your hands and the set up provided prior to your recieving the instrument. For this reason, I recomend you purchase from a place (like our sponsors) who have a solid reputation for performing a top notch set up on their instruments so they can be recieved at full potential.

Jamie

logieo
Apr-06-2010, 7:43pm
Well the mando bug has bitten you too! I have a kentucky a frame Im a beginner make sure you try many different price and types out first. YOu willeasily notice the diference in the touch how hard or easy to press down. the first one i tried in a music store was new but it was to hard to even press the strings down. make sure and try to play them. even if you are just messing around a bit if its hard to press down dont buy it. try another! You will be able to tell the difference between the different types. Ask if you can get free set up of bridge when purchasing in case the strings are either too high or low. Bleeding cracked fingers are worthless. calloses are what you should get if you play your a lot. Welcome.

Jim Garber
Apr-06-2010, 9:46pm
We had this discussion recently with a bunch of friends, one of which wanted to get her son a decent mandolin for that price range. Seems like this Kentucky was the winner: Kentucky KM150S (http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/KM150S.htm) -- all solid too for that price.