Mandolin hohner 100

[Charlesvgd]

Hi!

I thinking of buying a Hohner hfm 100 and just wondering if anybody can help me with some good advice!
Is it a good mandolin worth the price?
/ Charles

http://www.amazon.com/Hohner-hfm-100-ts-Classic-F-style-Mandolin/dp/B000M6EO0Y?tag=food1d0-20

[allenhopkins]

Depends: what's the price? Solid carved top, gold hardware, maple back and sides (don't know if they're solid or laminated), $770 list, formerly on Amazon for $375, I guess?

For the discount price, probably worth it, though it would help to know where you're buying it and whether you're going to get an adequate dealer set-up, or just "out of the box" -- which might imply another $50-100 to get it professionally set up.

An "off brand," as such things go, product of a Chinese shop that probably produces mandolins under a variety of labels. Hohner's moved a lot of its production to China -- harmonicas, accordions, stringed instruments. You're getting a mid-level Asian instrument, with better materials than a lot of them, but not with the Cafe reputation of Kentucky, Eastman, Loar etc.

Again, a lot depends on the price. Better than the "mandolin-shaped objects" that come in at the real low end, but were I in your shoes, I'd shop around a bit.

[Charlesvgd]

Thanks for the help so far!
Then i have a second question. If i dont buy the hohner mandolin , i would like some good advice (again) about a f-mandolin that costs about 5-600$. you mentioned "kentucky" and "loar"!?
I`m tired of playing on my mandolin that dosent sound very well especially on the lower fret
/ Charles

[brewcrew82]

I think the Loar puts out its base f model at around $500, check with folkmusican.com and you'll get a setup too.

[allenhopkins]

Here are some to consider:

The Loar LM-520; (http://www.folkmusician.com/The-Loar-LM-520-Mandolin/productinfo/LM%2D520/) hand-carved graduated top, all solid woods, much less fancy than the Hohner, around $500.

Kentucky KM-630; (http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/KM630.htm) all solid woods, pressed rather than carved top (not as good) a bit more "bling," between $500 and $600.

Eastman MD-315;[ (http://www.uncleikes.com/p-8341-eastman-md-315-f-style-handmade-solid-wood-mandolin-md315.aspx) hand-carved graduated top and back, all solid woods, fairly plain appearance but quality construction, $6-700.

Now before everyone else says it, let me say that you can get more for your money, or the same for less money, if you go with an A-style rather than an F-style mandolin. Carving the (non-acoustic) scroll and points adds significantly to cost, without making the instrument sound any better. But most people are taken with the F-style silhouette, so here are three F's that sort of fall into your parameters.

Remember: set-up, set-up, set-up! Try to play a bunch of instruments and see what you like before choosing. Consider buying used to save money (the "manufacturer's warranty" of new instruments is rarely a factor, and you can save up to 50% buy buying a used mandolin).

Good luck and let us know what you end up buying.

[Charlesvgd]

Thanks again for all the help!
Hopefully i have a well sounded mandolin very soon...i let you know.