My MAS is keeping me up at night

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this is my current mandolin

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Mitchell-MM100VS-A-Style-Mandolin-105495170-i1475480.gc

I've had it for about one year and wanna upgrade, a lot.

I Have a budget of 400-550 dollars approx.

I play classical, rock-stuff, folk, and some grass here and there

I'm really interested in a Mandola, Oval hole mandolin, or a well priced f-style mandolin.

Any suggestions? cause MAS is Keepin me up!

Or maybe i should hold on to my mitchell? Im so clueless!

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Oh! another mention.

My Mitchell was set up very well but nonetheless not very playable as the tone is mediocre and the fret board is poorly made overall.

[F-2 Dave]

The Loar 400 seems to get very favorable reviews here. Also I'd look at pancakes such as Redline Traveler etc.

[pjlama]

Good call Dave, a nice domestic flat top would scratch the itch, red line, big muddy, gypsy. I'd go away from PAC rim if possible and get something with some vibe to it, that'll enhance what you're doing musically.

[lukmanohnz]

I have no financial interest in this whatsoever, but this Martin (http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/57665) sure is lovely and for sale right here in the cafe classifieds. A bit over your range, but maybe you can stretch up a bit and seller could stretch down a bit...

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I have no financial interest in this whatsoever, but this Martin (http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/57665) sure is lovely and for sale right here in the cafe classifieds. A bit over your range, but maybe you can stretch up a bit and seller could stretch down a bit...
Thanks, but even if we did haggle a bit, a could never afford it...:(

[Grommet]

The MAS is understandable, depending on whether any well known mandolin suppliers are located nearby, you might want to telephone Dennis Vance at the Mandolin Store, or Robert Fear at FolkMusician (or other Cafe Sponsors) about what they would recommend in your range, shipping and set-up included. Always good to check the Cafe Classifieds as well for a used Ketucky, Eastman, or The Loar.

Meanwhile, you probably will want to keep you Mitchell, so if you can tell us what is mainly wrong with the fingerboard, we might be able to offer some advice regarding getting it in better playing shape. For example: My old, all-ply starter came new with an unpleasant concave radius on the fretboard (overclamped while gluing?). Action was pretty high above 12th fret. It also needed a fret dressing after the first 9 months (little grooves in the frets). A simple DIY fret dressing made it ok for another year, but as of last October it now sports a new compound radius ebony fingerboard and some longer wearing EVO frets. Though it is nothin' special, the playability is way better. Hopefully yours is in better shape than mine was!

Scott

[Phil1580]

For an F-model The Loar LM520 gets a lot of props around here for its price. I have the LM500 which is the same thing with the bling, playability is the same, and I love mine.

[Steve-o]

I play classical, rock-stuff, folk, and some grass here and there


Since you play some rock and grass, an oval hole might be too quiet for your tastes. The best value would be an A model with f-holes (ideally with solid wood and arch top). I haven't played a Loar or Kentucky, but have been impressed with Eastmans. Here's one (http://www.themandolinstore.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=9228) that fits your budget. Dennis at the Mandolin Store would be a good guy to call and discuss your options. He's great to deal with. Of course, it's always best to play as many as you can get your hands on before you buy. Also, buying used will get you a better mandolin, especially in your price range.