just another first mandolin question.........

Thanks in advance for your patience, so.......

The wife (my wife) has given me the greenlight to pick out my first mandolin. I live in south Louisiana and as far as a I can tell there are not any music shops within a reasonable driving distance (let me know if you know of one!). I have been looking online at the Eastman MD315F and Kentucky KM650 as first choices. Do yall have any other rec's in that price range? I am not opposed to used but I just don't know what to look for, what to avoid, redflags, etc and felt that a new one from a reputable dealer might be a better way to start. Thanks!

The Manolin Store in AZ ! Elderly another !

Dusty Strings had an Eastman 815 used for $999 yesterday. Said it was nice. Looked nice in pics. Oh, welcome and good luck.

A used one from a reputable dealer is also an option. Buying off CraigsList or eBay has risks, but if you go to a shop like Elderly Instruments, Folkmusician.com, or the Mandolin Store, you can find used instruments that the dealer will stand behind.

That said, the choices you've stated are both good-quality mandolins, and you aren't going wrong either way.

Both brands are almost universally touted as the best in their class. So really it comes down to looks. They are different, but at this stage you won't know the difference. Play one for a while, and you'll have a better idea what you want the second time around. Yes, there will be a second time.

Either choice will do you well as a beater when you move up.