I’ve read all the pros and cons on here concerning the mm-50, however I can pick up a mint one including hard case for 250.00. This will be my first mandolin. Thoughts.
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I’ve read all the pros and cons on here concerning the mm-50, however I can pick up a mint one including hard case for 250.00. This will be my first mandolin. Thoughts.
Without any real information about the mandolin, or your musical background - I will offer this as strictly my general opinion . . .
An MM-50 with hard case for $250.00 is a pretty good deal. In my early days of playing, I had an MM-50 that I thought was a nice 'starter' instrument. I played it at a few jam sessions and even used it in the studio for a song or two, and had no complaints from the folks I was playing with. If you are not already a musician who knows how to look for an instrument that is in good shape and is well set-up, make sure you bring a knowledge person with you, or have it looked over by someone, before you make the purchase.
Overall, if it checks out as okay, and you like the feel, sound and playability of it - I would give it a shot.
. . . and, welcome aboard.
You're likely going to get any number of similar opinions about saving some more $$ and waiting for a good used Kentucky or Eastman A model. It will be excellent advice you would do well to heed.
However, my first mandolin was a mint used MM-50 that after buying a hard case for it cost me only slightly less than $250. I loved it. Probably the easiest to play mandolin I've ever encountered, and that's saying a lot. Low action and no buzzing anywhere. Tone was just decent and volume OK, but I had a Gibson Loar-inspired (in looks folks, calm down) F-style that was fun as hell and didn't cost me a bundle if I didn't like playing.
I'm sure I got lucky with a good one but you could too. Plan on a setup for best results.
C.
Assuming the mandolin is in good playing condition, getting it for $250 sounds good. Even if you didn't like the mandolin, you won't take a loss reselling it. Now, you don't want mandolins like these in brand new, fresh from the factory condition. You want them setup.... At $250, you can spring for a setup, and still come out good or maybe it has already been setup.Even better!
Nice chair!
Nice case, nice condition, nice price. Why not?
I have one and I like it. You need to be careful with playing up the neck. I’ve broken a tiny bit of the pickup which I had to stick down. (I’m talking 24 fret up the neck I pressed down too hard.). Nonetheless it’s a lovely mandolin. Congratulations.
Congrats!Quote:
Originally Posted by Joel Shepard
Wondered just for a moment if it was maybe my old one but then realized the red-lined TKL case I had that looked just like that one was sold with a different mandolin. Those TKL archtop cases cost over $100 new! You got a great deal.
I will say, in the spirit of the current 'pickgaurd' (sic) thread going around, an MM-50 does look pretty sweet without the finger rest attached.
Attachment 164989
C.
Having just seen the photo, I've got the MM-50e with the pickguard. Nonetheless, I think epiphone mandolins are terrific.
Just picked up last night. Previous owner said that it was never setup so I believe that I will have setup and re-strung. Any recommendations on strings.Attachment 165032Attachment 165033Attachment 165034
That looks like one of the 'older' MM-50's, probably late 90's-early 2000's? Nice. Strings are pretty much going to be a personal preference - you will have to experiment a bit to find the feel and tone that works best for YOU.
Enjoy!
Doubt it. The older Korean MM-50's just said 'Epiphone' (not 'The'), had a Y-shaped inlay instead of the flowerpot, sometimes had Gibson on the TRC, and the inlays on the fretboard were fancy like this:Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeZito
Attachment 165038
However, I'm no expert so a quick check of the serial number would erase any doubts.
As for strings, my old MM-50 had no problem with the ubiquitous D'Addario J74's (now EJ-74).
C.
Serial number is DW0612029
Unit 029, built December 2006 at the DaeWon (China) factory.Quote:
Originally Posted by Joel Shepard
C.
Thank you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Daniels
I'm thinking that I got a pretty good deal. I looked up the TKL case online and it alone retails for 159.00. Not a scratch on the case or the mandolin.