Re: Please help!!! Found a bunch of options for a first mandolin
Yes on the KM-250 or the new KM-150 from a forum sponsor (they will get it ready to play). Tuners are $10 bucks - heck there are free apps (pano-tuner).
I make a pig-tail braid with rawhide boot laces (72"). They look cool, the mandolin is light, so you don't need much width. The braid also adds a bit of friction, which I like. I tie the lace through the string posts rather than by the neck.
J-74 strings are what you want on an f-hole carved-top mandolin - at least for the start. Let him decide if he wants others in time. I'm sure he'll find this site, to give him endless advice - ha!
I used to buy and sell beginner's mandolins. I'd buy them from ebay, usually Ibanez, Alvarez, Yasuma, Kentucky and Aria - all made in Japan. Production of many Asian mandolins is now in China. In some cases, the quality is better now! Kentucky has always been a reliable brand and very well recognized. The KM-250 has always been a great, factory-made mandolin. I just know the KM-150 by its specs and the positive comments on this site. I have owned a few KM-180s, which are also very nice. Not sure they are still made, but they are well priced in the secondary market.
Have fun. Wonderful gift! My first mandolin was a gift and that was 50 years ago!
f-d
‘papα gordo aint no madre flaca!
'20 A3, '30 L-1, '97 914, 2012 Cohen A5, 2012 Muth A5, '14 OM28A
Bookmarks