Have $1500 to spend on a Used Mandolin...

[ChristopherLeeHarriman]

I have been playing for about 6-8 months now and currently have a Fender FM-63s. I would like to purchase a "New to Me" Mandolin. I am not partial to a A of F, either one... I was looking for a Gibson A9, but that seems impossible to find. So, I am open to suggestions... Thanks in advance... Christopher...

[mrmando]

Hi Christopher, why don't you look through the Classifieds and see if anything grabs you. Or post a Mandolin Wanted ad there.

[crazy legs]

I found a '93 Flatiron Performer F in that price range and I love it. They are under rated and under priced if you can find one. Of course you will get more for your money if you get an A style.

[ChristopherLeeHarriman]

Thanks for the info. I will post a wanted A9 and see what happens.

[Br1ck]

I've seen Silverangels, Sumits, Webers and even a repaired Collings MT in that range in the classifieds in the past, all A style mandolins.

In F style, you can find nice Kentucky master built for quite a bit cheaper, or maybe a J Bovier.

Really need to hone in on features you want, like a radius fretboard or larger frets, and of course the tone you like.

I'm partial to Silverangels, but they tend toward a darker tone. You can play bluegrass on them but if that is your thing you'd probably want a brighter mandolin.

$1500 will get you a nice mandolin, but if you like the Collings MT you are going to have to get lucky or add a couple hundred bucks. This budget does get you into the good stuff, and you will hear a big difference, much bigger difference than going from $1500 to $3000.

[Bill Kammerzell]

Thanks for the info. I will post a wanted A9 and see what happens.

Looks like there is a Flatiron Performer A, Nashville made, for slightly under what you have to spend, at the classifieds, right now. Excellent+ condition according to the seller. NFI

[choctaw61]

Or You can check out Audey Ratliff of Ratliff mandolins.A new country boy A style for your price range. Check him out on Youtube or his web site. Every mandolin he makes has a youtube video.See what You think NFI.

[spufman]

That's a fine limit in the used market, you'll do well. Don't rush. When there myself, I bought a great Weber Gallatin F that remains my #1.

[Charles E.]

Looks like there is a Flatiron Performer A, Nashville made, for slightly under what you have to spend, at the classifieds, right now. Excellent+ condition according to the seller. NFI

Always nice to include a link.......

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/109333#109333

If you could go a bit higher, there is this........

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/108614#108614

This looks to be a great deal on an American, small shop, made mandolin. NFI

[Dave Greenspoon]

There are many great mandolins available in that range. Rigel A+ is an outstanding instrument, regularly available used. Not beloved by the traditionalist bluegrasser, this instrument gets a lot of respect from a lot of players and lot of love from their owners.

[George R. Lane]

here is a nice Kentucky950 at half of what you want to spend. A couple of rough spots, but that adds mojo.

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/108842#108842

[Jim Bevan]

Ditto on Rigel (I've got five of 'em).

I've got an A+ Deluxe that I got used for around $1600, I don't remember exactly.

My go-to amplifiable regular 8-string acoustic is also the cheapest of my arsenal, at $1350 used: my Rigel R-100. Louder (well, more projection) than my Collings MT-O, and easier to play, just not quite as sweet.

[Loubrava]

My advice go play the new models your looking at and get feel for the ones your interested in. I had a 2500 budget and was sure I wanted a Gibson but after playing a few Webers that was it. I ended up with a used Gallatin F from the Mandolin store. If your spending that kind of money & buying sight unseen I'd go with a buyer who offers returns.

[Bill Kammerzell]

here is a nice Kentucky950 at half of what you want to spend. A couple of rough spots, but that adds mojo.

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/108842#108842

Really a nice buy!

[ChristopherLeeHarriman]

Thanks for everyones input. I would still prefer a Gibson, but you guys have got me looking at other brands.

[EdHanrahan]

... would still prefer a Gibson, but you guys have got me looking ...

Do be aware that, back in the '80s or so, Gibson resurrected their mandolin credibility by buying Flatiron, and continued to build both side-by-side for quite some time. Sort of a long and convoluted story!

[Jeff Mando]

Thanks for everyones input. I would still prefer a Gibson

If you like vintage there are several teens and 20's Gibson A's in the classifieds right now in that price range, including a couple snakeheads. (and many more priced higher) Just do a classified search for Gibson A

[George R. Lane]

Gibson's are like Harley-Davidson's, you are paying big time for the name. As an example I rode Harleys for many years and got tired of them having problems and the high cost of parts and labor. I then bought a new Yamaha Roadstar, rode it to Sturgis several times and all over Montana. I never broke down in 11 years and when I sold it last year (I needed a new baler), I sold it for more than I paid for it. Try that with a Harley. So I say don't be struck on one maker, take a trip to a store with more than a couple of mandolins and see if one speaks to you. If it is a Gibson, great, if not some other one will catch your ear. Good luck on your journey.

[Charles E.]

Thanks for everyones input. I would still prefer a Gibson, but you guys have got me looking at other brands.

Paul Schnider, who builds "Summit" mandolins, worked at Gibson before going out on his own.

Another mandolin in the classifieds by an independent luthier......

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/109152#109152

Jim has a steller reputation for workmanship and tone. NFI

[Caleb]

I've seen Collings MTs on Craig's List for 1500 before. I would hold out for a deal like that. You might even find someone here in need of fast cash selling one for 1700 or so and make them an offer.

[Stevo75]

I have a Summit A-200 and it's a great mandolin!

[Al Trujillo]

Hey Chris....I sent you a PM. Best of luck on your hunt!

[Charles E.]

Always nice to include a link.......

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/109333#109333

If you could go a bit higher, there is this........

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/108614#108614

This looks to be a great deal on an American, small shop, made mandolin. NFI

And the Summit is gone......Looks like some one got a great buy.

[Mark Wilson]

If you really want to see the best mandolin you can buy for $1500, watch the classifieds closely for 3 weeks after you get yours. It never fails

[JeffD]

I am not partial to a A of F, either one....

Have you decided you definitely want an arch top? Because you could get a really nice flat top within your budget, perhaps even less, and be very happy with it for the rest of your life. Likely a better bang for the same buck. Some great flatties out there.