Which mandolin to buy with my budget? (approx $700 USD)

[B381]

Here's a cheap possible...

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Used/Ke...40-Mandolin.gc

[colorado_al]

BAM! Buy this one before it is gone:
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/126484#126484
Just popped up on the MC classifieds
Morris Mandolin A-5 #382 $700 - With case and a ton of accessories.
Looks like you can get it for $595 + shipping if you buy it through the Reverb.com link
https://reverb.com/item/13509817-mor...-tone-sunburst

[Br1ck]

Agree with the Morris being huge value.

[Cranial-nerve-zero]

Agree with the Morris being huge value.

Cool! Thanks for alerting me to this! How would it compare to say, a new Eastman MD505 or even a new Kentucky KM900?

Thanks!
CN0

[colorado_al]

The Morris is a USA hand made instrument.
Normally sells new for $995 + shipping, and only a gig bag, no case
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/123425#123425
That is a stellar deal at $595. But jump on it now, 15% off sale is only for July 4.

[Willem]

I have played Eastmans from the 300's up to the 800 series. I wouldn't trade my Morris for any of them. The only Kentucky I have played is my newly acquired solid body electric which I like well enough, but not really comparable. $600 for one of Sonny's fully carved instruments is a STEAL!

[Cranial-nerve-zero]

I have played Eastmans from the 300's up to the 800 series. I wouldn't trade my Morris for any of them. The only Kentucky I have played is my newly acquired solid body electric which I like well enough, but not really comparable. $600 for one of Sonny's fully carved instruments is a STEAL!

Seems great! Super lovely of you all to be looking out for me. What a great community I have stumbled upon! I wish I knew more about mandolins to know that this is a steal. Why would someone be selling it, if it's only a July 2017 make? And how do I know it is appropriately set up, and not damaged etc? I mean it is second hand after all, right?

(I'm not being a sceptic, I'm just trying to make as educated a purchase as possible)

[CES]

Ask the seller these questions. My kids are all out of the house and I'm downsizing in a couple of weeks. I've also recent bought a Skip Kelley A style that's getting 95% of my playing time. I'll probably be selling several instruments in this process. I love all but one of them (which I also like but it's just never grabbed me like my 1N), but just don't have room for them all longer term in the new house. Maybe his MAS has kicked in and he needs funds for the next purchase. Maybe he bought it to learn on and just prefers guitar...

But agree I'd take that over the others mentioned. I hope you pounced on the July 4 savings!

[DougC]

I agree. The Morris is superior and has much lower risk of having problems.

[Willie Poole]

If it is the same Morrie that is listed on the Café I know the seller and he is selling it for his son-in-law, or so he says and he is a top notch fellow to deal with, lives in my part of the country...I am not familiar with a Morris but if they stack up the 900 series of Kentuckys then I would go for it...

Willie

[Willem]

Seems great! Super lovely of you all to be looking out for me. What a great community I have stumbled upon! I wish I knew more about mandolins to know that this is a steal. Why would someone be selling it, if it's only a July 2017 make? And how do I know it is appropriately set up, and not damaged etc? I mean it is second hand after all, right?

(I'm not being a sceptic, I'm just trying to make as educated a purchase as possible)

All great questions to ask of the seller. I see it as wise rather than skeptical. $700 is pretty normal for a used Morris A-style (still a huge value), 600 way less common. I can tell you that they come off of Sonny's bench set up well. One would have to work at giving these a sketchy set-up.

[Br1ck]

Here is where the marketing juggernaught comes into play. How many know Martin and Taylor guitars. How many know Kopp? The unknown is scary, so many play it safe. That's ok if you want to be comfortable.

I took a leap of faith with my Silverangel. I have never seen another. I have played it side by side with Northfield, Weber, and Collings. It more than held it's own. Paid $1200, the cheapest MT generally goes for $1800. Why? Because they not only make a fine mandolin, but are a known company with their name out in the world, and for a long time. Comfort, recognition, great product= higher price.

[Willem]

Looks like the Morris went quickly. Did the OP get it by chance?

[Cranial-nerve-zero]

No I didn't. I probably should have, but I thought it would be best to arm myself with an education about mandolin-purchasing, before actually buying. And also, I won't have the money for another month. Thanks for looking out for me though folks!