Best Mandolin Under $500

[journeybear]

The piano player in my band has a birthday coming up at the end of this month and his wife wants to buy him a mandolin. Bless her heart! She has asked me for a recommendation, with a $500 budget. My experience has been almost exclusively with Gibsons, so though I know a little bit about playing mandolins, I am not as much help in shopping for them, not at this price range. I just did a quick search of the classifieds, and at the $500 point I found these four:

Eastman MD 315
Eastman MD 505
J Bovier A5
Kentucky KM-675

I am unfamiliar with all of these, though I have seen many people praise them, and other mandolins by these and other makers. I would appreciate learning what people think about these options or others, perhaps even less expensive ones that are still good players. Also, what constitutes a good price for particular models. I plead ignorance and throw myself at the mercy of the court.

Any thoughts, anybody?

Also, if anyone has tips for how to search the classifieds with this purpose in mind, I'd like to know. What I did was put $500 in the search engine, and I came up with these plus several others that didn't fit - a couple going for $5000, for instance. Is there a way to put in a price range, or do I have to conduct searches for each price point - ie, $300, $400, $450, $475, etc.

[multidon]

All of those are solid choices I think. Given excellent condition and proper set up any of them would do the job nicely. If it were me buying for myself I would do the Eastman 505. Nicer woods and finish. Some do say the 300 series Eastmans sound better than the higher models because of the thin finish. I am not a big fan of the look of the 300 series and it's finish. But the 315 is extremely popular for an entry level F. My second choice would be the Kentucky 675. I own the similar km 600 and I love it. This would be the choice if your friend likes the traditional look. It has everything people expect from a traditional F style- gloss lacquer, sunburst, etc. my 600 has ebony fingerboard and bridge while the 675 has rosewood. I think the Kentuckys with rosewood bridges benefit sound wise from swapping that out for a properly fitted ebony one. Also do not be surprised if the scroll binding and finish are sloppy. Comes with the territory at this price point. I cleaned mine up with a little sandpaper and lacquer touch up. Not difficult if you are careful.i

[Ron Cox]

My vote would be for either of the Eastmans. I've been more than pleased with mine and everyone one that I have picked up. A new 305 (one of my faves) can be had for under $500 anywhere, satin finish, excellent tone and nice clean lines without too many distractions. The tuners are more than serviceable but not high end. A used 315 (from the classifieds) in that price range is also quite a find. Do you think your friend would prefer the scroll? As nice as the classifieds are, for a gift I'd really consider one of our sponsors as well. Nothing wrong with pre-owned, but if your friend needed to exchange it for something else....

Just my .02, wish my wife would buy me any of those for father's day, birthday etc.

[FLATROCK HILL]

Any thoughts, anybody?

I was given a KM-150 as a gift from my wife several years ago. It is a great sounding and playing little 'A' model for the money.
It costs less than the $500 budget you mentioned, but add a case, a small variety of picks, a tuner and a couple sets of strings and you're there!

(I've responded to questions like this before, but this is the first time I've had the honor of answering someone with 7 years and almost 9000 posts! on this forum.)

[Steve Zawacki]

There are so many unknowns, Is the recipient already mandolin-proficient? If not, is a band member or other person availble for instruction? Is this "for personal fun" or for eventual band use?

If this is a "first" mandolin and no one is around to help instruct, I'd bypass all the above and go for a new Kentucky 150 fully set-up by one of the Cafe's participating vendors with a case and digital tuner, and a lesson or two. The extras will be appreciated and still within/under budget. There may even be enough left in the budget to install a half-decent pickup.

If this is an experienced mandolinist who just hasn't touched one for a while, any of the Eastmans in the classufieds would show great taste.

[Charles E.]

There is an Eastman 315 in the classifieds for $500.00 with upgraded tuners. It has been there for quite awhile, can't understand why no one has snatched this up.

http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/70359

[Charles E.]

There is also this......

http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/76623

[journeybear]

(I've responded to questions like this before, but this is the first time I've had the honor of answering someone with 7 years and almost 9000 posts! on this forum.)

You assume too much, sir! Just 'cause I've posted a lot doesn't necessarily mean I know all that much. See my sig line ... Besides, this is a level playing field, and anyone who kicks the ball around well enough can get it into the goal. I think that's how I meant to extend that metaphor ...

But as I said, I am vastly unfamiliar with makers other than Gibson. So I appreciate the help about this. Thanks!

Charles - Any idea what model that is? I guess I could always call ...
Ron - Yes, it would be nice to have a wife who would be this nice. And Father's Day IS coming up. Yeah, sometimes I wish *I* had a wife, for this and other reasons. But I suppose I could make the argument that I am almost surely saving money on the deal. I do have to remind myself of this from time to time. But then, money ain't everything. Oh well!

(Note to self: Don't derail the train of thought of my own thread ... )

[Michael Bridges]

I'd give a serious look at the J Bovier A5T at The Mandoshop. I've been nothing but impressed with mine, tone and palyability, fit and finish, all seem a notch above the price point. Kyle does an excellent set-up, and the price is right at what you're looking for. Quite a few folks who've bought them tend to agree. I don't think you'd be disappointed at all.

[pheffernan]

Any thoughts, anybody?

Assuming that your piano player isn't planning to frequent any bluegrass jams, I'd recommend an American flattop. There was a Big Muddy M11 in the classifieds a day or two ago for only $400, but it seems to have disappeared. It must have been swept up, but there will be others.

Also, if anyone has tips for how to search the classifieds with this purpose in mind, I'd like to know.

I've wished for similar search capabilities, especially by region.

[Ron Cox]

Assuming all mentioned are equivalently giftable, get pics of each and show them to the gift giver and see if any of them spark with her. In my years of retail I have learned to never discount a woman's emotional response or intuition.

Couldn't hurt.

[Charles E.]

Journeybear, it is a KM380.

http://www.themandolinstore.com/Scri...idproduct=9435

[mandobassman]

I'd give a serious look at the J Bovier A5T at The Mandoshop. I've been nothing but impressed with mine, tone and palyability, fit and finish, all seem a notch above the price point. Kyle does an excellent set-up, and the price is right at what you're looking for. Quite a few folks who've bought them tend to agree. I don't think you'd be disappointed at all.

I would certainly agree with this. Although, if properly set up, all of the mentioned mandolins have the potential to be very good. However, I haven't heard a Eastman that I have liked yet, the Kentucky's can be good but are inconsistent. You can get a good one, you can also get a lousy one. But since the recent line of J Bovier mandolins came out at the beginning of 2013, I haven't heard a bad comment yet. A good friend of mine is a local J Bovier dealer and I have had the chance to play several of them and haven't played a dud yet. I have a A5 Special that plays and sounds several times its' price. The newer A5 Tradition is $469 at The Mando Shop and I don't think you can get a better mandolin at that price.

[roysboy]

I've owned Eastman and it would be a fine choice . I ve played the km675 and km 630 and didn't think much of either tone wise ....but it may have just been those particular mandos. I've heard nothing but good about the J Bovier and some impressive youtubes and CDs where the J Bovier was used ... Great tone and appointments for a ridiculously low price . Saying all of this , I now play a Kentucky km150 which is also an amazing value . Tuning is great , fit is beautiful and the tone rivals the j Bovier in my estimation . The km150 is available with a pro setup for under 300.00....I think your buddy would be happy with any of the instruments you've mentioned once they've been properly set up .

[journeybear]

I've heard nothing but good about the J Bovier.

But since the recent line of J Bovier mandolins came out at the beginning of 2013, I haven't heard a bad comment yet. .

I'd give a serious look at the J Bovier A5T at The Mandoshop. I've been nothing but impressed with mine.

Yes. These do get a lot of praise and very little disapproval..

Assuming all mentioned are equivalently giftable, get pics of each and show them to the gift giver and see if any of them spark with her. In my years of retail I have learned to never discount a woman's emotional response or intuition.

Couldn't hurt.

Quite right!

[pheffernan]

Saying all of this , I now play a Kentucky km150 which is also an amazing value . Tuning is great , fit is beautiful and the tone rivals the j Bovier in my estimation . The km150 is available with a pro setup for under 300.00.

Only $225 set up and shipped from Elderly: http://elderly.com/new_instruments/n...in--KM150S.htm.

[UsuallyPickin]

As posted above ...... any of the models you listed will be of sufficient quality for a "student ". If her husband gets the bug he can spend multiples of 1,000 at a later date. It is very important that any instrument in that category be properly setup. So buying one from a "Big Box Store" may save a few dollars up front but will be spent down the line. Selecting a good quality used one may involve your friend with the same problem, or may not. That is a gamble often worth taking. Purchasing one from a " Café " recommended vendor will get your friend's Hubby started with an instrument he can play w/o any investment other than time. Dennis Vance at The Mandolin Store and Robert Feat at Folk Musician are both highly recommended herein as vendors and as businesses that have good customer service. Personally I like the Kentucky mandolins tone and look over the Eastman but I have not played a J. Bovier so I can offer no opinion there. A thought ..... a copy of Mandolin for Dummies would be a good addition to the Mando Gift Pack .... R/

[pheffernan]

There was a Big Muddy M11 in the classifieds a day or two ago for only $400, but it seems to have disappeared.

This one: http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/76753.

[mandolinlee]

journeybear -
Does your piano player also play mandolin or will he be a beginner? If a newby, I agree with FLATROCK HILL,Steve Zawacki. roysboy and phefferman, go with the KM150 from a 'cafe sponsor.
He can afford a replacement if one of the many things happen that beginners often do: lay it on a vinyl chair and ruin the finish, leave in the car in the heat of the day or overnight, not have the strap secured and drop it, allow other non-players to handle it and drop it or scratch it, leave it set out where the dog, kids or Mom's vacuum sweeper gets it, all this is sort of like basic training to become a mandolinist.
Enjoy,
Lee

[Capt. E]

I just recently played a Kentucky KM-250 that I was very impressed with. Priced at $449 at Fiddlers Green here in Austin. I am sure prices are much the same at Elderly, Mandolin Bros, etc. Solid handcarved spruce top, solid hand carved flamed back and sides, radiused rosewood fingerboard, bound neck, pearl inlay on peghead. Very nice tone and playability. Of course, if you want to step up just a bit, the Kentucky KM-505 has been one of the most highly reviewed mandolins in the $500-$600 range for quite a while.

[FLATROCK HILL]

If her husband gets the bug he can spend multiples of 1,000 at a later date.

That statement is fact. I am proof.

[mandolinlee]

FLATROCK HILL is proof.

You should see what he pulls out of that candy apple red case!

[mandogoshen]

There is also this......

http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/76623

Ok, let's break this one down. These mandolins' MSRP is 875.00. Stock. New. W/a 20% discount brings it to 700.00 give or take a dollar. That's a pretty standard rate from music stores and online sources. Some online sources offer free shipping. So, stock out the door essentially 700.00. Including whatever warranty that's given. So, for 700.00 one has the same mandolin completely stock. If one purchases from a music store state sales tax must be considered. Say 6%. This brings the price up to 740.00+. The advantage of purchasing from a brick and morter is most likely a free set up. None of the sources I found stated whether or not a HSC was included. If not tack on another 50-75.00.

Now the one in the ad is from a private individual for 500.00+shipping. Shipping should include insurance. So say 30.00 using UPS ground as they charge sales tax, too. This includes upgraded tuners available from Stew-Mac for 80.00. So, for this deal one is receiving a 750-825.00 STOCK mando depending on whether a HSC is included. 530-550 buys the same mando w/80.00 tuners and a gig bag. The GB quality is significant. Make sure it's a good one. Now the tuners wont have any effect on overall tone, but will help alot w/holding pitch. And MC ads include a 48 hr refusal time line, yes? No brainer. Suggest w/all due respect that your friend exceed her budget 30-50 dollars and get this mandolin. Her husband will be very happy with it.

[mandogoshen]

There is an Eastman 315 in the classifieds for $500.00 with upgraded tuners. It has been there for quite awhile, can't understand why no one has snatched this up.

http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/70359

Oops!! THIS is the post I meant to address. All the above applies to THIS post. Duh!!

[Capt. E]

There is an Eastman 315 in the classifieds for $500.00 with upgraded tuners. It has been there for quite awhile, can't understand why no one has snatched this up.

http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/70359

Because there is no Photo...got to have at least one photo...same thing with e-bid