I'm a novice who wants to upgrade

**donal byrne** · Mar-04-2015, 3:48pm

Hi all, I'm a novice living in Ireland who has been teaching myself to play on a cheap Archer mandolin and now I've got the bug I want to upgrade to a moderate price (500 euro/ $600) mandolin .I've narrowed it down to a choice between the Ibanez M700S-AVS,the The Loar LM-500-VS and the Breedlove Crossover OF. Can anybody out there give me some advice?

**Paul Hird** · Mar-04-2015, 3:55pm

My first Mandolin (which I still have) is a The Loar LM 500 VS. It is a good mandolin and should last you a long time. At least until you want another one!

I still have mine but due to some good fortune I have acquired two other mandolins since then. I don't have any knowledge of the Ibanez so I can't shed any light on that one. You won't be disappointed with The Loar for your upgrade, but get ready to upgrade from there if you stick with it. You won't be able to help yourself from purchasing another. Good luck with whichever you choose.

**donal byrne** · Mar-04-2015, 4:41pm

Originally Posted by Paul Hird

My first Mandolin (which I still have) is a The Loar LM 500 VS. It is a good mandolin and should last you a long time. At least until you want another one!

I still have mine but due to some good fortune I have acquired two other mandolins since then. I don't have any knowledge of the Ibanez so I can't shed any light on that one. You won't be disappointed with The Loar for your upgrade, but get ready to upgrade from there if you stick with it. You won't be able to help yourself from purchasing another. Good luck with whichever you choose.

Yes, I have already found myself covetously googling Gibsons that are way out of my price range!
Thanks for your advice on the Loar, I'm leaning towards it at the moment

**Mike Arakelian** · Mar-04-2015, 4:51pm

I'd suggest taking a look at an Eastman 305 or 315. Good fit and finish, and excellent sound for the money.

**donal byrne** · Mar-04-2015, 5:26pm

Originally Posted by Mike Arakelian

I'd suggest taking a look at an Eastman 305 or 315. Good fit and finish, and excellent sound for the money.

eastmans don't seem to be available outside the US,(I'm in Ireland) and i'm not sure it would have the same value for money after paying for shipping and import duty...