$3.5k budget, what do I buy?

[colorado_al]

This:
http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/msg/5237778204.html
1916 Gibson F2 - $1850
Bet you could get it for quite a bit less if you flash the cash. "financial situations are forcing sale"
If condition is good, it is already a good price.
Inspect that neck repair carefully, or ask to have a luthier check it out for you.
Also make sure the top is not sunken, like happens with some of these.
Similar usually go for $3000+

[Josh Levine]

I've bought many mandolins online without playing first. But, I did not make the jump from by beginner mandolin to a 3.5k instrument. Without knowledge of what you want and the mandolin market it seems a little hasty. It would probably be a better financial decision to work your way up to that price point, or as others have said play as many as you can until you find the right one. On the other hand if you have money to burn and do some decent research, buying a nice mandolin never hurts and won't limit your ability.

[Paul Kotapish]

I think the essential question to answer for yourself first is the kind of tone and feel you are striving for. If you want that old-time oval-hole sound and you like the feel of an old Gibson A, you should be able to find some great ones (or even a slightly blemished F-4 or F-2) for that price. If you want more of an elevated fingerboard/f-hole feel and sound (more bluegrass/Dawg/etc.), then I'd look for a Carlson-era Flatiron. The deluxe A-5 Flatiron I let go was killer and compares really well with anything I've owned since. You might even be able to find an F style for that money. If you can't find one of those to your liking, it's pretty hard to beat those new Collings instruments at every price point.

A trip to Elderly might be well worth your time. They have a bunch of stuff on the walls you could compare and contrast.

Good luck.

[Grommet]

I think Paul has got it right. It is probably much more important for you to explore your tonal, neck-feel, and aesthetic parameters than to hurry in to an upgrade. That is a lot to budget for an upgrade, so don't shortchange yourself! Getting there maybe more than 1/2 the fun, so enjoy the process. Make the road trip to Elderly or another fine instrument dealer! I just returned from a trip back east that allowed me to play the wall at both Carters Vintage and Gruhn Guitars (Thank you to both outfits!). Both places were welcoming, and the selection of fine instruments was staggering. Even though I had been to Gruhn and several other great dealers before, the trip was really an awakening. I'm sure you would come away with a similar experience at Elderly. If you can swing it, take the opportunity to fall in love with a mandolin.

Scott

[testore]

I don't know a builder or dealer who wouldn't extend a decent trial period. For me, I'd let someone test drive for a week.

[J Mangio]

More info is needed before I can make a recommendation.
For my needs, I bought a used KM-1000, which sidelined my F-9
as my everyday player.

[jetsedgwick]

I contacted this fellow, this particular instrument is not a player. I want one I can play

[9lbShellhamer]

I second the comments about probably getting a used A Style. Others have recommended a particular F model, and they are good F models for the price, but if you can afford a Collings MT2, they are incredible instruments and knock the socks off of F models in that price range IMO. Best thing to do is find out what you love. $3500 is a nice chunk of change. Take a day, drive to Elderly, and play everything!

Keep in mind when you're at Elderly, they don't have everything on the wall. Ask to play the Pava pro, the Ellis, etc. They might not be on the wall! I'd really love to play another Pava Pro...I was pretty impressed.

Good Luck!

[CavScout]

My Collings MF?

[roysboy]

I'm ready to graduate from my entry level Gretsch F oval hole and I'm trying to sort out what I'm looking for. I live in Chicago and there are almost no mandolin stores here so I have almost zero ability to simply go try out a few and make a decision.

So what (and why?) would you guys buy with a $3500 budget.

in terms of types of music I like: sort of everything, from classical to bluegrass, traditional, etc...


I've been eyeballing the WEBER line, any reason I should be happy with one of these or maybe keep looking?

THANKS!

With that kind of Budget I'd order 3 Kentucky Km-950s . One is BOUND to be amazing and the other two will probably only be ' superb ' . Once I'd determined this , I'd send two back ( pay shipping and restocking , of course ) and be over 2000.00 richer with an amazing mandolin .

[colorado_al]

This looks like a good deal:
https://reverb.com/item/1014067-collings-mf-2006-matte

[colorado_al]

My Collings MF?

What are you asking for it? Pics? Likely a good deal around $3500.

[mcgroup53]

The Pava mandolins from Ellis are outstanding in every aspect. You can get her top end A for under $3K

[pheffernan]

The Pava mandolins from Ellis are outstanding in every aspect. You can get her top end A for under $3K

Used. The Pro lists new at $3249: http://www.ellismandolins.com/the-pava.html

[Charles E.]

This Collings honey-tortise MF-5 at the Mandomutt is looking really good...........

http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/90750#90750

NFI

[JeffD]

I like this mandolin so you should get it.

Seriously, get what you have tried and really really like. And keep in mind two facts -

1 - you don't have to spend the whole budget.
2 - its not the last mandolin you are ever going to buy anyway.