Dean Mandolin

[rhicks]

Does anyone know anything about Dean Mandolins? I found one on my local classifieds page for 125 that was recently set up at the local acoustic shop and comes with a gig bag. I tried looking for information on Dean mandolins here, but aside from a couple mentions of some weird experimental designs from a couple years ago I couldn't find anything. The only ones that they make now are all acoustic-electric. I assume that this one is a spruce laminated instrument, but that's all I can gather. Has anyone played one or know anything about their mandolins? I've played a couple of their guitars, which were pretty nice considering the cost, but I know that companies that makes quality guitars don't always make quality mandolins.

The link for the mandolin I'm considering is below.

https://classifieds.ksl.com/listing/54049167

[Theo W.]

In my opinion, these laminated instruments are pretty much all the same and not generally worth it. I'd suggest going for a used Kentucky KM-150 or a RM-50, both very highly regarded instruments. They pop up used on the classifieds and eBay frequently. If you are dead set on a laminated/cheap instrument, get the cheapest you can! They're all made pretty much the same (pressing the top.) I'd go for a ~$40 Rogue. Good luck!

[Jim Garber]

If you are dead set on a laminated/cheap instrument, get the cheapest you can! They're all made pretty much the same (pressing the top.) I'd go for a ~$40 Rogue. Good luck!

On that same site the OP linked, there is this Rogue mandolin for $20. Buy yourself a new set of strings for $5. Maybe you might need to bring it for setup or not.

[Roger Moss]

I've never tried a Dean mandolin, but I have played Dean guitars, something I won't bother to do again. If you just want something to bang on, grab the Rogue. If you are serious, a Rover RM-50 from Elderly is only a few dollars more. All solid woods and Elderly sets it up for you. If you can triple the price, go for the Kentucky. It's worth it. I can't advise wasting that much on a plywood instrument though.

[Br1ck]

Like they say, many mandolin like objects are cranked out cheap.

[B381]

On that same site the OP linked, there is this Rogue mandolin for $20. Buy yourself a new set of strings for $5. Maybe you might need to bring it for setup or not.

And the Rogue has a case and book....