The Washburn M1SD or Ibanez M510DVS dilemma!

[briwayjones]

I'm a newb and have been looking into learning the mandolin and have been trying to figure out the beginner mandolin to get. I'm looking up to about $200. The almost unanimous consensus seems to be the Kentucky KM-150. Except they are no longer about $150. They are up over $400. So that rules that out. I found a never used Washburn M1SD like this plus a Road Runner soft gig bag for $150. I'm also thinking about an Ibanez M510. The Washburn would seem like a no brainer except from what I've been reading the Ibanez has better sound than the Washburn?

What route does everyone think the best way to go would be?
Thanks

[Gunnar]

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/142888#142888

Nfi

[mandohat]

All instruments are different, but I played an oval hole Washburn that I thought sounded pretty good. That does sound like a no brainer to me. Between those two, I'd do the Washburn. And take off the pickguard, plastic does nothing for tone.

[Eric Hanson]

+1 on Gunnar’s post

[briwayjones]

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/142888#142888

Nfi

Yeah, that Kentucky is way past my budget. I don't know if I'll even like the mandolin.

[mandohat]

Yeah, that Kentucky is way past my budget. I don't know if I'll even like the mandolin.

One time I bought a $70 fiddle to learn to play fiddle, and you know what? I learned a few tunes, and it was fun, and got something nicer later on.

[Em Tee]

This is an all solid wood mandolin, but most importantly elderly will give you a stellar set up. As a beginner, your set up is crucial to whether or not you can even play the instrument much less enjoy it.

https://www.elderly.com/collections/...model-mandolin

[Roger Adams]

The Washburn sounds like a good deal for a starter, and it fits your budget. Learn to play, and save your money for a bump-up on down the road.