Re: Advice on a Good Beginner Mandolin
The Kentucky KM-150 mandolin sells new at Hobgoblin for £469, well above your budget target; you may be able to find a used one for under £300 with some shopping.
The Asbury AM-150 at £249 has at least a solid top, though it's heat-pressed and not carved like the Kentucky or Eastman (carved is better). It's in the category of "beginner mandolin," not sure if you'd be keeping it once you got proficient. It's an oval-hole A-bodied instrument, of the type many players of British Isles music use.
Whatever instrument you decide on, make sure it's properly set up: bridge located in the right place and adjusted to correct height, nut correctly slotted, proper neck relief. You might also consider a gig bag, tuner, etc.; it's available as a "pack" with accessories for £289.
Don't believe Hobgoblin does shop set-ups, but they may, or you may be able to take it to one of their stores...?
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
Bookmarks