Japanese Mandolin made by Hoshino Gakki

[rollingdam]

Would this be a good starter mandolin?

[BrianWilliam]

Yes

[CES]

If set up well, absolutely. If it needs a ton of work, like a refret/FB planing/neck set, then probably not worth it (as would be the case with any “beginner” mandolin)...

[jimmy powells]

For a starter mandolin, volume and tone become secondary. Low action enables the beginner to actually be able to play it. I've had a few of these made by Ibanez, Suzuki, Antoria and they are usually quite suitable as long as it is set up so another $0 or whatever it costs over there for a basic set up of Nut, bridge and maybe fret check. Oval holes dont normally work palying in a session with several otherinstruments but all that can come later. I'm sure you'd be Ok with this.