Question you’ve all answered a million times

**okeephoss** · Jul-02-2020, 4:58pm

I have a 100$ mandolin. Had it for 20 years. Moved to a new spot that allows me to dig in again. I’m definitely not advanced but getting to a point to justify getting a new one.
Is a 1000+k mandolin “easier” to play or is that solely a matter of setup. I know this one plays and sounds like S... cheers

**Erin M** · Jul-02-2020, 5:09pm

I'm not an expert in these matters, this is just opinion based on a lifetime of experience dealing with musical instruments. The usual warnings about a grain of salt apply. But... less expensive instruments - especially in the $100 price range - are obviously made from less expensive materials and less expensive assembly. What this means is that, to get a good setup, you might need extra work that will cost more (fret problems, sloppy tuners, etc... for example). Or it may have problems that at that price range don't justify the cost of fixing. For example, badly aligned neck, intonation problems due to slight offsets in fret positions, bad glue joints, and so on.

I've always held that it's better to start with at least a decent mid-grade instrument rather than having to deal with problems with a lesser quality instrument that might hold you back. It doesn't have to be $1000+, there are many fine instruments in the $500-$900 range. But an instrument in the $100 range almost certainly has some issues (unless you're really lucky). And of course, you usually get better tone from a higher quality instrument.

**DHopkins** · Jul-02-2020, 5:12pm

Get Rob Meldrum's publication and follow the instructions. If it still sounds bad, come back with the same question. Do a search on this site for information on how to download it free.

**Dave Sheets** · Jul-02-2020, 5:15pm

In many cases, you can set up a cheap mandolin to play pretty well (ie the Rogues and the like) and learn on it just fine. Search this site to find out how to request Rob Meldrum's set-up guide and you can do it yourself. It's definitely worth the effort.

But, the sound is what it is. Better instruments sound better, and can be set up well. There are lots of threads on here about the best choice of mandolin for around $1000, lots of good options available.

**HonketyHank** · Jul-02-2020, 5:35pm

See my sig for how to get Rob Meldrum's setup book.

**Jim Garber** · Jul-02-2020, 6:11pm

Aside from set up, a $100 dollar mandolin will no doubt be made of all laminated woods which never sound as good as solid ones, especially the tops. You can get a solid top instrument for less than $1000 dollars and may even get a good all-solid one for about $1000 or less. Ideally if you can play something in person that would be the way to shop but these days you might just buy from a reliable dealer many of whom advertise here.