Are you considering both used and new? #Getting custom instruments is great, but as Bill Bussmann once told me, a mandolin (or any instrument, I suppose) is like a pair of shoes, you should try it out to see how it feels before buying it. #I'd reccomend going to any local shop that sells mandos, or even go to one of the bigger stores to try out a few. #Not only might you find a great deal, it's really fun! #I became a regular at my local mando shop last summer when I was looking for my new mando, and I played some really nice instruments and really built up a picture of what I wanted. #That's why, when I was first introduced to the mando I have now, it only took 5 minutes for me to decide that I wanted it. #I took another 40 minutes before actually buying it, but it made my decision a lot easier. #
If you're set on a new one, the good ones in that price range (that I know of and have tried personally) are:
Collings MT
Weber (several styles, A and F)
Old Wave A5 (my personal favorite)
Flatiron (various)
Pre-Loar Gibson F4 (I've never played one of these, but it was recomended to me when I was on my personal hunt)
There's a LOT MORE in this price range. #Try 'em all!
[Edit]:
I realize the Gibson wouldn't be new, but I thought I'd put it on there just for the heck of it.
My Instruments:
Ellis Twin Point #524
My beloved Old Wave #83
Herb Taylor Bouzouki #228
Mid-Mo M1 #4321 and M14 #176 (my first mandos)
Scuderi #001 OM Model Guitar
Plus a fiddle, a viola, a cello, another guitar, and (worryingly) three bagpipes.
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