Mandolin recommendations

[pandakaas]

Hi all,

I have had a Strunal 595C for three years now, but it isn't a very good instrument. I wouldn't recommend it. Anyway, I have had two years of lessons, but I get tought classical mandolin. I'd rather go to the folky direction thought, so I want to buy a reasonably good mandolin, preferably with f holes, around $300, and pickup just for fun. Any recommendations?

[Folkmusician.com]

The Loar LM-300 or one of the various Kentucky's are the best at this price point.