Help buying mandolin as gift for intermediate player.

[beccamutt]

Hello,

I'm researching mandolins to buy one for my fiance. He is an intermediate player who currently only has a garbage $80 mandolin that someone gave him. He will only be playing it for fun, mostly The Band style of music. I'm looking to spend in the $300 range but am willing to go up to $500 for an excellent value. I'd like to get an A-style, arch top -- would also prefer the top/back to be solid wood, not laminate.

I've called every single music shop in my half of the state (NJ) and no one carries mandolins, or if they do they only carry overpriced crappy ones.

Can anyone recommend to me a few types of mandolins that would be appropriate for my fiance and any good online places to buy from?

Thank you, much appreciated!!!
Becca

[allenhopkins]

Well, might not think it from reading some recent threads, but lots of Cafe people seem to like Loar mandolins; solid carved tops/backs, somewhat beefy necks, benefit from good set-ups, yada yada...

Buzzy Feiten at Lark Street Guitars in Teaneck advertises an LM-220-VS for $375 and an LM-400-VS for $539. Don't know how close that is to you.

[onassis]

http://www.folkmusician.com/Mandolins/departments/28/
http://www.themandolinstore.com/Scripts/default.asp

Both of these have great reputations among forum members, and are known for good deals AND well set-up, easy playing instruments. They both carry Kentucky, The Loar, and Rover (at least, I know Folk Musician carry Rover), and you should be able to find what you want amongst those. Both of these retailers are also great about answering questions and hooking you up with what you need.

[Randi Gormley]

If you want a more modern (thinner) neck, the Eastman 305 is about in that range. It's bling-less, but is solid wood and hand carved. There might be some available through some of the sponsors if you give them a call. Actually, give them a call anyway, they can probably help out whatever you're looking for.

[beccamutt]

Wow, thanks everybody!!

[beccamutt]

Hey guys, I just bought a Loar 220 from folkmusician.com today and think it'll be a great fit. Thanks again for all your help!

[maki]

Congratulations! How did she take to it? Was it a surprise?

[George R. Lane]

Congratulations! How did she take to it? Was it a surprise?

I think it was a he, not a she.

[beccamutt]

Yes, HE hasn't gotten it yet, it arrives this weekend (can't wait!).

Becca

[Kip Carter]

Becca you have to let us know how it goes.. please!
Kip...

[Paul Busman]

Hope he likes it. Be sure to steer him here to the Cafe if he hasn't already discovered it, for information, advice and laughs.
BTW-- he's lucky to have a thoughtful fiance like you.

[Kip Carter]

Hope he likes it. Be sure to steer him here to the Cafe if he hasn't already discovered it, for information, advice and laughs.
BTW-- he's lucky to have a thoughtful fiance like you.

Amen... What Paul said!
Kip...