Trying to decide on my first

[Brewin Bruin]

I have been researching pretty heavily and reading the posts on here in my search for my first mandolin. My budget is around $200. I have found these 4, and I wanted to check here to see which would be better or if a different suggestion would be. I am leaning towards the Rover because it comes set up, but I like the looks of the Ibanez and the Washburn comes with lots of stuff. The only reason I included the Epiphone was because I've read it was a common beginner. Thank you!

Rover M-50 set up by folkmusician
http://www.folkmusician.com/Rover-RM...ctinfo/RM-50B/

Ibanez M510
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-...20442000391000

Washburn M1K
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-...ndolin-package

Epiphone MM-30
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-...m-30s-mandolin

[Samuel David Britton]

You might be able to find a used Kentucky Km-150 for that price. Check out the classifieds.

[euph_22]

I have been researching pretty heavily and reading the posts on here in my search for my first mandolin. My budget is around $200. I have found these 4, and I wanted to check here to see which would be better or if a different suggestion would be. I am leaning towards the Rover because it comes set up, but I like the looks of the Ibanez and the Washburn comes with lots of stuff. The only reason I included the Epiphone was because I've read it was a common beginner. Thank you!

Rover M-50 set up by folkmusician
http://www.folkmusician.com/Rover-RM...ctinfo/RM-50B/

Ibanez M510
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-...20442000391000

Washburn M1K
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-...ndolin-package

Epiphone MM-30
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-...m-30s-mandolin

Musician's friend does not setup their instruments, AFAIK. So you will have to budget in $50-$100 for a setup by somebody experienced with Mandolins (and it can be tough to find somebody that knows the difference between a mandolin and a guitar. For example, I wouldn't trust any of the guitar tech's I've dealt with with my Mandolin). So I'd definitely recommend the Rover, of those options. It's also solid wood all the way around, while I think the others all are made atleast in part from wood laminate. I've also played all of those, except the Ibanez, and it would be my preference (but that could just be the Rover had a less horrendous setup).

And my strong recommendation is to 1) buy used, you're money will go much farther that way
2) if at all possible, try things out yourself
3) the difference between a good beginner instrument and an unplayable pile of crap is the setup (for the most part).

[Jim]

Of what you've listed the Rover RM 50, from Folkmusician.com is the way to go. I buy lots of stuff from Musicians friend but they do no setup.

[Brewin Bruin]

Thank you guys so much for your input. I think I have decided to go with the Rover.