Recommend me a mandolin

[MPrice]

Hey there, can you guys recommend me a mandolin for a beginner? I won't be able to spend 1500 bucks on anything nice, but a couple hundred would be fine. Used is preferred. Chinese if I have too. Cheers 

[brandon]

My friend has this mandolin and its great:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-traditional-instruments/washburn-m118sw-f-style-mandolin

If that's too pricey, then eastman and the loar make very nice beginner instruments for under the 500 dollar price point.

Also, check out mandolin cafe. They have a classifieds section that has lots of instruments!

I bought a 100 dollar cheapo to learn on and it is almost unplayable so don't make the same mistake I did! Good luck.

[ducktrapper]

Kentucky's are pretty good.

[MPrice]

Good start. Thanks guys

[Tuba Mike]

Be sure to check out those Big Muddy's. 

http://bigmuddymandolin.com/

Made down in Missouri the old fashion way.  By hand. 
They aren't carved tops so if that is what you are looking for they may not be for you.

[Mr_LV19E]

Be sure to check out those Big Muddy's. 

http://bigmuddymandolin.com/

Made down in Missouri the old fashion way.  By hand. 
They aren't carved tops so if that is what you are looking for they may not be for you.

 

[Riverbend]

No complaints on my Ovation MCS 148 mando. The intonation is great, it's tough as nails, comes with a pick-up and a really nice case. Got mine used for under $400.00. I took 20 plus years off from playing and it's been a good one to work on again. Plus it beat the heck out of anything I could find in it's price range. Of course, I'd love to get my hands on a Larrivee mandolin someday! I've never even seen one in my neck of the woods. 

[ffinke]

Kentucky's are pretty good.

 

My "significant other" has a Kentucky that she's been learning on and I think quite highly of the brand.

[ducktrapper]

 

My "significant other" has a Kentucky that she's been learning on and I think quite highly of the brand.

I have the higher end KM-900 and it's really nice. Light, loud and also very sensitive to a light touch. I think it compares well to classic mandos and much more expensive instruments.   

http://www.folkmusician.com/Kentucky-KM-900-Mandolin-Master-Model/productinfo/KM-900/

[Barefoot Rob]

Just saw an A style for $225 on craigs list with a case on the Tallahassee CL.

[Barefoot Rob]

Played a nice Goldtone A style with an oval soundhole,I think is was around $400.

[redwards]

Hi MPrice,

I've played some pretty nice Eastman's that would be in your price range. Some are better than others inside of a given model. It's best if you can demo it yourself.

The couple Kentuckys I've played were good deals, too.

I'm sure you have found, but in case you haven't, check the classified section over at the Mandolin Cafe. Not trying to steer anbody away from this website, it is just their bailiwick.

Also, talk with Dennis Vance at the Mandolin Store. He'll be very helpful and can demo instruments for you over the phone (NFI).

[Walkerman]

Recommend "me" a mando........sheesh

[Danny]

Recommend "me" a mando........sheesh

But you already have nice mandolins. Why would "you" need another recommendation?

[Walkerman]

But you already have nice mandolins. Why would "you" need another recommendation?

It's like when John Kerry went to the hunting store in Wisconsin, and said in huskiest voice..."Where can I get me a hunting license"

I believe the correct question would have been..."Where can I get a hunting license?"

[Queequeg]

This post should at least include a mandolin so I like this EASTMAN MD315 "CLASSIC" MANDOLIN & GIGBAG.
I played one late last year and found it to be quite delightful.

[Walkerman]

Mine's a Collings

[brandon]

Beautiful Collings, Walkerman!

I've always liked these breedloves:

[redwards]

Holy guacamole Walkerman!

You have that new 32nd anniversary AND this drool worthy Collings? The sun is definitely shining in your back door. Nice! I currently have a Weber but am looking at upgrading in the not too distant future and an MF or MF5 are on my short list.

I'll ditto the sentiments on the Breedloves. My first "good" mandolin was a Breedlove KO. They're well built and good sounding. Many converts from guitar feel they are a good transition with their wider neck and larger frets.

[JamesN]

Okay, I'll play.

I've got a really old Mayflower "potato bug" mandolin that I picked up in a backwater banjo shop many years ago. I've tried to research it's origins, dates, etc. without much success. I've seen similar models that date back to the early 1900s.

It's not much of a player -- frets are hair thin. But it's fun to plunk on every now and then.