Need help picking a Mandolin...

[steve_man]

Okay, I've got a thread going in the electric forum, but figured this would be a better place to ask.

 

I played a mando this summer while on a trip, and fell in love with it. I played a Rouge, and a Kentucky. While I liked the Kentucky much better, they seem to be pretty pricey!

 

I want a mando for Christmas, but I need a "budget" model, as I can't break the bank. The Rouge models look good for $49. I realize that they will never be a Gibson or anything of the sort. What I'm wondering is should I spend a little more and will that give me a truly better instrument, or just a different headstock?

 

I've also seen Rover brand. No experience there...

 

Your advice would be great!

[steve_man]

Just saw this one at Rondo...what do you guys think?

 

 

http://www.rondomusic.com/md30vt.html

[daklander]

You'll be better off with the Rondo instrument, IMO.

[dhoenisch]

I have the Rogue mandolin, and I gotta tell ya, it's not a bad instrument for the price. I purchased mine about a year or so ago. It can definitely hold it's own in a jam session. You will have to tweak it a little though. the action on mine was a little high at the nut. Now, you could just take the nut off and sand it from the bottom. I just made a new bone one for mine though. The tuning machines are fine. The tailpiece is also fine. No grips about either of them Also the bridge can use a replacing. It's of really poor quality wood, but is still workable. I actually made a hollowed out mandolin bridge like Frank Ford did: http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/Mandolin/LtMandoBr/ltmandobr.html. I tell you what though, it made it almost too loud. I'm going to make another one similar to it, but make it a two footer, instead of one solid (but hollowed out) piece that goes across the top. Well, hope this helps.

 

Dan

[silmaneero]

I recently got a Kentucky mandolin for a relative who claims they want to learn to play. Not the cheapest on the market, but I really thought it was nicer than the other entry-level mandos I looked at.

 

Which Kentucky model did you compare? They make a whole bunch of different models at different price points. We don't get Rondo or Rogue in Europe so I can't comment on those, but the cheapest Kentucky mandos seemed to be priced broadly in line with the other entry-level gear available here.

 

I think you're doing the right thing in looking at A-style mandos. The F-style scroll pushes the price up, and to my untrained ears doesn't seem to add anything.

 

The Rondo mando you posted above is an electro-acoustic model. If you're going for a budget model could you get a non-electro version for less money? Unless you really want to plug in, you could either take the cash saving or put this cash toward a higher level mandolin.

[RKO]

Steve,

I am doing the same thing, looking for a playable, cheap mando at a bottom-end price. As usual, I want a great instrument for darn near free.

 

I found these on ebay. I cannot find any info on the alleged "luthiers," Santini or Morelli. If anybody knows anything about these, I'd appreciate the help.

Still, can these be solid spruce and maple for ~ $100?

 

*Dang! I can't get the url to copy and paste, but go to Ebay and search the seller "greattunesdirect"

 

or go to the mando section and search between $70 and $120 Buy It Now and you'll see them.

 

EDIT- The best way to find them is to search "greattunesdirect" and check the box to search titles and description. You'll get all of their mandos.

[whit townsend]

get the low priced (plain looking) solid top Ketucky A model. Sure its more than the Rogue,but you get what you pay for, a decent instrument worth keeping, worth putting some cash into a good set up if needed.Not sure I could say that for the Rogue. Its most likely a mandolin shaped object. Even if it plays good, its likely all ply and not much tone there new of later on.Plus your resale will be much better with thesolid top Kentucky.I've been around several of them, and their tone and playability were comparble to anything out there costing under $800. Once you reach $800, you can get a plain A model Eastman which will beat any 500-800 Morgan Monroe, Kentucky, or other import hands down.

[steve_man]

Where is the best place to buy Kentucky mandos? Just curious to see if there is another place out there other than the obvious ones.

[whit townsend]

 

Where is the best place to buy Kentucky mandos? Just curious to see if there is another place out there other than the obvious ones.

 

 

check out janetdavismusic, firstqualitymusic, and elderly

[Bernie P.]

Steve follow the links to Mtn music in my Mtn music/you tube post.Al can help you get started off on the right foot.Good luck!

[steve_man]

Thanks for all the links guys. As much as I want a Kentucky mando, this is a gift, and I needed the price to be about $100 or less. All of the "lower end" mandos look like they come from the same factory to me. I cannot tell a single difference between the Rouge at $49, and the Rover at $79. The "V" model from Rondo looks like the others, as well...except it says it's made of basswood, which does not sound like a great tonewood on an acoustic instrument, IMO.

 

So, with the "instant rebates" that Musicians Friend has going right now, I bought the Rogue A-style mando in sunburst, a hardshell case, set of Martin strings (everyone says to change the strings on a Rogue), and a Planet Waves mando strap for $91 shipped!

 

I will not get it until Christmas...but thanks for the help! I may be asking for help on changing out the bridge when I get it!

[Bernie P.]

When the time comes theres good info here on mandos,etc-

http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/pagelist.html

Good luck!

[silmaneero]

 

So, with the "instant rebates" that Musicians Friend has going right now, I bought the Rogue A-style mando in sunburst, a hardshell case, set of Martin strings (everyone says to change the strings on a Rogue), and a Planet Waves mando strap for $91 shipped!

 

 

Cool. Sounds like a good deal.