Members samthinguy Posted October 17, 2005 Members Posted October 17, 2005 So I really would like to learn to play and I think it would be a great travel instrument to mess around with. I played a fender at GC today that was pretty cool, but I was just wondering if anyone out there had any suggestions for a good sounding durable mandolin, in the less than $250 price range. What are somethings I need to look for?
Members knockwood Posted October 17, 2005 Members Posted October 17, 2005 You may want to visit this forum - tons of useful information there and a bunch of people with boundless mandolin knowledge:http://www.mandolincafe.com I bought my first mandolin in April. I'm in love with the freakin' thing. You're gonna have a blast. As with gits, you want to make sure you get something with a solid top. I'd suggest an A style (pear-shaped) to start because they're generally less costly than their fancier brethren, the F styles. My inexperienced ear says body shape (A vs. F) doesn't make a difference; however, oval hole vs. F holes does. I prefer oval (less projection, a little sweeter IMO) but then I'm not much of a bluegrass kind of guy. Try out everything you can find.
Members braif Posted October 17, 2005 Members Posted October 17, 2005 I bought an Agile mandolin last year. It is an F-Style with a solid spruce top. It is very well made considering the price, and plays very well. Sounds sweet, and stays in tune very well. Unfortunately, you would likely have to buy one over the internet, so you wouldn't be able to try before you buy. There are a number of Asian made mandolins out there floating around under various name brands with solid spruce tops that are within your price range. Like Knockwood said, you should at least try to get something with a solid spruce top...some of the cheaper mandolins that I played before I bought mine had very thin, uneven frets and they were very hard to play, so that is something to look at as well.
Members guitarcapo Posted October 17, 2005 Members Posted October 17, 2005 Lots of great Asian made madolins out there built from solid woods cheap these days.
Members zookie Posted October 17, 2005 Members Posted October 17, 2005 $250 isn't a lot to spend on a new mandolin. The Trinity College brand is considered reliable but low-end. A mandolin with a hardshell case will run you about $450 new. Lower end mandolins may have decent enough tone, but may not project as well. Pretty much the same situation as a guitar. As with any instrument, check for action, projection, construction. It's a great instrument to learn!
Members Tweedledee Posted October 17, 2005 Members Posted October 17, 2005 Perhaps you should check out Kentucky mandolins. They seem to be decent for the price, and you should be able to find one with a solid spruce top for around $250. Like knockwood said, you will probably want to get an A-Style because they are generally cheaper. Save the F-style for when you become a pro and are playing on TV
Members Cldplytkmn Posted October 18, 2005 Members Posted October 18, 2005 I bought an A Style Kentucky with solid top for about $250
Members samthinguy Posted October 18, 2005 Author Members Posted October 18, 2005 thanks everyone I really appreciate the replies, its looks like the best for the money I can do is Kentucky...besides I'm kinda interested in their guitars and if I get a less expensive mandolin and feel it is up to snuff maybe I will take the plunge and order a blueridge from Saga as well
Members monsterxman Posted October 19, 2005 Members Posted October 19, 2005 Another route you could go is a Troubadour. Made in Romania. Solid top and backs...Troubadour Instruments I have a Troubadour mandola that can be tuned like a mandolin that I'd sell for only $100 if you were interested? It's in perfect/new like condition...
Members Musima Posted October 19, 2005 Members Posted October 19, 2005 Originally posted by monsterxman Another route you could go is a Troubadour. Made in Romania. Solid top and backs... Troubadour Instruments I have a Troubadour mandola that can be tuned like a mandolin that I'd sell for only $100 if you were interested? It's in perfect/new like condition... I guess those are made at the Hora factory in Romania..www.hora.rowww.hora.ro/pages/mandolins.htm
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