A friend of mine started learning the mandolin a while back on a pretty cheap mandolin, and now he's looking one that's a little better. Is there any good quality mandolins somewhere between $200 and $300? It would also be really nice if it came with a hook-up. Any suggestions would be great!
go to www.mandolincafe.com - mostly high end stuff but worth looking at - eastman and trinity are two makes that have reasonably cheap models that actually work well
It's very hard to find "good quality" mandolins in this price range. However, if I were in your position, I would look for a used Mid-Missouri. They are all solid wood, flat back, round hole, and made in the US by a great company. You can see some of their models here with the list pricing. You can get them for less if you shop around http://www.midmomandolin.com/products_mandolins.php
The problem with getting some of the very very cheap "imports" is that they are not set up well. This means that the player is likely to get frustrated because the action would be too high, or the strings would buzz, or there would be intonation problems. This would lead to trips to a luthier etc. Might as well get a decently setup instrument with quality materials.
Spend the money and get a Joe Foley. 2-300 bux is not enough to spend on any decent instrument. If yer gonna take it even a little seriously, start saving yer pennies.
I agree - save up about twice that much and get a decent instrument. For about 600 bucks you can get a new, decent instrument, or a better used one. Just look around, but don't buy junk for 300 dollars, it will be essentially the same quality as something costing 100 dollars so what's the use? It's a waste..
I've found that Weber makes some affordable and very playable instruments. Look at the lower end of their line.
Check out the lower end Kentuckys which are the best in that price range. I had one for about a year and a half but I just traded it for a Tenor Banjo.
Good Mandolins
Good Mandolins
A friend of mine started learning the mandolin a while back on a pretty cheap mandolin, and now he's looking one that's a little better. Is there any good quality mandolins somewhere between $200 and $300? It would also be really nice if it came with a hook-up. Any suggestions would be great!
# Posted on November 23rd 2005 by jimipiper
Re: Good Mandolins
go to www.mandolincafe.com - mostly high end stuff but worth looking at - eastman and trinity are two makes that have reasonably cheap models that actually work well
# Posted on November 23rd 2005 by Cuso
Re: Good Mandolins
That's a great place. Also try www.doublestop.com. The owner, Byron Berline, is very nice and will help you get the best mando for your money.
# Posted on November 23rd 2005 by dmarie
Re: Good Mandolins
It's very hard to find "good quality" mandolins in this price range. However, if I were in your position, I would look for a used Mid-Missouri. They are all solid wood, flat back, round hole, and made in the US by a great company. You can see some of their models here with the list pricing. You can get them for less if you shop around http://www.midmomandolin.com/products_mandolins.php
The problem with getting some of the very very cheap "imports" is that they are not set up well. This means that the player is likely to get frustrated because the action would be too high, or the strings would buzz, or there would be intonation problems. This would lead to trips to a luthier etc. Might as well get a decently setup instrument with quality materials.
Good luck
Avi
# Posted on November 23rd 2005 by improziv
Re: Good Mandolins
Spend the money and get a Joe Foley. 2-300 bux is not enough to spend on any decent instrument. If yer gonna take it even a little seriously, start saving yer pennies.
# Posted on November 23rd 2005 by Farr
Re: Good Mandolins
I agree - save up about twice that much and get a decent instrument. For about 600 bucks you can get a new, decent instrument, or a better used one. Just look around, but don't buy junk for 300 dollars, it will be essentially the same quality as something costing 100 dollars so what's the use? It's a waste..
I've found that Weber makes some affordable and very playable instruments. Look at the lower end of their line.
# Posted on November 23rd 2005 by gravelwalks
Re: Good Mandolins
Check out the lower end Kentuckys which are the best in that price range. I had one for about a year and a half but I just traded it for a Tenor Banjo.
# Posted on November 24th 2005 by Why Bother?
Re: Good Mandolins
There are some pretty good reasonable priced mandolins on E bay.
# Posted on November 24th 2005 by tirvaluk