The person next to me at a session the other night was playing a Weber mandolin that sounded just beautiful and had lots of volume. I've heard vintage Gibsons, but they didn't sound nearly as nice as this. Pricey, though.
Years back I bought an Ovation mandolin (mostly because I enjoyed playing Ovation Guitars.) I still play it sometimes, but I would probably have been better getting something with more of a "mandoliny" sound and more volume.
I have a washburn/lyon & healy mandolin (made around 1915) which I am willing to part with. It is in very good condition and it works well for ITM. Let me know if you are interested.
Cuso
I know that there are some recognised 'good' makes both new and vintage but I think you have to go and play a whole load and choose the instrument (not just the make) that makes you happy. When I did that I came away with a Breedlove Quartz (after trying the Webers, Vintage Gibsons etc) and I've never regretted it. If you can get, the Acoustic Music Company in Brighton is a great place to spend a day playing through the stock.
Don't buy one with a round back.The majority of them don't sound good, and are only fit for hanging on a wall as decoration, and besides they are awkward to hold as they tend to slide around you fat belly. Some mandolins don't sound to my ears like a mandoln should . . . some sound more like 12 string guitars. Try and find a loud one, because then you will be heard better in sessions.
The best thing is to go sit in an instrument shop and try a few out. If your a beginner there are hundreds of beginner mandolins, but to many people this can actually put you off falling in love with a sound.
everyone has a different sound that they like so it really comes down to you listening to a few and saying thats the one I want, go sit in a shop for a couple of hours and make some noise...........
Seriously, I've got a Hathway, it has a nice tone, and can generate a fair old volume - I don't know what they cost though, I bought mine off Jerry when he upgraded to a model with go-faster stripes.
Have a look at http://home.hccnet.nl/h.speek/bouzouki/hathway2.html
The one I've got is second from the right....
does anyone have any comments on a Kentucky mandolin? I bought one in a music store in LA.
The sales person rang up the wrong price, and since it was my "birthday", I did not complain!
Saved me over $300 (-:
I also have a Mid-Missouri mandolin. I know several others who have one also. Good comments heard from all. You can shop around to find one cheaper than from Mid Missouri site.
My dad up and bought an Epiphone mandolin - the bastard son of Gibson - that sounds just wonderful. Has a definite mandolin-y sound to it, has a good volume, and none of that fat belly slippage.
Ottery, 20 euros its a deal! I played a Hathaway in a Hobgoblin shop once and it had a lovely tone, very nice instruments.
The kentury ones are nice too, I actually picked mine up on a trip to Hong Kong, found it in some wierd and wonderful instrument shop. He had no idea what it was, sitting there for years............gave him a good price for it though he he he
I bought an Eiphone MM20 mandolin about 18 months back I think I paid about Euro280, I just wanted to try my hand at it and see how it would go, so I didn't want to go spending a huge amount of money.
I haven't really played many other mandolins, but I have to say this one has a fairly decent sound, and good volume too. I intend to by a better one whenI can afford it, but if you're just beginning I'd recommend that model or something similar, you can always upgrade at a later stage.
I agree with the advice about avoiding the bowl-back instruments-they just don't project well. There are instruments with carved, tap-tuned soundboards and backs, just like a well crafted violin, that project better than those instruments that are not. This does tend to up the price of the instrument, but if you want to hear your instrument while you're playing in a group, it's worth the extra money. There is a store in California called Gryphon Strings that lists several used instruments on their website (I'm sorry, I don't know the web address off hand) where you can find the occaisional instrument at a bargain price. Also, check out the Rigel Mandolins website--they offer excellent quality and craftsmanship for the money. I'm planning on going with one of theirs when I buy my second instrument next year. (I currently play a Flatiron).
I bought a romanian one and I'm really pleased with it. Have a look at www.hora.ro. The best ratio quality-price (under 100$ and really good).
If not I would suggest a luthier, someone like Lawrence Nyberg (www.guitarmaker.ca) or Davy Stuart.
Good luck
If you're just looking for something inexpensive to try out The Music Room do a starter pack with mandolin and accessories (I think) for under £100. Check out their website.
Finding a mando is a bit of a lottery, esp. since you can luck out and pay under $100 for a surprisingly good romanian special, or $100K for a 20s gibson. It's whatever you feel like affording, but it really comes down to the sound. Contrary to some previous posts, my first mando was a "bowl-back" style, and it's still one of the loudest I've ever heard (or is that just me banging the bajesus out of it??!!). Similarily, I've tried old gibson's with a $2500 sticker on the them that sound awful. Also tried a brand new Gibson F5 Master thingy priced at $7000 that SUCKED.
Kentucky, Weber, Epiphone, and Flatiron all make decent entry to midrange level mandos. For anything more serious, go with a builder.
Gavin Baird built mine - and I LOVE it! http://www.sheba.ca
Cheers,
Corey (officially de-lurking)
My 2c...
Do check out www.mandolincafe.com for thorough discussions re: everything related to mandolins. However, remember that anyone can post their opinion, and not everyone is equally knowledgeable. In my experience, people often wax eloquent about whatever it is that they have, but may not have any basis for comparison. Just because someone is articulate doesn't mean they know anything. *(-;
The array of options for mandolins is so wide and varied, I don't think there's an easy answer to the question. You may want to consider how much you want to spend and then look for the best you can find in that range... and I definitely agree with the suggestion to find a place where you can play a bunch and compare them. (I spent an afternoon at the Mandolin Bros. store on Staten Island...big fun... and my favorite from that experience was the Phoenix Neoclassical at about $2k- but there are lots of wonderful instruments for far less).
If you are just starting mandolin (as with any instrument) I would NOT recommend buying the cheapest beater you can find... you don't want the limitations of the instrument to frustrate your learning process. Find something that has a sound that excites you enough to want to practice a lot!
For a few more objective specs... most would probably say that it's worth it to buy an instrument made from solid woods and not laminates. re: bowlbacks... as you can see... opinions vary. They don't tend to project as well as the carved top instruments, and to me they are uncomfortable to hold and play. The tendency in the mandolin world is that A style, oval hole instruments are usually associated with Celtic music in contrast with the F style instruments that are more associated with bluegrass.
Hi I no this message is rathe rlate heh eseems it was a few months ago you were looking for mandolins, but there are many shops here in bedfordshire that seel all sorts of mandolins. I am a mandolin player myself, and have bought all my mandolins locally.
Buying a Mandoline
Buying a Mandoline
After a recent Denis Cahill workshop, I've
been persuaded to buy a mandoline.
Does anyone have any advice/recommedations ?
# Posted on August 13th 2004 by BegF
Re: Buying a Mandoline
Or is that "mandolin" ?
# Posted on August 13th 2004 by BegF
Re: Buying a Mandoline
The person next to me at a session the other night was playing a Weber mandolin that sounded just beautiful and had lots of volume. I've heard vintage Gibsons, but they didn't sound nearly as nice as this. Pricey, though.
Years back I bought an Ovation mandolin (mostly because I enjoyed playing Ovation Guitars.) I still play it sometimes, but I would probably have been better getting something with more of a "mandoliny" sound and more volume.
# Posted on August 13th 2004 by grego
Re: Buying a Mandoline
I think the Weber I heard was the "Bridger", on this site...
http://www.janetdavismusic.com/m-weber.html
# Posted on August 13th 2004 by grego
Re: Buying a Mandoline
I recently bought a Mid-Missouri mandonlin and love it. Handmade from solid wood, but with no frills to keep the price down.
http://www.midmomandolin.com/products_mandolins.php
Mandolin Cafe is a great site to read up on, and they have a message board.
http://www.mandolincafe.com/
Eddie
# Posted on August 13th 2004 by beowulf573
Re: Buying a Mandoline
I have a washburn/lyon & healy mandolin (made around 1915) which I am willing to part with. It is in very good condition and it works well for ITM. Let me know if you are interested.
Cuso
# Posted on August 13th 2004 by Cuso
Re: Buying a Mandoline
A friend of mine bought a Weber and it's the best mandoline that Iv'e ever heard.Highly recommended.
# Posted on March 1st 2003 by dafydd
Re: Buying a Mandoline
I know that there are some recognised 'good' makes both new and vintage but I think you have to go and play a whole load and choose the instrument (not just the make) that makes you happy. When I did that I came away with a Breedlove Quartz (after trying the Webers, Vintage Gibsons etc) and I've never regretted it. If you can get, the Acoustic Music Company in Brighton is a great place to spend a day playing through the stock.
# Posted on August 14th 2004 by paul.slater
Re: Buying a Mandoline
Don't buy one with a round back.The majority of them don't sound good, and are only fit for hanging on a wall as decoration, and besides they are awkward to hold as they tend to slide around you fat belly. Some mandolins don't sound to my ears like a mandoln should . . . some sound more like 12 string guitars. Try and find a loud one, because then you will be heard better in sessions.
# Posted on August 14th 2004 by Justintime
Re: Buying a Mandoline
That should have been "your" fat belly, (if you have one!)
# Posted on August 14th 2004 by Justintime
Re: Buying a Mandoline
The best thing is to go sit in an instrument shop and try a few out. If your a beginner there are hundreds of beginner mandolins, but to many people this can actually put you off falling in love with a sound.
I bought an old gibson A for about $800 and would part with it for any money. You can find them alot cheaper too.
http://www.chinatogalway.com/Gibson%20A.htm
everyone has a different sound that they like so it really comes down to you listening to a few and saying thats the one I want, go sit in a shop for a couple of hours and make some noise...........
Ks
# Posted on August 14th 2004 by KS
Re: Buying a Mandoline
Kieron, you'd part with it for any money?
I'll give you 20 Euros...
# Posted on August 14th 2004 by Ottery
Re: Buying a Mandoline
Seriously, I've got a Hathway, it has a nice tone, and can generate a fair old volume - I don't know what they cost though, I bought mine off Jerry when he upgraded to a model with go-faster stripes.
Have a look at http://home.hccnet.nl/h.speek/bouzouki/hathway2.html
The one I've got is second from the right....
# Posted on August 14th 2004 by Ottery
Re: Buying a Mandoline
Thanks.
# Posted on August 14th 2004 by BegF
Re: Buying a Mandoline
does anyone have any comments on a Kentucky mandolin? I bought one in a music store in LA.
The sales person rang up the wrong price, and since it was my "birthday", I did not complain!
Saved me over $300 (-:
# Posted on August 14th 2004 by Eoino
Re: Buying a Mandoline
I also have a Mid-Missouri mandolin. I know several others who have one also. Good comments heard from all. You can shop around to find one cheaper than from Mid Missouri site.
# Posted on August 14th 2004 by Jiml
Re: Buying a Mandoline
My dad up and bought an Epiphone mandolin - the bastard son of Gibson - that sounds just wonderful. Has a definite mandolin-y sound to it, has a good volume, and none of that fat belly slippage.
# Posted on August 14th 2004 by grainya
Re: Buying a Mandoline
Ottery, 20 euros its a deal! I played a Hathaway in a Hobgoblin shop once and it had a lovely tone, very nice instruments.
The kentury ones are nice too, I actually picked mine up on a trip to Hong Kong, found it in some wierd and wonderful instrument shop. He had no idea what it was, sitting there for years............gave him a good price for it though he he he
ks
# Posted on August 15th 2004 by KS
Re: Buying a Mandoline
I bought an Eiphone MM20 mandolin about 18 months back I think I paid about Euro280, I just wanted to try my hand at it and see how it would go, so I didn't want to go spending a huge amount of money.
I haven't really played many other mandolins, but I have to say this one has a fairly decent sound, and good volume too. I intend to by a better one whenI can afford it, but if you're just beginning I'd recommend that model or something similar, you can always upgrade at a later stage.
# Posted on August 15th 2004 by oraghalm
Re: Buying a Mandoline
I agree with the advice about avoiding the bowl-back instruments-they just don't project well. There are instruments with carved, tap-tuned soundboards and backs, just like a well crafted violin, that project better than those instruments that are not. This does tend to up the price of the instrument, but if you want to hear your instrument while you're playing in a group, it's worth the extra money. There is a store in California called Gryphon Strings that lists several used instruments on their website (I'm sorry, I don't know the web address off hand) where you can find the occaisional instrument at a bargain price. Also, check out the Rigel Mandolins website--they offer excellent quality and craftsmanship for the money. I'm planning on going with one of theirs when I buy my second instrument next year. (I currently play a Flatiron).
# Posted on August 15th 2004 by Aragorn
Re: Buying a Mandoline
I bought a romanian one and I'm really pleased with it. Have a look at www.hora.ro. The best ratio quality-price (under 100$ and really good).
If not I would suggest a luthier, someone like Lawrence Nyberg (www.guitarmaker.ca) or Davy Stuart.
Good luck
# Posted on August 15th 2004 by Gontzo
Re: Buying a Mandoline
Hi Cuso,
I tried sending an email to you.
How much are you looking for, for the washburn?
# Posted on August 16th 2004 by BegF
Re: Buying a Mandoline
If you're just looking for something inexpensive to try out The Music Room do a starter pack with mandolin and accessories (I think) for under £100. Check out their website.
# Posted on August 18th 2004 by Nutty Nessie
Re: Buying a Mandoline
Nessie, do you really play in a band called the copro-whatsits. That's really bad...
# Posted on August 19th 2004 by Ottery
Re: Buying a Mandoline
Finding a mando is a bit of a lottery, esp. since you can luck out and pay under $100 for a surprisingly good romanian special, or $100K for a 20s gibson. It's whatever you feel like affording, but it really comes down to the sound. Contrary to some previous posts, my first mando was a "bowl-back" style, and it's still one of the loudest I've ever heard (or is that just me banging the bajesus out of it??!!). Similarily, I've tried old gibson's with a $2500 sticker on the them that sound awful. Also tried a brand new Gibson F5 Master thingy priced at $7000 that SUCKED.
Kentucky, Weber, Epiphone, and Flatiron all make decent entry to midrange level mandos. For anything more serious, go with a builder.
Gavin Baird built mine - and I LOVE it!
http://www.sheba.ca
Cheers,
Corey (officially de-lurking)
# Posted on August 22nd 2004 by CTick
Re: Buying a Mandoline
My 2c...
Do check out www.mandolincafe.com for thorough discussions re: everything related to mandolins. However, remember that anyone can post their opinion, and not everyone is equally knowledgeable. In my experience, people often wax eloquent about whatever it is that they have, but may not have any basis for comparison. Just because someone is articulate doesn't mean they know anything. *(-;
The array of options for mandolins is so wide and varied, I don't think there's an easy answer to the question. You may want to consider how much you want to spend and then look for the best you can find in that range... and I definitely agree with the suggestion to find a place where you can play a bunch and compare them. (I spent an afternoon at the Mandolin Bros. store on Staten Island...big fun... and my favorite from that experience was the Phoenix Neoclassical at about $2k- but there are lots of wonderful instruments for far less).
If you are just starting mandolin (as with any instrument) I would NOT recommend buying the cheapest beater you can find... you don't want the limitations of the instrument to frustrate your learning process. Find something that has a sound that excites you enough to want to practice a lot!
For a few more objective specs... most would probably say that it's worth it to buy an instrument made from solid woods and not laminates. re: bowlbacks... as you can see... opinions vary. They don't tend to project as well as the carved top instruments, and to me they are uncomfortable to hold and play. The tendency in the mandolin world is that A style, oval hole instruments are usually associated with Celtic music in contrast with the F style instruments that are more associated with bluegrass.
good luck and let us know what you end up with...
KE
# Posted on August 28th 2004 by otterly2k
Re: Buying a Mandoline
Hi I no this message is rathe rlate heh eseems it was a few months ago you were looking for mandolins, but there are many shops here in bedfordshire that seel all sorts of mandolins. I am a mandolin player myself, and have bought all my mandolins locally.
# Posted on October 28th 2004 by Trad Girl