Re: Looking for a decent beginner mandolin
Originally Posted by
steve_o
....What I would like is:
- F style mandolin
- with electric pickup
- truss rod
- adjustable saddle
- price below $350-$400 (preferably more in line with the M510E).
....
From the list and the OP's comments the list seem IMHO to be prioritized as the following:
1. Price below $350-450. This may be doable for a used F-style, and definitely for a decent A-style.
2. F-style mandolin.. If the idea that this is a beginner mandolin and a better one is in the future, then image means more than the sound, and image comes with a higher price. Still doable for #1, but the choices are slim.
3. Adjustable saddle. Not a problem, as almost every arch-top will be so equipped. Even if the bridge has to be replaced, that's a few dollar issue.
4. Truss rod. If the OP plans to use heavy strings, having the strongest neck possible makes sense. If the plan is to use strings meant by the maker for that mandolin, this could be a non-issue. Guitar necks and mandolin necks see different stress levels, so applying "guitar logic" here may be overkill.
5. With electric pickup.. Unless the mandolin is an electric (MandoBird, etc.), most pickups I've noticed are not very sharp. A piezo pickup can always be added for a few dollars as an experiment, but good pickups and preamps don't come cheap.
So, my humble analysis sees a used The Loar 520 as a possibility, but finding one may take some effort. If the OP can compromise on the criteria in any way, choices multiply.
...Steve
Current Stable: Two Tenor Guitars (Martin 515, Blueridge BR-40T), a Tenor Banjo (Deering GoodTime 17-Fret), a Mandolin (Burgess #7). two Banjo-Ukes and five Ukuleles..
The inventory is always in some flux, but that's part of the fun.
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