As a beginner mandolin player, what should I look for?

[anna_dc]

While I've never played mandolin, I do play ukulele and guitar and am fairly used to nicer instruments. Nothing special, but I don't really like the beginner models either. I'm hoping to keep my budget under $200; I've found a few I like but was wondering what the best deal was.
F Styles: Maestro http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IOTGCTW/...I396SZGTKDTH2N
Morgan Monroe http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TO9L0FC/...I2WI5X5GE6UZYR
Archer http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MZCZ41G/...I1YD9RNCMXY0SX

A Styles: Fender (electric) http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-...ctric-mandolin
Oscar Schmidt http://www.amazon.com/Oscar-Schmidt-...words=mandolin

I'm also obviously open to other recommendations! Thanks for the help guys(:

[almeriastrings]

Quick answer: none of the above.

You say you are "used to nicer instruments" and "don't really like beginner models". Unfortunately, every one of the above is (being rather blunt here, but it will save you wasting your money) near junk status. Horrible quality. Roughly equivalent to a $50 guitar, and you probably know what those are like. There are extremely few mandolins in the sub-$300 range that qualify as "decent" starter instruments. The one that immediately comes to mind is the Kentucky KM-140.

It is a solid wood (top) instrument (not plywood) and is properly put together. It is miles ahead of any of the others you mention. For $250 you can get an ALL SOLID wood instrument (again by Kentucky that is really very well suited to beginners) - the KM-150.


The KM-150 would be my choice under $400-500.

Setup - string height, frets, nut, bridge - is critical. Mandolins need this. Buy from a specialty store that understands mandolins and will see the basics are order, not from a box shifter who will fail to do any of this. It is the difference between getting a playable instrument or a mandolin aversion therapy device.

As for decent F-style mandolins for $200..... not possible, sorry. You need to up your minimum budget to at least $500, and even then you are really scraping the bottom of the barrel. $800-$1500 is a more realistic figure if quality is a concern.

[Josh Levine]

If I were purchasing a beginner mandolin I would purchase a used flat top mandolin. American made. There have been some decent Mid Mos and Flatiron like "pancake" mandolins online recently. These are quality sounding instruments, play easy, and retain their value. Otherwise I would look for a used KM 150.

[almeriastrings]

I would think you would have to be having a really lucky day to find one of those in the OP's budget range (stated to be around $200). Mostly, they go used for around $350 and up on average from what I have seen. Good instruments, though, and well worth it.

[MysTiK PiKn]

I'm tempted to say Epiphone F-style USED. I think it's model EM-50 (don't buy the em-30).
They also have a higher newer electric pickup model at a higher price. It's similar to a guitar pickup. obviously more $$$7ish.
You'll see assorted reviews, depending on how critical you want to get. But with your guitar experience, you should be able so sort the wheat from the chaff.
Anyway the Epiphone will likely break your stated budget; but you might find a bargain for 250-350. Beyond the beginner stages, it will make a nice 2nd campfire beater, or cash it in when you are ready to get into a better model. Learn a couple of chords, use a hard pick, fret a few notes, all over the neck.

Mandos are much like guitars, with higher pitch. Easy to get started playing. I hope this helps, rather than confuse.
I agree with Almeria that you are considering junk. The better mandolins are 500+ easy to spend 800 - 1000+.
And setup is needed, as stated.
Learn how to "sight" a neck, if you haven't done that already.
Research, ask questions, read threads here, goto maker's websites, read specs. I did research for about 6 months; most won't. It depends how serious you want to make it.

[edit] With budget restraints, you can definitely get more mandolin - lots of people try it out, and just don't want to continue. So, look at what you think is out of range, and then shop used market. Use that guitar experience - that will work. You can also haggle, make an offer, or plead insanity - whatever works.

[pheffernan]

I don't really like the beginner models either. I'm hoping to keep my budget under $200

Unfortunately, you will find these two statements to be a contradiction in terms in the mandolin world. Quality new beginner archtops, like the Kentucky almeriastrings noted, start around $250: http://elderly.com/new_instruments/n...el--KM150S.htm. If you don't intend to take your mandolin to a bluegrass jam any time soon, JWalterWeatherman recommends a great alternative: the domestic flattop. Since they take less time to build, they are less costly to buy, and thus allow you to get into an instrument that is not a beginner mandolin at a price point where that is generally all you will find. Almeria is correct that you are unlikely to find one in the $200 range, but they can be found in the $300-500 range used:

http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/84161
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/85171
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/84581
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/84713
http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/84944

As JeffD likes to say, one of these could make you happy for life.

[Ed Goist]

Hi Anna, and welcome to the Cafe!

By a wide margin, the best new mandolin in the "up to $200" price category I have played is the Ibanez M510 A-Style mandolin. Moreover, I've played three of these in music shops, and they were all pretty similar, so in my experience the product consistency is acceptable. No one is going to mistake this mandolin for an all solid-wood entry-level mandolin like the Kentucky KM-150 ($300 and probably the best starter out there), but the Ibanez has decent tone, decent build quality, and is a ball to play. I've recommended this mandolin to a couple of guitar playing friends who now happily own it. (Oh, I did help them set-up the intonation on the mandolin once they got it, so if you decide on this one, post here about what you should do to it to get the intonation right, and we will walk you through it.)

Looking for a gently used Kentucky KM-150 or KM-250 would be another (probably better) option, but searches like this can take time.

Good luck! Let us know what you end up getting.

BTW...Don't be intimidated out of your budget, or decide "you may as well not even get a mandolin unless you're going to spend $X dollars"...There are plenty of folks out there playing and perfectly happy with $200 mandolins. As a matter of fact, on of my buddies with the Ibanez chose the acoustic/electric version and he gigs with it.

[JeffD]

If I were purchasing a beginner mandolin I would purchase a used flat top mandolin. American made. There have been some decent Mid Mos and Flatiron like "pancake" mandolins online recently. These are quality sounding instruments, play easy, and retain their value. Otherwise I would look for a used KM 150.

Yes.

I am not a beginner, and I have purchased a great American made flat top or two. They have the inaccurate reputation for being beginner instruments because they are a real good value, but in reality you would be getting a first rate instrument, materials and quality build no compromises.

[JeffD]

If there is question in your mind as to whether you will like the mandolin or not, I would save all your money and rent or borrow an instrument for a week and mess with it. If you like it, you still have your money to spend, and if you don't like it, you still have your money to spend.

[JeffD]

As JeffD likes to say, one of these could make you happy for life.

[JeffD]

What kind of music are you going after? While most any mandolin can do it all, certain genres have their styles - for lots of reasons.

[Capt. E]

In general, a mandolin with cost twice as much as an equivalent quality guitar. I would put my budget up to at least $300 and look at the following brands: Kentucky, J. Bovier, Eastman. If a "pancake" style is acceptable (very nice but different sounding) Big Muddy is the best thought of.
I would consider the Kentucky KM-250 or KM-270. Check out the good shops who advertise here on the Cafe. I like the people at Fiddlers Green in Austin Texas: http://www.fiddlersgreenmusicshop.co....G5KSY3bT.dpbs

[bigskygirl]

Hi Anna, welcome to the cafe. You didn't say where you are but if there are any festivals near you this summer go and check out the vendors, I was just at Wintergrass and the Eastman vendor had mandolins there at just about half off, their low end model 305/315's were right around $400.

I know that's double your budget but if you get a first mandolin you can actually play you may just like it. If not then you can most likely sell it for what you paid. Check out the classifieds here and search the threads for more info, there is lots of discussion here on first mandolins. Since you already play guitar and uke you know about instruments and you get what you pay for.

Not saying there aren't good $200 mandolins, but you'll be happier waiting and spending a bit more money.

[Steve Sorensen]

It's mostly about the set-up. Only buy from a seller that is know for doing a great set-up for every mandolin sold.

I feel certain that more new players quit the mandolin because the instrument that they start with is uncomfortable due to the horrible set-ups typical of new "bargain" instruments from the factory.

I suggest that you -

1. Select a retailer who guarantees a good set-up.
2. Call when you make your order and ask for "low and comfortable". It doesn't hurt to have the personal input . . . even for retailers who adjust every instrument before shipping.
3. Be prepared to still need to build up those tender guitar calluses a bit more once you start picking the mandolin.

Steve

[Capt. E]

After the above comments, if you still want to stay in the $200 area, here is a nice mandolin at a good price: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kentucky-KM-...item41938d003b

If you got this, you might want to take it to a good instrument repair person to have a good set-up done.

Here is an even better instrument http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kentucky-KM1...item339e2dbdd9 though it has a small crack in the top, the model is a good one.

[Randi Gormley]

Well, there's another option, but it isn't for the faint at heart. A good old bowlback with a straight neck would come in at your price range or slightly lower. the trouble is finding a good one -- and no, you don't have to only play classical on one!

[Capt. E]

Well, there's another option, but it isn't for the faint at heart. A good old bowlback with a straight neck would come in at your price range or slightly lower. the trouble is finding a good one -- and no, you don't have to only play classical on one!

I've purchased three very nice looking bowl-backs off ebay over the years and all of them had bowed necks that made them unplayable past the 8-9th fret...ended up selling them and more or less got my money back...credit it towards my mandolin education. I acquired a 1916 Gibson A last year that had a bit of a neck bow that was "fixed" with a fret leveling. Having a truss-rod can indeed be a plus in the long term, though certainly no guarantee. But, when you get a "good one", they become hard to part with.

[Northwest Steve]

I will chime and give my 2 cents. As mentioned you are limited at $200 and would have many more good options at $300-400 and if you get a good used one in that price range would probably have a better resale value. I am fairly new to mandolins (or playing any instrument) but have experience with two that would be close to your budget, an Eastman 305 and Kentucky 150. I started out with an Eastman 305 and really liked it, easy to play and thought it sounded very nice. Was not set up properly when I got it but was great after set-up. So I got a good lesson on how important a proper set-up is. I sold mine as I had an opportunity to pick-up a great mandolin at a good price. You can find them used in the $300-350 range and here is decent deal on a B stock one.

http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/84465

One of the sponsors had a special last fall on the Kentucky 150's and I picked one up. It is also very nice and was setup properly so was ready to go out of the gate. I think the Kentucky has a little more umph and leans more towards the bluegrass spectrum. The Eastman 305 I think you could play any type of music and be happy. If you are a woman and have smaller hands the Eastman has a smaller neck, a radiused fret board, traditional frets and really felt comfortable. The 150 has a flat fret board, larger frets and the neck is quite a bitter thicker feeling, not sure it would be real comfortable for small hands. One the other hand if you play guitar you might like the larger frets and neck profile.

The Kentucky 150 mandolin link on ebay might be a good starter. It was discussed elsewhere. The strings are not installed in the nut or saddle properly, so it looks strange, otherwise looks in good shape. Also this is an actual business so if you are interested you might try calling them and offering them $150 shipped (they will save the ebay fees) and hope to buy it for $160-165?

Hopefully you can find a music store, old time fiddlers group, jam or festival and play a few different mandolins and see what you like.

[JeffD]

In If a "pancake" style is acceptable (very nice but different sounding) Big Muddy is the best thought of.

Minor point, I am not sure Big Muddy makes a pancake. Flat tops, yes. When I think of a pancake I think of an Army Navy type.

And yes they have a different sound - perhaps not a traditional "bluegrass" sound, if that is what you are going for.

[darrylicshon]

I have bought cheap mandolins before some where setup before and some i did. You haven't said how good you are at setting up instruments since you have been playing for a while you,,might be able to setup a mandolin Rob Meldrum offers a great ebook about how to setup a mandolin. There is nothing wrong with a $200.00 mandolin to start with new or used ofcource used would be better. I will buy any mandolin if it is priced right, but i usually resale the cheaper ones to friends i am teaching the mandolin with ofcource a fresh setup.

[MysTiK PiKn]

Any 200 new, walk out the door, and it's worth 100. I know I'm not accurate; it's just the trend. But you can find them all on craig's or kijiji or ebay, for 100ish, if you wait.
So why not spend 100? cos if you spend 200, you can get one worth 3-400. Rocket science? No. It's more like fishing; you have to wait for the right fish; but really, it's the net cost.
Shop new; buy used, like new. Info is all online.
This is way too hi tek for me.

[Mark Wilson]

When I think of a pancake I think of an Army Navy type.

So are pancakes round body flattops - not tear drop? Never thought of it til you mentioned.

That M1 with the fitted hard case is a good deal. The Honda Civic of mandolins

[NursingDaBlues]

Admittedly, after reading your original post I skimmed most of the responses. So if someone has already mentioned this, I apologize.

I couldn't help but notice that of the five mandolins you listed, four were available from Amazon. So making a huge (and maybe erroneous) leap, I'm assuming that you either are very comfortable buying from Amazon and the other online seller, or you live in an area that doesn't offer a lot in the way of mandolins.

You've received a lot of very good advice from the various folks who have replied to your original post so I won't go into brands. I just want to offer this:

Consider using a retailer who has a website and who you can call and talk with for advice and service after the sale. There are several who can help guide you in your purchase and help you stay within your budget. You might consider the sponsors of Mandolin Cafe.

I use Denver Folklore Center in Denver, Co http://denverfolklore.com/index.htm
(No financial interest by the way)
While you may not be able to buy from them online, you or someone you know can call them and let them guide you. They have many customers just like you who want to start out and need a little help.

Other forum members can probably offer you some retailers that provide the same service. And most retailers want to earn your business--not take you for a ride. And most will provide set-up service, which is very important, as part of the purchase price.

In any case, you not only need to feel comfortable with your purchase, you need to feel comfortable with who you're buying from.

As an additional thought, you might want to factor these items into your overall buying decision: a case or gig bag (not all come standard with one), a tuner, a humidifier, and a beginning instruction book. Granted these can be purchased fairly inexpensively from Amazon. But I feel that need to be mentioned.

I wish you success in your mandolin journey.

[JeffD]

So are pancakes round body flattops - not tear drop? Never thought of it til you mentioned.

Yea, that is what I have always thought it meant. As a group they can be great mandolins. Gibson made some years back and I contributed to the restoration and resale of an old Gibson Army Navy.

I had a pre-Gibson Flatiron pancake mandola, which, even though its not a perfect circle, I would still call pancake style.

[allenhopkins]

If you have to stay under $200, you can get an all-solid-wood Rover RM-50; it's not carved, like the Kentucky KM-150, but it's not plywood either. Rover is another brand of the big Saga organization, like Kentucky, and with a proper set-up (see almeriastrings' post above), a decent learner instrument.

Limiting to $200 is, well, limiting, as you can see from the posts above; quite a bit available $250-400, not so much below that. Set-up's crucial, more so that construction (IMHO), 'cause many of us learned on really crummy mandolins, but a bad set-up has scared off quite a few beginners. If you got the Rover you'd have some $$$$ left over for a case, tuner, instruction book, beer, whatever.