Re: Looking for mandolin as a wedding gift for my fiance. Please
1. Because I know something (not all that much) about mandolins, I'd buy the Eastman MD305 for $300. Eastman instruments are well-made, all solid woods, and the "300" series mandolins are well-thought-of as value for their prices, new or used.
2. Because you're not a mandolinist, and your fiancé likes F-models, you might well want to follow Don's advice and consider the Rover. They're sold by the same firm, Saga, that sells the Kentucky and Trinity College brands, and are decently made, all solid woods, and carved rather than heat-pressed.
3. As stated several times above, a good shop set-up is required. If you get the instrument from dealers like Elderly, Folkmusician.com, Mandolin Store and others, you'll get that. If you go to Musician's Friend, e.g., you won't, and you'll need to pay someone local to check and adjust the set-up -- or your fiancé will have to learn to do it himself, which is do-able but bothersome.
4. Consider the accessories as well; case (will the Rogue case fit the new instrument?) or gig bag, strap, tuner -- whatever he doesn't have already.
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
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