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Thread: Recommendations for a quality but affordable mandolin

  1. #26
    Registered User G. Fisher's Avatar
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    Default Re: Recommendations for a quality but affordable mandolin

    Hi Steve,


    I would suggest keeping an eye out for a used Kentucky KM-900 or KM-950. They are generally less that $1,000 and in my opinion meet the attributes you are looking for.
    “Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.”

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  2. #27

    Default Re: Recommendations for a quality but affordable mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Charles E. View Post
    This Breedlove Cascade just landed in the classifieds...

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/156382#156382

    NFI
    I have played a Breedlove Legacy OF A style for several years that is comparable to this model. It should cover all the requirements you listed. The only negative might be that due to the creative shape you'll get the inevitable 'what's that?' questions I always get playing my A style.

  3. #28

    Default Re: Recommendations for a quality but affordable mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by SteveS View Post
    Hi folks. New member here.

    I am sure there have been hundreds of prior threads on this subject, but hopefully you're willing to help a guy out! I have been playing guitar for 50+ years. I have goofed around on friend's mandos from time to time over the years, but have decided to buckle down and actually learn how to play mandolin now that I have retired and have the time to do so. I have a really nice high end collection of guitars such as Collings and Bourgeois, so have grown accustomed to fine instruments.

    So I am seeking advice and recommendations for an "affordable" yet high quality mando.

    I am concerned primarily with these attributes:

    1. Sound
    2. Intonation
    3. Tuning stability
    4. Playability

    I would like to try to limit mando acquisition cost to no more than $1K. New or used, I don't care. Aesthetics are of little to no concern to me.

    Any recommendations or am I deluding myself that I can get a good solid "professional" level instrument in this price range?

    Thanks folks!

    #3 is a tall order at any price.
    "I play BG so that's what I can talk intelligently about." A line I loved and pirated from Mandoplumb

  4. #29

    Default Re: Recommendations for a quality but affordable mandolin

    A few months ago, I bought a Eastman 505 from the Mandolin Store. Without spending too much money ($750), I think it's a great bang for the buck. My current skills just can't justify the purchase of a pricier mandolin at this time. It's setup is wonderful and for my playing, it sounds good. I can easly afford a more costly mandolin, but with my skill level, I can't justify the cost.

  5. #30
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Recommendations for a quality but affordable mandolin

    Only my Carbon fiber Mix A5 (they sold at $3600) seems tuning stable..
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  6. #31
    Registered User Jill McAuley's Avatar
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    Default Re: Recommendations for a quality but affordable mandolin

    This looks like a candidate - NFI on my part, just hit the classifieds:

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/156536#156536
    2018 Girouard Concert oval A
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  7. #32
    Registered User lowtone2's Avatar
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    Default Re: Recommendations for a quality but affordable mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by mandroid View Post
    Only my Carbon fiber Mix A5 (they sold at $3600) seems tuning stable..
    The struggle is real.

  8. #33
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Recommendations for a quality but affordable mandolin

    Hey Steve, lots of good feedback here, have you narrowed it down? Tried some mandolins?
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  9. #34
    Quietly Making Noise Dave Greenspoon's Avatar
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    Default Re: Recommendations for a quality but affordable mandolin

    A used Rigel A Natural meets your specs.
    Axes: Eastman MD-515 & El Rey; Eastwood S Mandola
    Amps: Fishman Loudbox 100; Rivera Clubster Royale Recording Head & R212 cab; Laney Cub 10

  10. #35
    Fingers of Concrete ccravens's Avatar
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    Default Re: Recommendations for a quality but affordable mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by Charles E. View Post
    Hey Steve, lots of good feedback here, have you narrowed it down? Tried some mandolins?
    I also wonder.

    I don't mind helping to answer the multitude of threads seeking advice on a new/my first mando. I just wish the OPs would let us know what they decided, and just not leave without a word.
    Chris Cravens

    Girouard A5
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  12. #36
    Registered User LastMohican's Avatar
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    Default Re: Recommendations for a quality but affordable mandolin

    My best suggestion: look for a used American made Breedlove FF. If you insist on a traditional F body mandlolin, consider a TKD Falcon.
    "I actually wanted to be a drummer, but I didn't have any drums." - Stevie Ray Vaughn

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  13. #37

    Default Re: Recommendations for a quality but affordable mandolin

    Eastman
    Gibson F-5G (Harvey signed, Oct. 14, 2014)

  14. #38
    Registered User lowtone2's Avatar
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    Default Re: Recommendations for a quality but affordable mandolin

    Quote Originally Posted by G. Fisher View Post
    Hi Steve,


    I would suggest keeping an eye out for a used Kentucky KM-900 or KM-950. They are generally less that $1,000 and in my opinion meet the attributes you are looking for.
    I just went to check prices on new Kentucky KMs and they have nearly doubled. They seem to have discontinued the KM900.

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