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Thread: Recommendation on F style Mandolin?

  1. #1

    Post Recommendation on F style Mandolin?

    Hello! Newbie here. I am looking for my first mandolin in the $800 dollar range. Any recommendations on brand and model? Hopefully something easy to play(action wise) and doesn’t need a major setup. Also good craftsmanship. Thank you for accepting me into the Mandolin Cafe.

    Laredo

    PS I like all types of Mandolin music.

  2. #2
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Recommendation on F style Mandolin?

    Eastman MD-315
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  3. #3
    Pittsburgh Bill
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    Default Re: Recommendation on F style Mandolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by pheffernan View Post
    Eastman MD-315
    Also, buy from a Cafe sponsor and it will come with a good set-up.
    Big Muddy EM8 solid body (Mike Dulak's final EM8 build)
    Kentucky KM-950
    Weber Gallatin A Mandola "D hole"
    Rogue 100A (current campfire tool & emergency canoe paddle)

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    Registered User Eric F.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Recommendation on F style Mandolin?

    Click this link and click "Add to cart." Done!

  5. #5
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Recommendation on F style Mandolin?

    https://sunvalleyguitars.com/product...v=e748b7c8fd06

    This one and the others mentioned above are good deals for a great Mandolin, set up, and gig bag within your budget.

    For under a grand, and new/set up, you cant do much better than the Eastmans coming out now. If you look high and low you might find a something used.... that could or could not be a deal depending on any work needed.
    Worlds okay-ist mandolin player

    Relative newcomer

    Weber Yellowstone F (2015)
    Red Valley EM (2018)
    Howard Morris Blue A4 (2023)
    Flatiron 1N (1982)

    https://youtube.com/@zachwilson54?si=iGum4xPlSj0pbcjj

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    Registered User J Mangio's Avatar
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    Default Re: Recommendation on F style Mandolin?

    I will suggest The Loar brand, take notice to the amount of Kentucky and Eastman brand up for resale in the classifieds, and take note how many The Loar are up for resale, that should tell you something.
    Last edited by J Mangio; Dec-31-2020 at 2:14pm.
    2021 The Loar LM700 VS

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  8. #7
    Registered User J Mangio's Avatar
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    Default Re: Recommendation on F style Mandolin?

    https://youtu.be/RavUMQYgnK8
    The 520 may be the ticket.
    2021 The Loar LM700 VS

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    Registered User Eric F.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Recommendation on F style Mandolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by J Mangio View Post
    I will suggest The Loar brand, take notice to the amount of Kentucky and Eastman brand up for resale in the classifieds, and take note how many The Loar are up for resale, that should tell you something.
    If it tells me anything, which it such a small sample really can't, it tells me that there are a lot more Kentuckys and Eastmans out there.

  10. #9
    Registered User Pappyrich's Avatar
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    Default Re: Recommendation on F style Mandolin?

    There was a recent thread asking which was a better brand Eastman or The Loar. Just for fun I did a quick count of the replies. Eastman 19, The Loar 3, and Kentucky 2. Not sure what this really means, but there seems to be significantly more Eastman owners who are willing to recommend their mando (I am one of them), than The Loar owners. Most other threads seeking advice on a quality entry level mando contain lots of recommendations for the Eastmans. YMMV.
    Richard

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  11. #10

    Default Re: Recommendation on F style Mandolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by pheffernan View Post
    Eastman MD-315
    Quote Originally Posted by Pittsburgh Bill View Post
    Also, buy from a Cafe sponsor and it will come with a good set-up.
    Quote Originally Posted by Eric F. View Post
    Click this link and click "Add to cart." Done!
    Thank you all for your recommendations. I will definitely look into the Eastmans and Loar brands. I hope to make a purchase soon.

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  13. #11
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Recommendation on F style Mandolin?

    Saga's Kentucky brand seems to be another favorite mentioned here often..
    writing about music
    is like dancing,
    about architecture

  14. #12
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    Default Re: Recommendation on F style Mandolin?

    315. I bought one as a “beater” a few years ago, but liked it so much that I only took it on one camping trip and otherwise treated it pretty much like my better mandolins. Sold it in a downsize a couple of years ago, but wish I still had it. They’re hard to beat in this price range...
    Chuck

  15. #13
    Registered User Lane Pryce's Avatar
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    Default Re: Recommendation on F style Mandolin?

    If you are patient check FB market place, Craig’s List, and The MC Classifieds you may be able to find a deal on a 615. Lp
    J.Lane Pryce

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