advice on buying a epiphone MM 30

**merv** · Apr-18-2004, 11:45pm

I am a beginner and have an old mandolin that is only for for kindling . Local music shop has an MM 30 that is within my price range . Need to know if this is a decent mandolin for the money .
thanks for any help

**Big Joe** · Apr-19-2004, 8:36am

As with any pac rim mandolin, they will never replace the high end stuff, but for a beginner they are a good mandolin. The ones made in the last year are even better and represent a good value and a playable instrument. It will get you playing and ready for a good one in the near future.

**Lee** · Apr-19-2004, 9:49am

An MM-30 was my starter. It was solid and played well. Excellent for a beginner. I eventually glued a Barcus Berry magnetic pick-up to the top and installed an end-pin jack. Had for many years. It took a pickin' and still kept lickin'.

**jom** · Apr-19-2004, 9:52am

An MM30 was also my starter. I also thought it was a great starting mandolin, and mine is now in the hands of a new beginner.

**mmukav** · Apr-19-2004, 10:21am

I had an MM50 and really liked it. I replaced the rosewood bridge with an ebony one and fiddled with the set up and that really helped a lot. Great mando for a starter.

**merv** · Apr-19-2004, 10:23pm

Thanks for the help . Will pick one up .

**Troyer** · Apr-21-2004, 6:54pm

Hey mmukav, I think i'm the one that bought your mm50 last year. It's been a great mando for me.My 5yr old wants to play it so i'm gettin him a kidmo. Just letting you know that i'm happy with it. Don

**WaywardFiddler** · Apr-21-2004, 10:07pm

Hey Troyer, Let us know how that KidMo works out. I have a 5 y.o. violin player that tried wrestling with a full size mando today -- I might just be in the market for a KidMo, too.
-dave

**atetone** · Apr-22-2004, 10:35am

Merv, someone just listed a Morgan Monroe White Lighting in the classifieds that looks like a good deal if that style appeals to you.
I don't know much about these mandos but the price looks right to me??

**Troyer** · Apr-22-2004, 5:13pm

WaywardFiddler
Just got the kidmo today,so can't give you a long term evaluation but from what i've seen of it, it sure is alot easier to play for a kid than a full size one.The fact that is only has 4 strings makes it a lot easier to play. My 5 yr old can't put it down.