Advanced Mandolin, hand made F-5 style on Ebay

[guitarpicker]

Anyone have experience or comments on this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...fvi%3D1&_rdc=1

Looks like a great deal. What am I missing? I'm no mando expert.....

[Stephen Cagle]

Yeah guitarpicker I have looked at these mando's myself and wondered if I was missing out on a terrific deal. These mando's don't have any name on the headstock (which doesn't bother me at all) but never the less they look like a pretty welll made F5. (for a ebay mando they look almost too perfect for me) If the sound is anything like the looks then it might be a pretty nice mando at a really good deal. I wish someone on the cafe had already purchased one and had a little info on them. I bought my handmade 'Jones" a mth or 2 ago so i'm not in the market for another mando but if something happens (like the lotto or something else) I may venture out and buy 1. (oh) comes with a sharp looking case as well...

[JEStanek]

Hi and welcome to the Café. I have trouble seeing how this particular instruiment is modeled on Sam's famous mandolin (I linked to the current Gibson Sam Bush model. Sam's has a more chopped fingerboard extension and block inlays on the fingerboard instead of dots.

With a starting (and seemingly ending) bid of $378 I wouldn't expect sound like Sam's espescially when the builder/manufacturer is completely unkown. It might be just fine but then again it might not. I would take chances on an unplayed instrument from a company with a reputation before an unknown qualitiy like this.

If you're interested in a <$500 mandolin, I would recomend an A style (tear drop shaped one) by Kentucky like the KM505 over this. Buy it from a good dealer that will give it a proper set up, and offer a return period if you're not satisfied. Our sponsors here are a good place to start looking.

Jamie

[guitarpicker]

Hi. Thanks. I'll check out that Kentucky model. I'm a beginner on Mando so I guess I shouldn't be taking chances, but it sure LOOKS good. I did contact a previous buyer and he seems pretty pleased with it. And I really didn't expect it to play or sound like a Sam Bush model. Just didn't want to fall for what might be a total rip-off...

But I'll take your advice and buy something a little more mainstream from a local shop.

[MikeEdgerton]

These same mandolins from this seller have been discussed several times here with one member that actually bought one and was quite unimpressed. Here is one thread.

[guitarpicker]

Thanks Mike. Didn't mean to bring up an old topic. I did a search and didn't find anything but being new to the site, I probably didn't go about it right.

[MikeEdgerton]

No problem bringing up the subject, I had to look hard to find the old thread.

[JEStanek]

Mike is the Search Master. We're happy to revisit things.

Jamie

[guitarpicker]

Hey Mike. Thanks for the link to the previous thread. If I wasn't cautious before, I certainly am now....

[Capt. E]

Hi. Thanks. I'll check out that Kentucky model. I'm a beginner on Mando so I guess I shouldn't be taking chances, but it sure LOOKS good. I did contact a previous buyer and he seems pretty pleased with it. And I really didn't expect it to play or sound like a Sam Bush model. Just didn't want to fall for what might be a total rip-off...

But I'll take your advice and buy something a little more mainstream from a local shop.

The Kentucky KM-505 is one of the best mandolin buys out there. Buy from one of the good shops that advertise here and who include a good instrument set-up with the purchase. If you absolutely want an F model with the scroll and all, look at the Rover RM-75. Well made from solid woods, though I think the Kentucky is a better value. Either of these will get you started. Welcome to the wonderful world of mandolins.

[barney 59]

It's location is Hoston, United States--- that is somewhere between Missachusetts and Taxas. There is always an "Advanced" mandolin on ebay. They seem to be some pacrim thing.

[atetone]

As I mentioned in the thread that Mike referred to I did buy one of these mandolins.
It broke at the nut.
A while ago I contacted the seller to see if he would come to some sort of an arrangement such as replacing it.
He did not even respond.
I took a chance on mine and lost.
I wouldn't be in too much of a hurry to get one of these if I were you.

[guitarpicker]

Welcome to the wonderful world of mandolins.

Thanks! I ended up buying a blemished Eastman MD905 for $799 from the Mandolin Store. It arrived yesterday. Yes, it has an imperfection on the top. But otherwise, all I can say is wow! I spent a bit more than I originally planned, but I love it. Dennis at the Mandolin Store took very good care of me.