Re: I need some help with buying my 1st mandolin
Looks like Guitar Center basically carries Gibson, Breedlove, Ibanez, Epiphone and Washburn as their product lines, with a few Fenders, Ovations and Godins thrown in. The standard Cafe mantra is that for a given dollar amount, you get "more mandolin" by buying an A-style, since you're not paying for the fancy carving that doesn't improve the sound. But with the models you have to choose from at GC, the Ibanez (I gather it's the M-522S) doesn't look too bad. It's got a solid pressed top, laminated back and sides, rosewood bridge and fingerboard. Many of these Asian instruments are over-finished, with thick lacquer that inhibits vibration of the top; don't know if that's particularly true of Ibanez.
Since you have to buy at Guitar Center (probably got a gift card, right?), we can't recommend Kentucky instruments, which are the normal preference among Cafe types for intro-level mandolins. Look at the Washburns as well, play as many as you can find in your neighborhood usually-understocked, mostly-electric-guitar store, and don't be dazzled by the more ornate F-styles if you can find an A-style that plays and sounds better. For the first mandolin, sound and playability are where it's at, not appearance -- though I love an F-style as much as the next guy...
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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