Best value for $3,000 - $5,000

[WhatTheChuck]

In your personal opinions, what would you say the "best" mando is at this price range? (I know this is an entirely subjective question, but that's the point!) Would you even bother getting an F style or would you stick an A style to save an extra $1,000 and increase quality? I'm in the market for an upgrade and would like to hear what what ya'll have to say. Any information would be heplful!

[Ed Goist]

Campanella A5 for $3,500 or Campanella Dué 2-Point for $4,500

[Spruce]

Two Northfield F5s....

[Brent Hutto]

I don't think there are any meaningful constraints on your choice if you can really go as high as $5,000. And certainly if you can go $4,000+ for a used instrument the sky's the limit as long as you stay away from a few big-name makers like Gilchrist, Dudenbostel, et. al. who command the very highest-tier prices or the highest-bling F-styles from Gibson and such.

But really you can get just about anything you like in that range, I'd just find a way to go to a high-end dealer and have a big time finding out what "does it" for you. For me, the A style is preferable anyway so I can't really give advice on that matter as my preferences appear to be far outside the mainstream (I think Florentine style mandolins look quaint and cumbersome, like bowl-backs). Whether A or F I'd probably hop a plane and spend a couple half-days at Greg Boyds.

[sunburst]

There are quite a few A-style mandolins in that price range that are top quality, lifetime mandolins. If you want to go right to the top, go A.
You can also get some very nice, even great F-style mandolins in the upper parts of that range, but you're on your own separating the wheat from the chaff because some of the good ones are not really too well known, and some of the well known ones are not really the good ones.
Stand by for many recommendations of people's favorite companies and builders!

[Rick Schmidlin]

This is what I think would bde the best for you price range from Greg Boyd.

http://gregboyd.com/instrument_detai...ument_key=1005

Also my old 2006 MF5 is still there and I no ownership if you wanted to go a little higher and get a great mandolin.

I must state that I have nothing to gain personaly by suggesting these mandolins, only exsperance and a trusted dealer in Chad and and Greg.

[jasona]

Two Northfield F5s....

That good eh?

This is a no brainer for me--Stanley A5.

[Nelson Peddycoart]

This is what I think would bde the best for you price range from Greg Boyd.

http://gregboyd.com/instrument_detai...ument_key=1005

Also my old 2006 MF5 is still there and I no ownership if you wanted to go a little higher and get a great mandolin.

I must state that I have nothing to gain personaly by suggesting these mandolins, only exsperance and a trusted dealer in Chad and and Greg.

I have to disagree with you on this one. I owned one of those for a year and would not take another one if given to me (except maybe to sell it). The person I sold it to turned it over in just about two months.

I couldn't get comfortable with it. Up until that point, I had owned and played several Webers and had loved them all.

[Rick Schmidlin]

Which were not happy with The Collings or The Weber?

Also I am now getting a MT 2 which I think is the best bang for the buck, personal of course!

[JonZ]

I've got a just-completed McClanahan Trinity en route. I'll check back in with you.

[Jim Ferguson]

You are right......a very subjective Q for sure.
Like you.....I upgraded.......I went with a Gibson F-9 & I love it. It sells for just over $3,000.00 now I think. Also.....a buddy of mine has a Weber Yellowstone which is just over $4,000.00 and it is a sweet mandolin for sure. Check out the old threads on the cafe......lots of discussion about which brand is best etc. It really is a subjective thing and when all is said & done it all comes down to what type of sound you prefer. My advice........as some have already stated: go & try out some of the various mandolins in the price range you are looking for and go with the one that you love.
Peace,
Jim

[mandroid]

My , MIX A5, is my Go to , stick the cable in and play, one, {Schertler internal, TRS cable >
duplex Mic input ..
Though the Lebeda Jazzica F5 has the looks of figured maple, the scroll,
Transparent orange lacquer, tortoise binding, slim neck, feel .. going for it.

[JeffD]

Don't assume you have to spend that much actually. I think you could spend just under $3000, used, and a get an instrument that will make you happier than a new one at $5000. With the extra scratch in your musical budget you could taken in some festivals this spring.

[Nelson Peddycoart]

Which were not happy with The Collings or The Weber?

Also I am now getting a MT 2 which I think is the best bang for the buck, personal of course!

The Weber.

[Rob Fowler]

The Ellis A's are great, also, and considered by many to be the best value for under $5,000......or was....the only problem is that I think they just raised the price of them to $5,400 which is a bit over your range. I've heard one in person and was floored by it's tone, though that doesn't say a whole lot coming from me, maybe.

[Marc Berman]

It's at your limit but 5K will get you a Lawrence Smart A. He makes fantastic instruments. I don't think you will find anything better in the price range. The problem is his waiting list. That said I think Spruce has made a valid suggestion. From what I've been reading the Northfield is a steal at the price they are going for.

[Rick Schmidlin]

Used Red Diamond A's are also a dream machine if you can find one.

[Dan Margolis]

The Ellis A's are great, also, and considered by many to be the best value for under $5,000......or was....the only problem is that I think they just raised the price of them to $5,400

Where did you hear this? I am very happy with my Ellis and would recommend that anyone in this budget range give them a try. Varnish Collings also fall within this range.

[EdHanrahan]

Campanella A5 for $3,500 or Campanella Dué 2-Point for $4,500

Excellent choices, Ed!

But I'm thinking maybe the similar "Insert Your Own Name Here" A5, for only $250 more. Plus, oh yeah, three weeks of you own time, sweat, effort, care, and attention to detail:
http://www.vermontinstruments.com/bu...nbuilding.html

[yankees1]

Mowry A ! $4000.00

[Ed Goist]

Excellent choices, Ed!

But I'm thinking maybe the similar "Insert Your Own Name Here" A5, for only $250 more. Plus, oh yeah, three weeks of you own time, sweat, effort, care, and attention to detail:
http://www.vermontinstruments.com/bu...nbuilding.html

How awesome is this?!
But, unfortunately, not for me.
I'd have to check Vermont law. There are active statues in several states that prohibit me from coming withing 500 feet of a tool.

[Rob Fowler]

Where did you hear this? I am very happy with my Ellis and would recommend that anyone in this budget range give them a try. Varnish Collings also fall within this range.

The latest Ellis A at Fiddler's Green sold for 5,400. There's one at Elderly for 4,800 right now though. I was just assuming they raised their price based on Fiddler's Green but you know what assuming does........

[ColdBeerGoCubs]

Theres a nice "Bruce" Clark for sale at Elderly right now right at the peak of your price range.

http://elderly.com/vintage/items/90U-5773.htm

NFI and all that good stuff, though i wish it were mine.

[JonZ]

Any instrument with "The" on the headstock is a good bet.

[Jonas]

Campanella A5 for $3,500 or Campanella Dué 2-Point for $4,500

I would agree but I'm biased