How Long Did You Fight MAS Before Submitting?

**John Soper** · Mar-02-2014, 10:34am

My wife has spent our married life together dealing with my sense of interior decoration using instrument cases and amps...

**Cue Zephyr** · Mar-02-2014, 2:50pm

Originally Posted by Misty Stanley-Jones

My MAS came first, before I knew anything about the mandolin. I was just so attracted to the looks! I bought one and then had to learn to play it!

I hear ya. I fell in love with the sound and figured it could have a place in my music.

It took me three years (until December last year) to decide I was really gonna buckle down and learn to play it the way it was intended.

I decided to get a KM-550 (the KM-505 was sold out), which I think is even above the starter-level instruments. I'm collecting my personal starter instruments first, and upgrade what I enjoy the most. I'm currently saving for a banjo.

Having said all that, it might take a couple of years for me to upgrade my KM-550, since I reckon it's not a bad instrument to stick with at all.

However, I do have a little scroll envy. With my recent explosion of interest in Bill Monroe and his Loar, I gotta have at least an F5 or a copy someday.

**bigmomma** · Mar-03-2014, 8:57am

So I too have MAS after only playing since Oct. I have a lovely KM 160 bought here from the classifieds. I do like it but here's where MAS sets in. Would like something with a more mellow woodsy tone. I live in the Boston area so no opportunity to play other mandos. Would like to stay under $800. Suggestions welcome. Thanks as always

**Jim Garber** · Mar-03-2014, 9:17am

Originally Posted by bigmomma

I live in the Boston area so no opportunity to play other mandos.

You have in your area an excellent music store. The Music Emporium. Not right in Boston, but in Lexington, prob about 40 minutes from you. They do carry Eastman and Kentucky so prob have something in your range.