Any recommendations for a decent starter mandolin?

Rambozo96

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I bought a cheap 50’s Kay years ago to monkey around with but it seems these days I have a renewed interest in playing mandolin. Something outside of the old guitar. The Kay is a bit iffy playability wise so I was wondering what would be a good modern day middle of the road starter mandolin.
 

JohnW63

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I thought about that rabbit hole of research about a year ago. I think the general wisdom is that you do have to spend a good amount to get a mandolin that sounds good enough to play. Same thing with violins, I found. Still, I got my wife a student one that sounds good enough for her at about $300.

What shape would you like? They come in tear drop and the more famous Gibson style.
 

Rambozo96

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I was thinking something like an F style but A style would be fine.
 

SFIV1967

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Just teasing...would be great to find that one...(Kurt once tried buying her I believe):

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Ralf
 

Rambozo96

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Just teasing...would be great to find that one...(Kurt once tried buying her I believe):

1617868212126.png


Ralf
Makes you wonder why Guild never took a crack at the mandolin market.
 

dreadnut

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I prefer the "A" style because of the lower neck profile, seems like the F's typically have a V-shaped or baseball bat neck.

"The Loar" is a pretty nice mando for under $400.00

Here's a Washburn for $269.00

 

Brad Little

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I prefer the "A" style because of the lower neck profile, seems like the F's typically have a V-shaped or baseball bat neck.

"The Loar" is a pretty nice mando for under $400.00

Here's a Washburn for $269.00

Plus one on the Loar, I bought one a few years ago. Still haven't bonded with it, but not the instrument's fault, I just can't get used to the small fingerboard.
 
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crank

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I got something called a Savannah from MF Stupid Deal Of the day for $49. After a small action tweak, made easy with thumbscrews on the bridge, and sliding the bridge down a bit for intonation it plays fine and sounds not so bad either.

I am having fun learning chords and licks and playing songs. I will, however, be in the market for a better quality mando next year. More than fine for learning and I intend to bring it out for some jamming soon.
 

richardp69

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I got something called a Savannah from MF Stupid Deal Of the day for $49. After a small action tweak, made easy with thumbscrews on the bridge, and sliding the bridge down a bit for intonation it plays fine and sounds not so bad either.

I am having fun learning chords and licks and playing songs. I will, however, be in the market for a better quality mando next year. More than fine for learning and I intend to bring it out for some jamming soon.
I bought a Savannah Reso with pup and it also sounds decent for the price.
 

Guildedagain

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I got an old Kay too, sans logo. I think it's a Kay.

I got it at a pawnshop that's long gone now, but I remember the transaction because the dummy behind the counter started rubbing it all over before handing it to me (it's got crazing running up and down the Sunburst finish) and he says - with authority - "you'll have to get it refinished"...

So I learned a few things on it, get ok at playing it, thought I needed a better one, dropped a wad on a Flatiron that was made before Gibson ruined that brand too, and I just didn't like it as much as the Kay. Go figure.

I sold it, still have the Kay. Haven't played a note on it in 10 years but it sure looks good ;]

And I have a new set of strings for it, for a couple years now...

This is the Kay up in the corner with my other "American Sunburst". I sure like this pic, because there's like 4 guitars in there I keep forgetting I have, like that 12 string Stella, and the virtually unplayed Airline, so it's like Xmas ;]

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This is the Flatiron. I wish I'd kept it, such a looker. But it just didn't float my boat like the Kay. The Kay sounds old.

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I'd take a 1918 Gibson Army Navy though, if one materialized at yesterday's price.

Battle of Evermore anyone?
 
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I can help you with great pleasure because I only started learning this tool about a year ago. Suddenly I tell you that I got everything I know and even my tool from here mandolinexpert.com because I couldn't find it at a more affordable price. And I did some courses that were explained on youtube very vaguely and too quickly. I was ready to leave at any time when I saw that I was not doing well until I returned to the site, and everything was clear in my eyes. But you already see how it will be more convenient for you. I hope I helped you.
 
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dreadnut

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I bought this one from a local luthier about 20 years ago. Hand-carved Michigan Birdseye maple back & sides, Alaskan Sitka spruce top, full binding, gold hardware, lots of ebony, etc. Inlaid with shells from the Rio Grande. He had 50 mandolins happening, of various woods. Old boy only charged me $350 for this one.

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Charlie Bernstein

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The problem with F's is that you're paying for looks. They sound exactly like A's. For the extra ducats all you're getting is bling and a chance to look like Bill Monroe.

If you want a new instrument, the best bang for the buck, in my humble, is Big Muddy Mandolins.

For a pro-quality mando, you might also try Howard Morris. Good prices for good axes.

And for the best advice around, check in with the good folks at Mandolin Cafe — a great forum.
 

JohnW63

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I checked Big Muddy out. I like the M-11 all mahogany one the best, I think.

Here is a link with a sound clip at the bottom:
 
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