Any Mandolin Player out there? Advice for begginer!

[pjheff]

That seems like a tough decision. Mid Mo is the company Big Muddy used to be, so they should be very similar. I just saw a couple of Martins on Mandolin Cafe for $750 - $900something. I guess the thing is to look them over if possible, & see if either stands out as in better or worse condition, playability, sound, etc. Happy hunting.

Over here on the east coast of Florida, there don't seem to be too many options that I can find for actually getting a mandolin in my hands other than Guitar Center. Is there anything on your side of the Alley?

Thanks,
Pat

 

[frettedstrings]

Old Morgan Monroe
http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Stor...NROE-ROCKY-TOP-MANDOLIN-108550120-i2945608.gc

1918 Gibson
http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Stor...MANDOLIN-WC--440-122712-108539024-i2921795.gc

Start now and work your way up to this Vintage Gibson
http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Stor...L-CHARLIE-DARRINGTON-WC-108759584-i3012714.gc


-frettedstrings

 

[kitniyatran]

I could have suggested Real Guitars in Fort Myers, but they closed last year. Unless My Favorite Guitars in Naples has something, I don't know of a good store to look in. My mando purchases the last few years have been online or from the now defunct Real Guitars. Guitar Center & others don't usually have anything.

 

[kitniyatran]

...
Start now and work your way up to this Vintage Gibson
http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Stor...L-CHARLIE-DARRINGTON-WC-108759584-i3012714.gc


-frettedstrings

That should have a signature label; I don't know if (the late) Mr. Derrington's signature is hard to read, but it should show CHARLIE DERRINGTON, not CHARLIE DARRINGTON.
Those are all good prices.

 

[MiraMarSteve]

Hi Jon,
Nice to hear your wanting to play the mandolin. I started playing the mandolin about 4 years ago and just joined this site as I want to learn the guitar I also just purchased a Guild to learn on.
Mandos are like guitars in that you will soon get a MAS attack to cover the various sounds they produce. I just looked on the Mandolin Cafe and there were a couple that may suit you. There is a 1956 Martin A style and two Flatiron Army Navy models, one a 2Mc and a 3Mb. These would be good starters and you should be able to get most of your money back if you don't continue. The Martin has a short scale so will be a little easier to play to start with. The Flatirons may also but I don't know. If you want to do Bluegrass get an F hole model. The oval holes have no Bluegrass "chop" It's hard to find an F hole model under a grand that is not a pac rim build. "A" body styles are cheaper than "F" style mandos and sound the same, but don't have the cache.
I would check out stores showing on Mandolin Cafe if I were starting out too. You want to make sure it is set up right.
Hope this might help. Love that mando.
Steve

 

[kitniyatran]

Just found a Stradolin on ebay:http://www.ebay.com/itm/strad-o-lin-mandolin-/290870891839?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43b941953f ; could be a good buy; it probably won't go a lot higher. I saw a Martin on the Cafe a few days ago,too, but it was a tad higher than the ones in this thread, I think.
Another Strad on Mandolin Cafe: http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/64133
And a Flatiron: http://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/64165

 

[pjheff]

That seems like a tough decision. Mid Mo is the company Big Muddy used to be, so they should be very similar. I just saw a couple of Martins on Mandolin Cafe for $750 - $900something. I guess the thing is to look them over if possible, & see if either stands out as in better or worse condition, playability, sound, etc. Happy hunting.

I just wanted to follow up on the thread by saying that I decided to go with a 1998 Mid-Missouri M0, spruce over mahogany, that arrived yesterday in near mint condition for $405 shipped. The action is low without buzzes, the voice is bright and articulate, and it should be all the instrument that I need for this part of the journey. Thanks for your help in the process.

Pat

 

[kitniyatran]

Yes indeed, that should be more than adequate to get you started, & last you at least into intermediate level. You may decide you need to keep it for its unique tones when/if you decide to upgrade to something other, as well.

 

[pjheff]

Yes indeed, that should be more than adequate to get you started, & last you at least into intermediate level. You may decide you need to keep it for its unique tones when/if you decide to upgrade to something other, as well.

Well, Elrod, I am nearly five months in, and you are quite the prophet. My first flattop led to my interest in several others which has now boiled over to carved instruments. I noticed that you have a Breedlove Cascade listed in your signature line, and there happens to be one near me in used but nearly unplayed condition. They have a tags on it listing $3000 as retail, which seems odd on a used piece of gear, and a sale price of $2000, which seems high to me. Can you give me your impressions of your instrument and the value of this instrument?

Thanks,
Pat

 

[kitniyatran]

I think used Breedloves are usually undervalued. List on Cascades used to be around 3K, street mid 2's. I got mine a few years ago at about $1500(maybe less) used. I consider it a definite upgrade from the Breed Quartz series KO I had before it(Cascades are Premier series. They changed from 3 levels, highest being Master class, to 2, American & Master, I think.) I would think a used Cascade currently should be between $1300(very low end) to about $1600. Master class Breeds go for $2.5ishK to $3Kish used, $5K & up new. $2000 seems a bit high for a Premier class instrument, even mint, but maybe you can bargain down a bit. At 2K, you're getting close to the top of the line in used Breeds. Though I tend to like the oval hole "tubby" sound of the Gibson A's(as the A2 I have), I do like my Cascade for F hole sounds, & when I was going to a Bluegrass jam a few years ago(doesn't fit my schedule anymore) I got compliments on its looks & sound.