JamesW - Posted - 10/05/2014:  23:22:05

Hi everyone, I'm looking at getting an upgrade to my entry level mando and I have around $3000-$3500 to spend on it. I'm looking at one with a spruce up, maple back and sides, preferably American made. 

So i was wondering what you guys can suggest for that price. Aesthetics are important to me, so one with some nice flaming on the back and sides would be nice.

Thanks everyone!

JamesW - Posted - 10/05/2014:  23:40:40

I should probably also add, i won't be purchasing it for a couple months, so i'm looking at more of a pointing in the direction of brands rather than individual instruments for sale

UsuallyPickin - Posted - 10/06/2014:  06:26:26

3,000... to 3,500.00 puts you right in the "pocket" between here and there insofar as mandolin prices are concerned. The Gibson A9 , F9 and A 5 models , the Collings MT model, Weber A models and some F models are in this price range. Breedlove mandolins are USA made and have many fans . Quality mandolin pricing is all about materials and "hand work". All the hours it takes to build and finish an instrument. The amount of binding, points and scrolls, and the hand applied instead of machine applied finishes drive prices up rapidly. I definitely recommend looking at "pre-owned" instruments. The range of instruments you can find available in your price range broadens and you can find some very good bargains, if you are patient. Do keep in mind that a mandolin fret job can cost 400.00$ +/- . Several small builders in the US are in this category also. I have little or no experience with them so I will let other folks talk about them. Take your time, , keep saving money and play every mandolin you can find. Eventually you will come across the one that "speaks" to you. Luck... R/

Loarcutus - Posted - 10/06/2014:  20:00:39

A Gibson A9 goes for around $1K these days and an F9 from $1700-$2100. I wouldn't pay more than that for either. You could get in the Gibson stable a used F5G in your stated range, besides a myriad of other models. Your biggest challenge being in Australia is playing before pay...

Heath Joyce - Posted - 10/08/2014:  03:58:37

Hi James,

I see you mention you would prefer American made, but there are some damn good luthiers here in Australia! I've recently just received my new mandolin I had built by Ray Black. I've had it for around 4 weeks and it's killer! $3000. Can request different timbers and other requirements with Ray. Very warm, even tone with a tonne of volume to back it up. Has a great chop and even at only 4 weeks old, is amazing. Anyway, I'm happy! I'll attach some pics if you're interested in having a look?

Cheers,

Heath.

JamesW - Posted - 10/09/2014:  04:41:53

That would be lovely Heath, thanks!

Heath Joyce - Posted - 10/09/2014:  20:56:52

No worries.

This mando has a red spruce top and red maple back, sides and neck. I've also had banjo frets installed as I tend to wear out the standard frets really quickly!

Edited by - Heath Joyce on 10/09/2014 20:58:52

Ray Black F5 front

Ray Black F5 back

Ray Black F5 back 2