nick t - Posted - 05/30/2011:  04:04:42

hi everyone,



 i know this is another newbie quiestion but im hoping you can help me with some advice and opinions.



ive been offered the choice of either an ozark 2073 or a kentucky Km-174, now ive no idea about mandolins other than i love the sound, so this will be my first(which ever i end up been given) as for the style of music, well i like gypsy swing and blues but i do like classical and some bluegrass as well so im hoping to be able to try all of those styles at some point in the future.



 now my newbie question is which one would you pick and why please.



oh and one more, if i cant find a local teacher(grimsby / louth area of lincolnshire) could you recommend and good tutor books please.



thanks for all you help



nick t

Edited by - nick t on 05/30/2011 05:12:06

watergal82 - Posted - 05/30/2011:  14:22:36

Will this be a situation where you can try the instrument before you are given it, and hear an experienced player playing it, either the store owner or a friend? Because I'm sure you could find plenty of people happy with either instrument. (or unhappy). When I was testing and listening to mandolins a couple of months ago, I mostly liked the Kentucky brand instruments best, but someone else may have a different experience. I can't remember if the Km 174 was among the instruments I tested.

TSSN - Posted - 05/31/2011:  06:27:07

If they're at the same location, it might also be a good idea to play one and have someone play the other, kind of like the "Dueling Banjos" bit from the movie Deliverance.  It's a great way to compare the two, and decide which one's sound you prefer.  I have played several Kentucky mandos, and don't especially care for them, but then again my preferences don't help you a lick.  Play and compare.

Also, you are right to want lessons if possible, but remember that there are a few folks on this forum who give lessons online, if you have the technical setup to make that happen.  Good luck!

nick t - Posted - 06/01/2011:  10:17:50

Thanks for the info guy and your opinions.

im going to have to choose one with out been able to try them for two reasons, one i just cant play and secondly the one i pick is going to be sent to me. So you see me reasons for want some advice. Which ever one i pick it will be my starter so it will hopefully be replaced in time, once i know what im doing and looking for.

i did find a teacher in my area who advertised on another site , wrote but heard nothing back so i will try the online route as TSSN suggested and any good how to book anyone can suggest.

Thanks again for the help

nick t