ajhayes - Posted - 06/13/2011:  08:31:31

I'm a relatively new mando player, been at it on and off for about 6 months, but, I can tell I like it and I'm starting to plan out an upgrade from my Kentucky KM-150 A-Style. I've tried out a few around town, and I really like the way the Epiphone MM-50e sounds. Is this just my newbie-ness overruling?

I'm not looking to spend much more than 1000, so any help is appreciated. Thanks!

jazzrambler - Posted - 06/13/2011:  09:16:41

At that kind of money, I'd look around a good while and play everything I could get my hands on. I found a new Breedlove for less than 1000$. It's a lot more mandolin than any of the Epiphones, Washburns or Kentuckies I have found around here. I'm not a snob about fancy brands. It was luck to find it. Well, I looked for months and passed on several decent mandos just because I was still happy with my Flatiron. 

mandovoodoo - Posted - 06/13/2011:  09:17:59

"The Loar" LM-700 would be worth looking at, as would the LM-600 at about $750.  

Setup is important, I suggest getting a much better bridge and as much setup as you can get.

Fstpicker - Posted - 06/13/2011:  09:28:08

I agree 100% with Steve. You also will find an equally superb sounding mandolin in the Kentucky KM-900 or the KM-1000. 

Jeff

TSSN - Posted - 06/13/2011:  10:16:08

Hello and welcome!  

I will admit from the start, I am biased.  However, you should have a peek at Shawnee Creek Woodworks.  Look here:

     shawneecreekwoodworks.com/default.aspx

     shawneecreekwoodworks.com/options.aspx

As you can see, you can have a mandolin built for you for well under $1000.00.   As I said, I am biased, but Mike Holmes is a great guy, and I have a mandolin with which I could not be happier.  It looks great (see avatar at left) and sounds even better.  

At some point, Mike may start charging what his mandolins are really worth.  If that ever happens $1000 won't even be in his rearview mirror.

Best of luck.

Muscle Tone - Posted - 06/18/2011:  07:02:17

One mandolin that I would highly recommend is the Kentucky KM-805. It is the BEST looking and sounding mandolin I have played period. It's in the $700-800 range.

elderly.com/new_instruments/it...KM805.htm 

rf37 - Posted - 06/19/2011:  14:30:30

The new The Loar 500vs are amazing.  Make sure it is the new model not one of the old style 500s.  You will have money left over and I think you will be happy.  The are truly awsome sounding and very well built

ajhayes - Posted - 06/19/2011:  15:04:47

I really appreciate all the responses!

mandovoodoo - Posted - 06/20/2011:  03:48:50

New 500VS in hands of good player Saturday sounded second only to a nice MD815 Eastman.  Impressive.  

Harvest Music - Posted - 07/01/2011:  09:12:04

Hey.  I'm usually up for trade-ins/ups  on new Eastman, Kentucky and Goldstar mandolins.  It works well for me  because my shop is  relatively small and it helps me maintain my inventory.  Let me know if there's something you're interested in because I'm sure I could sell the Kentucky 150 relatively easily.  Thanks, take care, Glenn.  harvestmusic.com