Ronack - Posted - 06/19/2012:  08:31:58

I'm a fiddle player and decided to pick up a mandolin and give it a try, didn't want to spend too much for a beginner mando player and ran across Oscar Schmidt by Washburn.  I decide to read up on it, read a few reviews and understand that Oscar Schmidt, made in the good ole USA, has been around quite awhile and they started producing for and selling door to door. (like your Fuller Brush man) for the home musician. Those folks that sit around in the living room doing a little picking.  Anyway the reviews I read was that it's an ok mandolin, easy to play etc.  So far I have to agree but alas I just started. 

What are the thoughts of you professionals, anyone use one a regular basis? Or is it something that I'll eventually just hang on the wall as decoration?

oscarschmidt.com/products/acou.../om40.asp

Edited by - Ronack on 06/19/2012 08:33:58

TI_USER - Posted - 06/20/2012:  19:49:49

I can't say that I've ever seen anyone playing a Oscar Schmidt mandolin.  That model is the top of their line and it's probably a fine starter mandolin, however you won't hear about or see any professionals playing one.  Even though it's their best, it is still a entry level quality.  Oscar Schmidt had a long history of quality, affordable instruments, but their days of "quality" mandolins are a gone.  I wouldn't say It'll be a wall hanger.  You'll most-likely get many years of use from it, but someday you'll get the itch for something better.  Also, even though the Oscar Schmidt company is in the USA,, I'd be willing to bet the mandolins are made in China.  I'm certainly not trying to squash your enthusiasm, I'm sure you'll really enjoy it.  If you haven't done it already, you should get a professional setup done on it.  It will make all the difference in the world in your progress in learning.  A good setup can get the most out of even a entry level mandolin.

Edited by - TI_USER on 06/20/2012 19:53:23

Buttonwood Bob - Posted - 06/21/2012:  06:42:12

You have lots of choices in that price range. If you seek them out, I'm betting the right one will catch your eye, you'll pick it up and it will fit your hands like an old pair of jeans,. You'll hit a cord or two; maybe a rif, and you'll say, "By golly, this one is it!" Don't look back. Play the heck out of it. It will sound better and better, and so will you.

Ronack - Posted - 06/21/2012:  08:49:48

Thanks for the info, I'll use it to learn on and just like my fiddle when I start getting good at it I'll look at replacing it with a better one.  But this will work just fine for me for now.  I haven't played any string instruments in.... well..... A long time.  Had an electric guitar back in my youth,  Dabbled on an acoustic guitar back in the 80's but decided I wanted to start playing just recently.  I've only had the mandolin for a few weeks.  It helps that it's the same fingering as my fiddle but I gotta learn some chords.  I can kick off Rawhide but that's about it.  I'll work that piece until I get it down and that will be my signature piece.