kenikas - Posted - 11/20/2013:  16:40:36

Fairly new here and have only been playing mandolin for about a year. Started on a Rogue A to see if mandolin was something I was interested in, and found I liked it a lot. I've been playing my sons Kentucky KM-150 too but am itching to try an F style. I've been looking at The Loar 520, the Morgan Monroe MMS2, and the Michael Kelly Festival and/or Elegante which wouldn't over stretch my budget too much. I'm hoping some here have been able to play these and can give me some pointers on their experience with them.

TSSN - Posted - 11/21/2013:  03:54:14

Welcome to the MHO.  In my 'sampling' I have liked the Morgan Monroe the best of the ones that you cite.  Popular opinion tends to go with The Loar.

I would suggest the Hohner HFM-100.  It was my first- F-style, and is still my back up.  I play gigs with it from time to time.  Good luck.

Edited by - TSSN on 11/21/2013 03:54:55

Texasbanjo - Posted - 11/21/2013:  04:22:52

I have a Michael Kelly evolution and I love it.  it's easy to fret, easy to strum and pick and stays in tune pretty well until the strings get old and need changing. 

ErikForGod - Posted - 11/21/2013:  09:43:32

From my research ( not from personal experience ) sounds like "The Loar" would be your best bet....it's guaranteed to have a solid, carved, graduated Spruce top and Maple back. These are things you need to look for in a mandolin, any mandolin...

Edited by - ErikForGod on 11/21/2013 09:44:02

UsuallyPickin - Posted - 11/21/2013:  10:56:09

Why aren't you looking at used F model Kentucky mandolins?

Muscle Tone - Posted - 11/21/2013:  19:26:10

I own a Loar LM-520 and absolutely love it! It's got such a great sound and I personally don't think you could find a better solid hand-carved F-style mandolin for the money. I highly recommend it!

ErikForGod - Posted - 11/22/2013:  04:40:04

UsuallyPickin has a good point....there are alot of bargains on used high quality F-models out there...

kenikas - Posted - 11/22/2013:  17:02:45

quote:

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Originally posted by UsuallyPickin

 

Why aren't you looking at used F model Kentucky mandolins?

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I'm definitely interested in used, but so far haven't been able to find one. Will keep looking for sure.

ErikForGod - Posted - 11/23/2013:  02:49:43

I would check out Elderly instruments, EBay and even The Mandolincafe classifieds. Alot of these Loars and Eastmans come up used all the time.....youll get a bargain on one eventually