DH52 - Posted - 04/27/2015:  16:19:27

Hi everyone,

I'm so new here I don't even have a photo--I'll get one when I buy a mandolin, which is where you come in.  I'm over on the Banjo Hangout, where I've been for several years.  I want to buy a mandolin and begin the LONG learning process and am comfortable buying something old.  I don't want to sound snobbish, but I'm comfortable with old and really like old things--antiques, etc.  I have two 1920s Vega open back banjos and a late '20s Gibson arch top guitar.  I need your advice as to whether a totally brand new player should consider looking at an old A4 or something like that.

Here's what I think I understand about mandolins, which you really could put on the head of a pin.  I can't afford an old F model, but some of the A models are affordable for me.  I think I've heard that 12 or 13 frets to the body provide a better sound than the older ones that have only 9 or 10, but the old have the fewer frets.  Opinions on that?   And I think I'd prefer F-holes to oval holes.  So I've looked at everything from older A-40s to a couple of even older A4 models in awfully good shape.  

I'd have to buy over the phone and rely on the integrity and expertise of the person I'm talking to, which I'm comfortable doing, because I can't play anyway, so 'test driving' any mandolin is something I wouldn't be able to do.  So, can I or should I buy vintage, or isn't that something I should mess with?

UsuallyPickin - Posted - 04/27/2015:  17:24:57

Used and vintage are the best path to recovering most of your investment if you decide mandolin isn't for you. Take a look at used Kentucky and Eastman mandolins. Yes I know they are PacRim made instruments but they are a good student instrument. You can obtain something worth playing with out a major outlay of coin. Otherwise you will be looking at between one and two large..... R/

Steevarino - Posted - 04/28/2015:  10:07:26

Hi Steve,

I don't know what your price range is, but I just listed this mandolin here on MandolinHangout...

mandohangout.com/classifieds/e...;CID=7858

I notice you also mentioned you would consider an A-40. As it turns out, I have one of those that I took in trade for one of our own A-5's...

mandohangout.com/classified/7800

But, shameless self-promotion aside, you bring up some good points to consider. Older instruments can be a great value, but you may soon find that the shorter neck will constrain your playing options. Also, you want an instrument that is easy to play, and that sounds good. These two features will want you to play the instrument more, thereby becoming better, faster.

I don't know what your price range is, but our new line of our A-5 mandolins start at $1950. Not bad when you consider that you are getting a high quality U.S. made instrument that is easy to play and sounds great!

codyford - Posted - 04/29/2015:  16:12:36

For new players - regardless of age or experience in other instruments - I recommend getting a standard Mando that sounds decent and is easy to play. I wouldn't jump out and buy a vintage instrument that will most assuredly cost plenty of money. Hoping to recoup your money if the mandolin isn't for you is not a good path - IMO.

To start I would look for a mandolin that is $800 or so with a good setup. This will take you to a decent level of skill, and when you are hooked you can upgrade. Keep in mind that the mandolin world is populated with about 90% Chinese instruments and %10 domestic made. (My opinion of course.) Also, there are some crappy overpriced US made mandolins that market themselves as superior because they are US made. I've played $1200 Mandos that played as good as a $4000 one. :-)

Lastly - Find a shop and pluck around on all of them. One will catch your ear and your eye. You might just be surprised by the price. :-)

Steevarino - Posted - 04/29/2015:  16:54:13

"The Loar" mandolins are an excellent mandolin to start out on, especially if you invest a bit more in a good bridge and set-up.

codyford - Posted - 04/30/2015:  06:10:17

I would agree with that. The Loar is a good start.

Steve - which bridge would be an upgrade? Do you have a link to bridge recommendations?

Thanks

Cody