nickhy - Posted - 05/09/2015:  19:41:24

I found a Signature mandolin in a local pawn shop, in pretty  good shape, just normal playing

wear.  Asking price is $79.00.  What do ya'll think??????

nickhy - Posted - 05/11/2015:  16:03:40

Well - has anyone heard of Signature ,mandolins?????

Rob Beck - Posted - 05/12/2015:  01:35:41

Hello Nick,

"Signature" is not a brand I have personally ever heard of.  

At that price I think you will probably be looking at a fairly base level instrument which may well not be set up properly.  If that is the case it could be very hard to play. However, you never can tell! If you can post some photographs we may be able to give you some more pointers.

FYI this tends to be a pretty quiet forum.  I had seen your post, but as I had no information to offer I didn't reply.  I think you will find that this will have been the case with the other members here too.  From my experience, people here tend to respond when they have some useful information, rather than just for the sake of it.

You might get a greater response over at Mandolin Cafe, which is a busier forum.

Good luck in your search :)

Rob

phiddlepicker - Posted - 06/17/2015:  08:15:35

Never heard of 'em but....$79?

Play it...if you like it, buy it. You should be able to tell pretty quick whether it's worth the money.

MandoTom2 - Posted - 09/15/2017:  15:18:50

Kona "Signature" mandolin...

$79 is a reasonable price for this mandolin...

No different than a Rogue mandolin as far as quality is concerned...

As previously posted, a good set-up, .i.e., about $25 to $35 could make it very playable...

In economy instruments, one of the areas they save money is metal parts and set up...

I bought a Tanglewood mandolin for it's tone, beauty and price ($179), but wound up replacing the tuners ($39) for a new pair that operated smoothly. The old tuners were garbage...

If it were me shopping in this price range, I would seek out an old Kay or Harmony...

The parts will last forever...

Below is a Kona "Signature" mandolin...

MandoTom2 - Posted - 09/15/2017:  15:23:18

From the web:

Kona began in 2000 in Fort Worth, TX. Inspired by the talented artists from the south. Kona is helping to carry on this tradition of talent and southern pride. They are created and designed by musicians who understand how a quality instrument should look, sound and feel. Kona also prides itself on providing you with the highest level of quality, craftsmanship and service.

Features:

• Traditional A-Style Mandolin


• Arched Top: Laminate Linden (same as Basswood)...


• Back & Sides: Linden (same as Basswood)...


• Binding: Full Body Single Ply Cream


• Cream Bound Maple Neck & Heel


• Indian Rosewood Fret Board


• Frets: Nickel Silver


• MOP Position Markers


• Bridge: Compensated Adjustable Rosewood


• Loop-end Stringed Tailpiece


• Tailpiece Cover: Nickel Chrome Engraved

Edited by - MandoTom2 on 09/15/2017 15:24:00