mandobanjer - Posted - 12/30/2015:  21:19:52

Hi All, I currently play both banjo and guitar and have decided to add a mandolin. I've never owned or played one. I need to buy one for $300.00 or less. It can be new or used - any advise?  Thanks, Jim

Texasbanjo - Posted - 12/31/2015:  05:04:55

You're going to get an entry level mandolin for that price and you may have trouble keeping it in tune but you can learn from an inexpensive one.

Check out the classifieds here and at the Banjohangout, there might be one in your price range.  You might also check out some online stores like elderly.com, banjostore.com, musiciansfriend.com.  I don't know if Mandolin brothers is still in business or not, but you might check and see if they have any sales going on (I understand they are going out of business).

Of course, you can always check Craig's List or E-Bay but you never know for sure what you're getting from them. 

TSSN - Posted - 12/31/2015:  05:06:51

Hey there.

There is someone in the MHO classifieds selling a 1980 Flatiron.  I have played one from that era and they are nice.  The poster is asking $400, though. 

Have you visited a music shop?  There, you'd have a chance to "try before you buy."  If you're careful, you can get a lot of starter mando for $300. 

Gretsch New Yorkers fit your price point too.  I have one, and have reviewed it here on MHO.  It's no Gibson Loar, but nice, for the $$$.

Good luck.

mandobanjer - Posted - 12/31/2015:  06:44:29

Does anyone have an opinion one way or the other about a Kentucky km-150 or km 256?  Thanks, Jim

UsuallyPickin - Posted - 12/31/2015:  07:03:46

OK ... you get more mandolin for 300$ in a A model over an F model. Check out the classifieds on the Mandolin Cafe website. A lower priced used Kentucky or Eastman brand A model is often available there. The Mandolin Store, Dennis Vance is offering the beginners model Kentucky A model new mandolin for 329.00$ with free shipping currently and that includes the instruments setup. R/



Well .... you asked about what I was recommending before I could post . The 256 is a bit "prettier" in it's appointments and the wood will be a slightly higher grade. As a learning instrument it will probably last you a year or two longer than the 150.  No matter what you decide to do check out mandolin Cafe... R/

Edited by - UsuallyPickin on 12/31/2015 07:05:12

TSSN - Posted - 12/31/2015:  14:27:41

I find the Kentucky line underwhelming, but many folks like them.