abbawar - Posted - 04/09/2019:  09:09:00

I have been playing guitar all my life and would like to get back into mandolin which I dabbled in back in the 70's.
Looking for a recommendation for a good sounding instrument - my budget tops out at about $800 unless that's not enough - I do want something more than a beginners instrument
All advice would be appreciated as to brand, oval vs scroll , round hole vs f holes etc.
Thanks

MandoTom2 - Posted - 04/10/2019:  01:01:13

Good sounding mandolins in the $0-$800 range:

1. Oscar Schmidt


2. Alvarez


3. Kentucky


4. Loar


5. Washburn


6. Gretsch 

UsuallyPickin - Posted - 04/10/2019:  07:30:44

OK firstly an A model will get you more for your money than a F model. There is a great deal more hand work in a scroll and points mandolin. There are two "tones" in modern mandolin construction. One is Gibson like and the other is Weber / Collings like. If you want a Gibson like tone buy a Kentucky make mandolin if you prefer the "modern" tone buy an Eastman make mandolin. If you can find an Alvarez mandolin from the 70's or 80's they are also very good instruments. Search the Mandolin Cafe classifides for used instruments. Many mandolin players sell their starter mandolins when they upgrade. There are currently 629 ads. R/

abbawar - Posted - 04/10/2019:  09:30:19

Thanks for the responses- very helpful
For country and bluegrass are F holes the way to go?

abbawar - Posted - 04/10/2019:  10:39:05

Anyone familiar with the Michael Kelly Dragonfly?

MandoTom2 - Posted - 04/10/2019:  11:53:11

Michael Kelly!

I forgot about that brand...

They carried them at Music Folk in St. Louis when I worked there.

Very nice mandolins...

F Holes...

Yes, the bluegrassers swear by them...

For me, it's mostly a cosmetic thing... F holes look cool, no matter how they sound...

I've used the round-hole versions in bluegrass, country and folk gigs (professionally) and nobody noticed or cared...

Unless you're at a bg festival or hanging out with the bg-only crowd, it doesn't make a difference...

My opinion...

Tom 

Edited by - MandoTom2 on 04/10/2019 11:53:54

abbawar - Posted - 04/10/2019:  12:44:11

Thanks much Tom
There is one for sale on mandolin cafe for $500 including a hard shell case
Claim is that it is in excellent condition

UsuallyPickin - Posted - 04/10/2019:  15:56:59

Michael Kelly mandolins usually have a very heavy laquer finish and that somewhat binds the top and does not allow it to vibrate as freely as it needs to. I would keep looking. Yes most grassers prefer an F model with F holes ..... ala Bill Monroe. R/

MandoTom2 - Posted - 04/11/2019:  00:01:28

Richard makes a good point...

I wonder if the seller could make a video of him (or her) strumming and picking a little, so you could get a better idea of the sound...

You never know or sure if it's what you want 'til you've had it in your own hands and spent some time with it...

The seller could use his/her cell phone or a buddies... Or just use "Voice Recorder" on his computer or phone to demonstrate what he is selling and send you a copy of it...

I would at east give you an idea...

Tom

Edited by - MandoTom2 on 04/11/2019 00:03:03

MandoTom2 - Posted - 04/11/2019:  00:12:17

1. Michael Kelly Dragonfly Mandolin Video Demo #1 - CLICK HERE...


2. MichealKelly Dragon Fly Demo #2 - CLICK HERE...

KYSLOWFINGERS - Posted - 04/11/2019:  06:05:57

The Eastman 300 series is hard to beat new. You can occasionally find a 500 series used in your price range. I have a 505 that I will never sell. I've had Kentuckys up to the $1200 range and I wouldn't trade my 505 for one of those. You can buy the 305 new and shipped for $479, and you hardly ever see them for sell used............that's usually a really good sign. Just my two cents

KYSLOWFINGERS - Posted - 04/11/2019:  06:08:54

And to follow up on what UsuallyPickin said, if you want the Bill Monroe look, there's a F-style Eastman 315 on mando cafe for $575 plus shipping, I've actually been eyeing it.

abbawar - Posted - 04/11/2019:  08:01:40

Thank you all for great help. I decided to pass on the used kelly anyway- I’m leaning towards new anyway
Sounds like Eastman is a good bet an I’m thinking g f holes but maybe an a style- rather pay for sound then looks

abbawar - Posted - 04/11/2019:  08:04:34

Or maybe I’ll just splurge and get a new Eastman MD 515?

KYSLOWFINGERS - Posted - 04/11/2019:  12:08:34

The 515s are really nice. Again, search eBay, Reverb, etc., you won't see many used ones for sale, they are keepers ;)

abbawar - Posted - 04/11/2019:  12:16:56

Great to hear

Br1ck - Posted - 04/28/2019:  11:39:59

There are fans of the 315, and my experience is that between the 315 and the 515 it is down to the individual instrument. Both have improved since I tried my first one.

The only thing I'd add is if you are spending $800. consider spending $1200 on a used A from Weber, Ratliff, Silverangel, or others. That is where the real fine sound starts. Somebody had to up your budget.

But if you get an Eastman used at a good price, you really can't go wrong. People are constantly upgrading.

I bought a Michael Kelly on closeout a few years ago, and after a lot of work, I got it to play ok, but they aren't as good as Eastman. It's my camper.