DanaF - Posted - 07/19/2019:  09:06:04

I have searched the web for new mandolins in the Dallas area and I quite surprised to not find
much at all. I really prefer to try before I buy. The local Guitar Centers seem to prefer Loars, but I would like to try out the Kentucky brand as well as a couple of others. I know I might have to travel a ways, so if anyone has a recommendation of a good store with a good setup shop I would appreciate it.

I am looking at the Kentucky KM-250 as my first mandolin. I have played Bluegrass guitar for a long time and I want to get an instrument I will be happy with for some time.

MandoTom2 - Posted - 07/19/2019:  22:57:26

I've owned a few Kentuckys' and enjoyed them.

My gal has a relatively inexpensive Loar F-style that's not bad, but could stand to have the action adjusted down a bit for easier playing... But still a nice place to start...

It is kind of odd that you don't have much available, given the internet, etc., but it is what it is...

I think our Moderator, Sherry (TexasBanjo) lives in Texas...

She will probably read this by tomorrow morning...

Hopefully, someone will have an idea...

Sorry, I could't be more help...

Tom

DanaF - Posted - 07/20/2019:  08:06:28

Thanks Tom.

I went to guitar center just to see what playing a mandolin felt and sounded like. They
have lower end Loars. I was hooked.

The guy at the store said there is not a lot of bluegrass players in the Dallas area. I found a shop in Austin called The Fiddlers Green Music Shop that carries a good selection. It is 4 1/2 hours from me, so I will go when I have the money to purchase one.

I was looking for one below $500 and then saw a demo of an F-style Eastman MD-315 for $699 that sounded really good. Might have to sell some stuff and save up.

MandoTom2 - Posted - 07/20/2019:  17:24:52

Sounds like you've got the 'bug'!

It's a shame there's not more around you, but good acoustic shops are hard to find...

Also think about Craig's list in your area and see if anything is available...

There might be some frustrated pickers in your area looking to sell, i.e., 'motivated' seller...

Keep us posted on what you come up with...

Tom

DanaF - Posted - 07/21/2019:  09:02:07

My wife searched the web and found a Eastman dealer about an hour north of us. I will have to check it out.

MandoTom2 - Posted - 07/26/2019:  19:38:18

Sounds like a winner...

You might check their inventory on line or call to see what's available before you drive up there...

Take the wife along, buy her lunch at her favorite restaurant and have a fun trip...

Tom

DanaF - Posted - 07/27/2019:  10:08:55

They sell mostly Eastmans. I plan to check them out next week. The wife works, so I am taking a guitar buddy with me.

I found a used Kentucky KM-855 at a local guitar shop. It was not setup well and I didn't like the feel or sound. It might have good if they had set it up, but it is on consignment and the shop wouldn't set it up until it is sold. Catch 22 if you ask me. It looked really nice.

DanaF - Posted - 08/01/2019:  15:14:45

I bought the Eastman MD315 today at the shop an hour away. I am stoked.

MandoTom2 - Posted - 08/01/2019:  20:42:11

Beautiful choice!