A little guidance please, on my mandolin search [found]

Trad Strings
1

Okay, I think I’ve narrowed my search down a bit, and it may take nothing short of a miracle for me to find the right instrument and/or save up the needed money. I am pretty sure my budget will be at the low end of $400 and the upper end of $800 (which might be too optimistic). I’m not opposed to buying used, as long as it’s in perfect working order, or close enough that getting new strings would fix—but you get the idea.

After looking and playing some instruments locally and looking at classifieds on mandolincafe, ebay, and other listings online and at online mandolin stores, I think I’ve narrowed down the possibilities. I am looking for feedback from any of you with the experience to give it.

Just so you know how I plan to use the instrument I’ll tell you that I’ll be playing a variety of music, by myself, at church (mic’d) and around the campfire or living room with some guitar friends. So I need an all-around balanced instrument that will not be played “professionally”. Does that help?

Anyway, as much as I like the look of the f-bodies, I know I need to stick with a pancake/flat like the Mid-Missouri, Baird/Arches, Bill Davis, or a-body with f-hole (o-hole would be okay I guess). I saw a used Weber Y2K that fit in my range, but I’m not ready to buy yet. I would prefer to stay away from imports and rather get a no thrills handmade quality USA make, than a fancy import (even though I hear the Eastmans are a good value). I did see a Morgan Monroe BAM200 (import) on ebay that caught my eye. It looks like it has cheap strings on it, and it’s difficult to tell what the tuners, frets, etc. look like.

I have a Samick (MA-1/VS) that I can borrow for as long as I need. I have found it is better than a Johnson MA-100 and Fender FM-52E that I have also borrowed, and don’t even play. I have played a Donaldson A and F body that were professionally setup and played like a dream, but are waaaaay over my budget. I have also played four different Mid-Missouris models, and they were all nice, but I don’t know if I’d be happy with them for a long time. I might with the M-4. I have not tried a Breedlove, and I have noticed that on occasion, you can find a used one withing my price range. I have heard too many comments about Michael Kelly mandolins that steer me away from those, and I want something that is step above the Samick/Greg Bennett MA-1/VS that I am now playing. I figure I may be able to pull the trigger here in about a month at the earliest, so I want to get my site of fire narrowed.

Any advice?

2

I think I’d avoid the Morgan Monroes if I were looking for a long term instrument.

The eastman 504/505 comes to mind, particularly if purchased from Gianna Violins, at $520. including shipping, a very nice HSC, and a full set-up, it seems hard to beat.

I have seen a fair number of used Breedlove Quartz models for sale used at $750-$800 asking price, often with upgraded tailpieces and a hardcase (normally they come standard with a gig bag.)

I’ve seen a Weber Hyalite or two in your price range as well, one went on Ebay not that long ago. I’d like to try one of those myself.


Loren

3

Eastman is a good bet, they are hand made, in China or Korea and don’t forget that these places have kids doing way better in math than here. You may look for a used Flatrion in that price range also. The Weber Y2Ks are not bad. There is also Elloree which I have not heard anything about, but the price is down there and they are hand made.

4

Near the $800 range and I’d sure be tempted by the Baird/Arches or Bill Davis instruments. I played a Davis flat top last April at Mass St. Music in Lawrence, Kansas and was impressed. The Arches flat tops get good reviews and they are really nice looking. I picked up my Weber Bridger for $1000 about four years ago. Haven’t seen in lately but I sure like it.

At the $400 end, I’d still go with the Mid Mo and save for your next mando and when you get it keep the Mid Mo for camping and travel. That’s the wisdom I keep hearing over on the Mandolin Cafe and it certainly makes sense to me, although i got the Bridger and then three years later got the Mid Mo.

just my opinion

take care

jim d

5

Huh? I’m confused, have you misplaced it among your plethora of instruments, somewhere within your palatial estate :confused:

Loren

6

:blush:

Who can afford, or want to spend their money on, a palatial estate when there are so many fine instruments to pursue!

What I meant to say was:

I picked up my Weber Bridger for $1000 about four years ago. Haven’t seen any for that price lately but I sure like the Bridger. Both it and I have improved over time.

It actually resides, during the winter anyway, right next to my bed where I can reach out and caress during the night if i get to feeling insecure. :laughing:

explanation: computer was acting up and I had to reboot cause my typing was 10x faster than what was showing up on the screen. Sorry about that

jim d

7

1K seems like a very good deal on Bridger, how do you like it?

Loren

8

Jim, sounds like wisdom is still pointing a finger at the Mid-Mo, especially the camping part. The thing with the Eastman, is being an import, and I know it’s one of the better imports, well, I think I have a mental block on that.

9

Seems like a no brainer Matt.

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You would think wouldn’t you? But my brain always has to make things difficult for me :boggle:

I discovered (thanks to a friend) the Flatiron. An ebay auction ended for a Flatiron Cadet in my price range, which if this type of mando is comparable or better with a MM, I would love to go in that direction. The body style and tailpiece are unique and I have heard great comments about the whole line of Flatiron. I assume the Cadet is the entry level, or “bottom of the line” for Flatiron. After more reading, I found out that Gibson took over Flatiron in 1987 and the Bruce Weber got his start here, which in my mind puts the instrument in good stead.

Fortunately, I have time to look, think, and narrow down. I appreciate the comments, and will be sure to post questions if they arise, and will definitely let everyone know what I end up with, and my comments after I’ve had it, in case it helps someone else.

Oh the joy of getting into new instruments :smiley:

11

Well, not like I haven’t mentioned them in this thread already. :slight_smile:

Yes, they are supposed to be quite good, but I don’t think they are being made anymore.[/quote]

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Just got back from checking out a Breedlove Quartz Spirit OF mando that I mention in another thread. The price is $999, including hardshell case and setup. I can’t believe someone doesn’t pounce on that. Out of my price range, but that I’d at least get feel for the radius fingerboard, neck and general feel of the Breedlove, in case I see a used one down the road.

13

Matt, Are you steering away from F-style because of price? I see a washburn m2s for 299 at music 123…has a solid top…the one review isn’t a good one but washburn has a pretty decent name…you can return stuff for 45 days but I don’t know if they cover the return shipping if you just don’t like it. On the other hand musicians friend covers the return postage no matter what and for 539 they have a washburn m3sw with a hardshell case, alot nicer inlay…

I see the first place, music 123 has the samick you have as well as the step-up from that..

anyway, not trying to convince or sell you on anything Matt, just passing a couple of mandolin deals on I saw that are in your price range.

mike

14

Thanks Mike. I noticed those early on. My impression so far is that the handmade models have a different tone, but that just be my inexperience in the matter. I’m glad I’m not in a hurry :slight_smile:

15

I really like the Bridger. It’s opened up quite a bit since I first got it. For the money these days, I’d be looking for a used Old Wave although I’d have to put a little more with it. In the last couple of days an Old Wave was advertised for $1200, if my member serves me right, over on the Mandolin Cafe classifieds. Haven’t played one but havn’t heard anything bad about them. Have heard lots of praise, though.

I’m looking for someone who has a Peter Coomb (out of Australia) mandolin or mandola that I can look at or maybe even possibly play.

take care

jim

16

Got a call today from the local shop and I hope to go in and try out a new custom flat top called a Wilson (locally made) that the store owner claims is better than any Flatiron he’s played (but it’s $785) . . . and then try out an Elloree and Morgan Monroe fbody, just to continue my education . . . will give my thoughts afterwards . . .

17

The old wave on the cafe was gone, at $1400., in a couple of hours. I wanted it badly, but no way I could afford it. List price on his new A’s is around $2800.

I may be going to Australia in the near future, want me to bring back a Coombe for you? Maybe you’d trade me the Bridger for one? :smiley:

Loren

18

Absolutely! I’ll even buy your supper when you get back to cover your extra effort. And throw in 1/2 dozen picks that I never use. And the Abell A/Bf set that has aged quite well. Remember the A/Bf set? I might even have an extra O’Riordan concert set. :smiley: Who knows what I could come up with.

take care

jim

19

Hey, now we’re getting somewhere! Hmm, maybe I should’ve checked the prices on Coombe’s webpage first… :laughing:

Yeah man, I think about that Abell A/Bb set now and then, wondering how they aged, and if I made a mistake on that…

Loren

20

My opinion is that the Abell A/Bf set has aged gracefully. They still need to be warmed up but when they are they are beautiful with just the right amount of sweetness. They didn’t start that way but then I wasn’t as sweet when I started out as I am now either. :laughing: I may send them to you some time to try out for a month or so to see if they have improved since you tried them or if it’s just my imagination.

BTW, I’d prefer a Coomb mandola and may even be willing to throw in a few dollars to sweeten the deal when you bring it back from Australia. Afterall you will be hand carrying it all that way back.

jim