A while ago I bought a used Oscar-Schmidt mandolin, worth around $120 or so new, I believe, for $45 at a yard sale. It’s given me very good service for the money, but the neck has been cracked apart from the body (actually, on a closer inspection, I found that it had been cracked before, and put back together). I glued it back together, but sure enough, it soon cracked open again. I’ve had to glue it back many times since, and even when it’s fixed it’s all but unplayable. So even though mandolin is not at all my main instrument, I figure I should get a cheapie (preferrably like $100, $150-200 at the most) to keep playing; so, does anyone know anything around there that at least isn’t a total piece of junk?
Also, what do you guys know about Folk of the Wood (www.folkofthewood.com)? Are they reputable dealers?
Head over to www.mandolincafe.com
It’s the Chiff and Fipple of Mandolins.
As regards Folk of the Wood, a lot of folks there have experience dealing with them. Just do a search on FOTW.
Mike
I got a cheap Johnson mandolin off ebay for $80 CDN. The company I bought it off of still is selling them on ebay I belive. This Mandolin has given me no trouble, it has a decent tone, and is a perfect cheap mandolin.
Having haunted E-Bay for a while and recently bought a cheapy mandolin, I can identify with your problems. I’ve been impressed with FOTW ads and web site and if I buy mail order they would probably be my choice. Unfortunately I have no direct experience with them. I do like that they advertise set-up and you can talk with a rep about all your concerns. I also like that they advertise trade-in credit on up grades.
I too would love to see some feed back here from someone with experience.
After reading the threads re FOTW at Mandolin Cafe, i personally would be extremely disinclined to ever buy anything from them.
Elderly Instruments would be an example of a company that has a large website, expert set-up and good customer service. I’ve bought everything from picks and CDs to instruments from them, and never had a problem… and furthermore, i can’t say i’ve heard of any serious issues with them on any discussion forum i frequent.
They have a brick-and-mortar store in Lansing, MI, if you’re up that way. You can go there and play every mandolin they’ve got, from what i’ve heard.
I got a Rogue mandolin from Musician’s Friend for about $50-$60. Got it so my three year-old son would have something to play with and not want to play my “good” mandolin. As you would expect, the tone is nothing to write home about, but after a year and a half of being abused by a toddler it is still playable and will stay in tune (as long as little people are not twisting on the tuners). I’d recommend if you need something in that price range. I have heard they are made in the same facility in China (I think) where Johnsons are made, so it’s probably about the same instrument.