Guitars

I've got a question for the more experienced mandolin players out there. I play a Gibson J200 right now and have an incredible desire to learn the mandolin now. I'm seeking to play folk/bluegrass music and want to make sure that I don't waste my money on a cheap-built instrument. I know that you get what you pay for, but I would like to know what company makes a good-quality beginner/intermediate mandolin, seeing as how I would just be "testing the waters" for now.

Thanks a ton!

Did you get your mandolin yet?

As long as you are not 'hung up' on an F4 or, god forbid, an F5 there are a lot of wonderful choices for a student model Mandoline. I would highly reccomend hunting through the local pawn shops. Before you go, you should decide what features will benefit you most over the 'long haul', ie, does it have an electronic pickup installed already, does it come with a case. Other choices are easier to determine. Some mandolines resemble a 'gord' that has been cut in half and have a big 'stick' protruding from said gord. I would reccomend avoiding this version as it is difficult to hold and (much like the applause guitars) wants to 'slide' out of your grip. An economical choice that has electronics already installed is made by a division of Gibson and is called "The Epiphone". With a little playability work by your local luthier you will have an instrument that you can really 'grow' into. I see these for around $200 in the local pawn shops and they come in a variety of colors. The mandoline is a wonderful instrument that is capable of evoking great emotion in the right hands. Happy hunting!

EASTMAN MAKES A GOOD MANDOLIN ONE THE MANDOLIN PLAYERS I USE HAS TWO OF THEM AND THEY BOTH SOUND GREAT! I ALSO WORK ON INST. SO I HAVE HAD GOOD RESPONSE FROM THE EASTMAN
PHILLIP JAMES
JAMESVIOLINS.ZOOMSHARE.COM

I really like the Michael Kelly Mandolins. Should be able to get an A model for a couple hundred bucks. and all of their mandolins have solid carved tops. you can pay quite a bit more for other brands and still have one with a laminated top. Check'em out..