What type of mandolin should I buy?

[volsball]

Does anyone have any advice on what type of mandolin I should buy? I have no playing experience, but my grandfather's friend said he will teach me to play. His mandolin was handmade in Arkansas, but since I will need mine before I will get a chance to go find one like his, I need to buy one at a music store.

[dach]

Buy one that is cheap and is easy to play. You will have fun playing and learning technique if it doesn't require arnold s's strength to fret... once you've got some chops you can get a decent one like a Weber, etc.... BTW... even some of the cheapies sound and record suprisingly well.

Rule of thumb... unless it's super cheap, always PLAY BEFORE BUY!

[TAlderson]

My friend just got a Rogue for $30 on MF. He says it plays quite well, and the reviews on the site look solid. You should check it out.

-Tyler

[TAlderson]

My friend recently showed the mandolin to me, and I played it. I loved it. I would reccomend getting this one, especially for the price ($30 on musician's friend). I would also reccomend re-stringing it with Elixir mandolin strings before playing it, as that's what he did, and they sound great.

-Tyler

[Middleman]

I picked up a Fender which was cheap. It plays well up and down the neck. Just make sure there are no deadspots on the fretboard and almost anything will do for learning.

[Nicholas G.]

I would get a cheap fender for starting, they play well, sound decent and have a pick-up if needed.
If you want a very good mandolin though, I would get a old vintage gibson, A model type, they are amazing and can be found for not too much money on ebay or flea markets if you're lucky.
Nick

[volsball]

Thanks for all the advice and sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I did read your advice and I ended up getting a cheap one at a consignment music store. It was only $40, but it sounds nice. I am enjoying learning.

[caj]

I can vouch for the old Gibson...I have a 1920 A-2 and she's a beauty! **** and lucious sound..easy to play.

[jjenks]

Just put Elixir strings on it and make sure there are no dead spots on the fretboard and it should sound good.

[TonyB]

"Cheap" Mandolins do seem to be very forgiving. The Epiphone for just under $200 isn't bad either. Haven't tried the $30 Rogue though.