Mandolin: Buying Tips

Date: Wed, 5 Aug 2009 01:46:20 -0600
Subject: Re: Kentucky Mandolins

OK Mickey, you talked me into the KM 505. It sure does looks like a great mando.

Yes it really does appear to be a nice one. Like an early Gibson A Snakehead model.

As much as I love bluegrass, classical music just edges it out as my favorite. I believe that this A style mando will be a keeper, and is going to get lots of service. So far, I've found it on:

Janet Davis
Play Better Bluegrass
Elderly
Mandolin Hut
Mandolin Store
Gianna Violins

When I call these stores and ask questions, what questions should I ask I decide one vendor over another?

Well ... you'll want to ask them about whether a full set-up comes with the sale price ... to include:
New Light Gauge Strings (most times the factory strings are not desireable, or if the mandolin was on display, the strings are likely to be dead)
Low Action without buzzing ... (this is important for a beginner to ensure ease of playability and less frustration during the learning process)
Perfect Intonation (quite critical if you want to sound in tune)
Lowered Nut (if the nut's too high at the first few frets this makes it difficult to play in the first position ... many imports are notorious for having a nut that needs to be adjusted for first position playability)

Be sure to purchase an electronic tuner (chromatic) with your mandolin. (an essential tool to assist you at the beginning stages, until you develop an ear to tune the mandolin yourself)

To me, I would rather pay a little more if there's great service than a low ball with no service. The price varies from 450 to 500.

There's a lot to be said for a perfectly set-up beginning-level mandolin. The price could be more expensive but well worth it for a well set-up mandolin.

And one last question. What kind of picks and tuner should I look for?

Experiment with a variety of picks to find the one the best suits your playing style. I like a medium gauge full triangle one myself (more to hold onto). As a beginner, you might like a less thicker gauge (which makes it easier to strum) ... however, when you're more advanced, you'll want a medium to heavy gauge pick.

For Tuners, go with a Korg Chromatic Tuner.

All my best, Mickey

Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2009 09:47:54 -0600
Subject: mandolin questions

Can't thank you enough for the wealth of info on your site.

I have a couple of questions. I'm buying my first mandolin, and had found a couple of acoustic-electrics online for about the price I was looking for: a MK Legacy Deluxe, used, for $350, and a new Morgan Monroe MM-100 SBE for about $400. I haven't been able to unearth any online samples of these being played, and I was cautioned against buying an a-e because of how much the pickup system might affect the tone when playing acoustically (which I will be doing mostly). Any advice?

I personally like the acoustic/electric mandolins ... especially the ones with the on-board electronics such as an EQ. They're versatile and will allow you to play in almost any setting ... I play with other musicians whom all use electric instruments on stage. In this situation, it's almost impossible to play an acoustic mandolin through a mic. I still have acoustic mandolins in my arsenal ... only, they're mostly used for recording or playing in a strictly acoustic environment. Yes, pick-ups will affect the tone of a mandolin being played acoustically. However, it's usually very subtle and not noticeable at all by the average listener. And with the right EQ settings, and preamp, you can mold your sound to your liking.

I also have a question concerning finish, specifically nitrocellulose or gloss lacquer vs. - polyester? - finishes. I was told the lacquer gives a far better pop/bark/whatever than a polyester, if not immediately then for sure once the mando gets played a lot and broken in. Does this sound right to you?

To some degree, yes. Still quite a few variables involved though.

I was also told that among Michael Kelly, Morgan Monroe, and Kentucky (which is what I've pretty much narrowed down to), Kentucky are the only ones made with the lacquer. Is this your experience as well?

Not sure on their current ones. And, really, for this level of mandolin, I wouldn't be too concerned about the type of finish being used. On a higher end Gibson or Weber, I believe that's where it really counts. These are all great value mandolins ... and, keep in mind, they're all starter mandolins not pro-level. So, you don't have to really concern yourself about subtle variations in finish, woods and hardware. They're all about the same level of quality to me. Most importantly, make sure whomever you decide to purchase from that they do perform a proper set-up: low action, perfect intonation, new light strings, etc. This should be your main concern on any one of these mandolins purchased.

Be sure to buy an electronic tuner with your mandolin too ... such as a Korg Chromatic.

We have free online mandolin lessons at:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/Mandolin_Lessons.html

And, an introductory video, that explains how to use a tuner and covers all facets of learning mandolin at:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/Mandolin_DVD_Info_Page.html

So with what I've learned so far, I'm leaning toward Kentucky. I tried out a KM-620 today and liked it, and so I was thinking either the 630 (which is the 620 w/ gold hardware?) or the 675. Do you have a recommendation either way?

I've always liked the 675 myself. However, they all are a great value.

How do these compare with the slightly higher-end models like the 700, 805, 1000? Again, this would be my first mandolin.

Not sure on this one since I haven't played the 700 nor 805.

I guess I'm a little picky, but this won't be my main instrument, so I just want something that can hold its own at a gig or acoustic jam, preferably less than $1000. Cosmetics aren't really an issue at all.

Understood. Glad to help, Mickey

Whew, sorry for the barrage of questions. Anything you could tell me would be a great help!

Thanks,
Jared Balkman

Subject: mandolin purchase
Date: Sat, 25 Sep 2004 09:01:52 -0400

Greetings,

I have been looking at high end mandolins, I currently own a Kentucky KM-630. Examples of mandolins I have been looking at are Red Diamond, Sullivan, Nugget, Collins, Gibson to name a few, as you know these are costly critters. I played a MK Dragon Fly at my local music store and felt like it had every thing I was looking for in a mandolin, but it is hard to tell without a side by side comparison with a high end mandolin.

Here's what you're up against: On the import side, you get a lot for the money...and MK's are as nice as you can ask for an imported mandolin. The most important features are covered: solid spruce top, solid maple back and sides, etc. However, there isn't an inexpensive import I know of that compares to domestics or high-end imports (such as the Sullivan)...in quality craftsmanship, meticulous detail, quality materials, etc.

Hence, yes, the best values are the MK's, Morgan Monroes and the Kentucky line-up...nevertheless, the finest mandolins still fall under the expensive categories of Sullivan, Nugget, Collins or Gibson. The MK is a great value hands down...and we love them! Only they're not to be compared to a 3k+ mandolin...

I even went as far as to call MK and ask them about the construction of their mandolins. It seemed like the build is equal in quality to anything else I have researched. I was told they had solid hand carved spruce tops, solid carved maple backs and solid maple sides. Some of the questions I still have in my mind are do they use hide glue and would this really make a difference in tone transfer?

I'm not sure what glues they use on an MK...every detail makes a difference on a mandolin...albeit, some more subtler than others.

What grade wood is used?

Exactly my point...

I was told they took their best four builders from a factory they purchased and started producing the mandolins I am seeing in my local music store. So other than these mandolins not being built in the USA, what is going to be the difference in tone and playability?

For the average beginner, tonal range can be imperceptible; for the long-time player, it's very obvious...

My suggestion would be to start out with a MK (or Morgan Monroe)...and as you acquire more ability, you will then be better able to classify the differences in mandolins...and eventually, know exactly what you, as the artist, would be looking for in a high-end mandolin. Hence, you do not need to outlay an exorbitant amount to start...and, it's more justifiable to purchase a higher end mandolin once you have attuned your ear to what you yourself would be looking for in your mandolin of your dreams. I know I have found what I'm looking for in a mandolin: 1. Breedlove Alpine (my all-around mandolin) 2. Weber Yellowstone (for my F) 3. Rigel CT-110 for versatility in unique settings... 4. Weber Sweet Pea (for my traveling mandolin)
I would also like to find a Morgan Monroe or a Michael Kelly to kick around as a second mandolin...for, I'm like you, I do worry about the scratches and dings on my art-wood mandolins.

Hope this somehow helps you out...Mickey

They even offer the Allen tailpiece which I really like. I don't want to spend 5,000 on what I can get for fewer than 1,000. Keep in mind I want a mandolin I can play and not just look at or worry about a pick scratch. I do realize that these mandolins will not hold value like high end custom or USA built mandolins. Please let me know if I am fooling myself into believing these mandolins could be as good as a 5,000 dollar mandolin.

Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2004 11:48:18 EDT
Subject: Mandolin Q's

Greetings Del

Enjoyed your website. Interested in a beginner mandolin/package deal. The Johnson MA-120 @ 250.00. But, I have a few questions before I decide to purchase anything. I am left handed and wondered if reversing the strings is the main difference or are there specific left handed mandolins?

There are dedicated left-handed mandolins...none at the MA-120 price range that I know of...yes, we do a left-handed conversion for 30.00...

Also, why is the F style almost always used over the A style in bluegrass?

A lot of this is the precedence set by Bill Monroe himself...the father of bluegrass...he used an F-style Gibson exclusively...now, the F-style mandolin is even part of the silhouette of a traditional bluegrass band...

As a beginner, I am concerned about customer feedback on other sites regarding some inferior products being sold. I need an economical and functional mandolin/mandolin package and would appreciate your response. +++ DEL+++

A lot of the bad feedback is attributed to a poor set-up period. Most of what a beginner encounters when picking up their first mandolin is frustration due to a poorly set up mandolin...so, don't be discouraged by bad reports on low-end mandolins. A few are justified; most are not...

Just make sure that you're getting a full set-up with your mandolin purchase...many imported mandos, at the low end, are still a tremendous value.

Call James @ ...he'd be glad to assist you with a full mandolin package...with set-up and all accessories...

Mickey

Subject: Trinity College Mandolin #9416 ...
Date: Mon, 3 May 2004 23:39:01 -0400

A friend has this mandolin, and as a new player I am considering buying it. What do I need to know about it? What is it's rough value in US dollars in good condition? IS there anything I need to look for in quality concerns or special care of the instrument?

Brent Beck

Greetings Brent,

These are very rare today...Trinity College now only makes Mandolas, Octaves and Bouzoukis...I do remember Trinity College making one mandolin in the past...with an oval soundhole I believe.

I cannot determine its value since we've never sold one...even so, you could always check with the manufacturer about its original retail value at: www.sagamusic.com

Quality concerns may include: a straight neck, no cracks, a solid bridge, no loose bracing (lightly tap the top), good working tuning machines, whether it plays in tune properly, and so on....

See our website for Care and Feeding of your Mandolin....linked from the mandolin section...

Hope this helps, Mickey

Subject: Mandolin
Date: Sat, 20 Mar 2004 20:15:29 -0600

Greetings Bill,

Glad to assist:

I am looking to buy my first mandolin. I will be using it primarily for bluegrass I want decent quality but can't afford to spend a great deal. I am interested in a Kentucky KM-630 and actually purchased one through an internet discount house. That was a big mistake. When the instrument arrived it had not been set up or inspected by the dealer. I was a little surprised, but I guess you get what you pay for.

Not necessarily true...there are many legitimate mail order companies that do include a set-up and inspection with every mando purchase...such as Elderly Instruments, FQMS, Janet Davis Music and so on...so, please do not become discouraged by one mail order experience...

I spent some time trying to set it up myself, using an electronic tuner to set and adjust the intonation (I've been playing guitar for a few years and have a fairly good ear) but it quickly became apparent that this would be best done by a professional I did notice that the tuners had quite a bit of play in them, which made it very difficult to even tune the instrument properly. In order to tune down I would have to turn the tuner about 1/4 turn before getting any adjustment in the pitch.

It sounds like your mandolin wasn't properly intonated...which means that it can make for some major frustration since, it will never sound in tune...unless the bridge is properly adjusted and intonated with the 12th fret. This is a standard process for mandolin set-up and is required of every mandolin. Every import we get requires some adjustment on the intonation...and most arrive without the bridge installed. We, ourselves, offer a 9-point set-up checklist signed by one of our luthiers that ensures that this process is properly executed.

My question to you is, are these qualities common in the KM-630 and other mandolins in this price range? I can live with the aesthetic imperfections. But, should the tuners that come standard on the instrument be so loose? If that is normal ( I have a $300 guitar with better tuners) and I was to purchase a KM-630 from your store, is it possible to have the tuners replaced with better quality tuners. If so, I would like to discuss this with someone regarding cost.

Yes, we can replace the tuners with Schaller tuners...(about an additional 50.00)...and, yes, most imports come with less expensive tuning machines...of which can have lots of play when they come stock...even so, they're usually still functional and for a student mandolin, shouln't pose any problems...yes, there will be cosmetic flaws in most all imported mandolins; notwithstanding, for a solid student level mandolin, the appearance flaws will not take away from its functionality whatsoever. The best values to be found in the import, are the playability and the solid woods...and most importantly, if set up correctly, a mandolin that will serve the student mandolinist well...

FYI, I was attracted to the KM-630 because it is an F-style with a solid top in an affordable price range. I had read some reviews that were positive and listened to samples of the instrument being played on your website.

Yes, it's still a solid functional mandolin...especially if set up correctly...as you seem to be already aware, there are compromises...and this is reflected in the price...keep in mind, we have a 100% trade-up policy allowing you to trade to another mandolin without any loss of initial investment...hence, you're never stuck with any one mandolin purchased through us for you can grow into many other mandolins along the way by applying previous purchase prices...

Wishing you the best in your research efforts, Mickey

Thanks, Bill Florea