Frequently Asked Questions: On Choosing a High-End Mandolin as a Beginner

Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:40:35 -0600
Subject: Re: Mandolin Sales - Folk of the Wood?

Mickey-

Thank you for getting back to me. I've read through the q/a on your site and there seems to be quite a bit of info. on there- thanks for posting it.

You're most welcome ... keep in mind, our Q&A's are date back for 10 years now, so you have to take into account potential changes with factory features, change of country mfr, etc ... of which still requires further current research.

My question is fairly simple. I've got the money to buy something between $3000-$5000, however, am dabbling at this point in terms of my skill level as a mando player. Getting something in the neighborhood of $1500-2000 might be smarter- if I really take to it upgrade down the road as my skills progress.

Sounds like a good plan ... as a beginner, you might first consider the lower price range. Besides, you can purchase a superb, professional-level mandolin within the 2k range.

That being said - here is what I'd like your quick two cents on:

I really want the traditional bluegrass "F" style inclusive of the tone barring. I like the Weber line quite a bit as well as some of the distressed / matte finish models I am seeing.

I'm not too sure about the distressed finishes ... however, the matte finish is a great option ... they even appear to have more resonance to me.

Can you recommend three instruments- make and model that would be great buy in terms of buildqualityand sound and ideally that distressed / matte look? I welcome other non-Weber brands as well. I've been looking a bit at www.themandolinstore.com - thoughts on them?

My suggestion would be to call themandolinstore ... or any of the previous dealers I recommended, or even all 4, and see what they have for a professional level used mandolin, with perfect set-up and no fret wear (make sure you also have some kind of return/exchange option in case the mandolin isn't what you expected) ... if you're starting out in the 2k range, this should get you a mandolin that would normally cost in the 3k+ range and the upside is that you should be able to sell it at a later date for essentially what you have in it. (depending on the make) and still purchase your custom 3-5k range mandolin built to your tastes. I suggest this so that after a year or two of playing, you'll then be better able to hone down exactly what you would be looking for in a mandolin.

Let me know what you find and I might be better able to assist you in narrowing down your choices.

All my best, Mickey

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. The more specific the better.

Thanks and best to you as you are taking over the business again.

Jonathan

Subject: baroque mandolins
Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 02:07:19 -0400

Greetings Barry,

The Baroque mandolin is reminiscent of the early lute...only with a shorter neck.
http://www.mandolino.it/Genoese%20Baroque%20mandolin.htm

I'm not sure what other references you've found...if you've found something entirely different, please e-mail me the URL...I'd love to further assist...

Hi my name is Barry and I came across your website while searching for information on Mandolins in general. I ahve seen a couple of interesting looking mandolins with a unique body style called a Baroque style. How do these compare to the F style and what can I expect them to sound like?

Well, they will have a mellower resonant tone; the F-style mando is designed for a focused projected tone. I believe the Baroque mandolin would work well within special applications such as classical mandolin. The F-style is far more versatile...

I believe the two companys were Harmony and Crestline if that helps any. I am toying with the idea of purchasing a starter mandolin and like both bluegrass and celtic music. Do people use the f style for celtic or is that a nono?

Most definitely...the F-style makes for a great Celtic instrument too...especially if playing in a larger ensemble. Nonetheless, the flat style or oval soundhole mandolin is even more desirable for Celtic settings.

I have listened to a couple of the sound clips and I think I would like a rounder toned instrument with clarity. Would that put me in the mahogany back and sides with maple or spruce top?

For a rounder tone, you might consider the Rigel A+ Deluxe...or a Weber with an Oval Soundhole...the mahogany back and sides adds to the warmth...maple seems to be more bright and crisp.

I listened to some of the breedlovee clips and they seem to be bright to me I liked the johnson tones a bit more. I think I need more research. BTW I do play guitar and have always liked the sound of a mandolin.

Hopefully, I've assisted in some way...Mickey

Subject: mando site is amazing!!
Date: Thu, 29 Jul 2004 12:43:56 -0400

Hello and thanks so much for an amazingly informative website.

Greetings Dan...you're very welcome...and thank you for tuning in with us.

I don't think I have seen many sites on any product that are so complete and offer so much. I have now spent hours listening to your mandolin videos as a (we) are considering digging deep for a good one.
Phoenix, Rigel and Weber are being considered and I would like your input on the best choice for an Irish leaning player.

All three of these makes offer particular models that would work well for Celtic settings. What you want to look for is an added resonance and aliveness for Celtic music. For instance, you might consider a Weber Hyalite for its matte finish...or the Phoenix Neoclassical for its volume, or the Rigel A+ Deluxe Oval Soundhole model for more openness in tone. All having their own pluses and minuses...

I will be trying to get to some nearby shops next month to play with a few but would still appreciate which would be your recommendation without regard to price and secondly for one with a budget of $2500. Lots of jigs and reels with and with time... learning some picking.

If you have experience in playing mandolin, going out and trying them firsthand will be a solid option. However, if you're not experienced in playing mando, trying them out firsthand will fall short in many ways. You may not know exactly how to assess its playability, its tonal range nor its potential for certain applications. If you're somewhat inexperienced on the mandolin, be sure to take someone with you who does have background on the mandolin. They can then personally give you their take on each mandolin that you try out...ensuring that you have some direction in your search.

The other option would be to purchase with a full option to trade-up at any given time...this will give you plenty of time to tune into what the mandolin is about...after some playing hours under your belt, you'll be better able to determine what best fits your very own tastes and preferences.

Hope something here helps, Mickey

I'm sure you are busy but if you could drop a line when you have some time. I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Dan