While I agree with what you're saying, you shouldn't go especially expensive on an entry level mandolin either...buying an expensive mandolin right off the bat is a sure way to wind up with an overpriced wall hanger...you can get a decent enough sounding mandolin in the $150-$200 range for beginners...as long as it's set up properly...shouldn't really spend more than that before they see if they're gonna stick with it...you spend $500 or more just to wind up sticking it in a closet after a month or so, you're gonna have a lot to regret about dropping that kinda dough on an instrument you gave up on...I've been playing 9 years & still won't drop even close to $1000 on a mandolin when there's plenty of great sounding mandos in the $500-$600 range...that being said, set up is key on getting the most out of any mandolin you buy...I can do my own set up these days, but anyone who doesn't have the skills or know how to set up a mandolin, should take thier mandolin to an experienced luthier & have it set up for them so it's as easy to play & sounds as good as it can whatever mandolin they buy...it can be challenging enough to learn on an instrument that plays well, it can be down right frustrating on one that has super hard action & the intonation is way off on...remember, the name of the game is having fun with music...that's why it's called 'playing' music & not 'working' music...👌🏿😎👍🏿
Thoroughly agree with you! We actually sell a pretty great mandolin for $99 and I have no problem selling it to first timers. The main thing is that I have done quality control by selecting quality brands every year at trade shows. Unfortunately, people dont have access to the same knowledge base and can fall victim to some truly horrible mandolins online. One big reason to support a local shop instead of online orders through chains.
Absolutely correct as well...I remember being a first time buyer & you really don't want to spend a lot, but you don't know what you're looking at either...it's way easy to get stuck with a difficult to play clunker just because you don't know what you're doing & people want to rip you off...especially online...I'd only recommend players with a little experience who either know how to set up thier own mandolin, or know a good luthier they can trust to set up thier mandolin buy online...I got a cheap one with a terrible set up & had to replace the tuners, the bridge & the nut to make it even remotely playable...still have it & still play it, but it's now a much better instrument than it was when I bought it...I have much better ones too now as well, but that one should've stayed on the hanger...Lol! For someone looking for their first one, it's good to go old school & actually go to a music store so they can talk to someone who can inform them on the reality of playing an instrument & what to look for in a decent starter...just because it looked easy in that video they saw online doesn't mean they're gonna be able to blow people's minds after a couple of weeks of practicing 10 minutes every couple of days...Lol! But at the same time, there are stores that'll just take their money too...places like Guitar Center with know it all staff that are many times, barely out of high school can be a bad place for an aspiring musician...not that there's anything wrong with going to Guitar Center, just not very beginner friendly in my opinion...they should really look for smaller music stores with experienced staff who are truly interested in helping them along on their musical journey & won't rip them off just to make a quick buck...you help them get something decent to start out on & when their skills outgrow that first one, they're gonna come back to you for a better instrument in the future...it's all about taking care of a person's needs based on what skill level they're at...👌🏿😎👍🏿
That's a really good comment, i just retired and want to get my first mandolin that hopefully will become a full time hobby, i was going to spend around $500 for a decent instrument but now im having second thoughts after reading this, can you recommend a inexpensive mandolin that is worthy of being setup by a professional ( maybe a Rogue ? ) any response is welcome, thanks........Scott 👍. (edited because of typo).
I believe the best starter mandolin is Eastman. The tone, playability, etc. Is top notch for a 400$ mandolin . And eastman high end mandolins are nothing to snear at either. All round you can't go wrong with one.
You just have to shop and do some research. My first mandolin was an Epiphone MM20. It cost about $120 without the case. It has turned out to be a mandolin I play all the time. It sounds good and is easy to play. It's got a really bright sound that carries though when playing with other musicians. There are some other really good low cost mandolins that are probably as good - like Hora or Johnson.
Totally agree! My first one was a Johnson for $99. I didn't mean to imply that you have to spend thousands but we have had some customers bring in the worst instruments ever from Amazon under $80 so just trying to educate some folks! I will have to look up Hora!
I mean, yeah, the Mandolins obviously bargain bin quality, but you were complaining the action was "still too high" when you replaced the bridge, (Not sure why you replaced the bridge first, seems like a rip) yet you hadn't touched the nut. The nut was clearly the main culprit here, it's extremely tall. The bridge isn't going to massively affect the action at the first couple frets as you were harping on about, the nut is.
The neck angle was the main problem in this case. It is easy to test if you put a capo on the first fret and the strings cant be put down completely to the frets by lowering the bridge. Sometimes this happens and alternate bridges can solve the issue but not with this one. The nut should be carved too but I wasn't about to put the time into an instrument that was going to be returned to the online company that it was purchased from. In either case, this company sold an unusable mandolin without repair work that would likely cost more than the original price.
Not all inexpensive mandolins are that bad. That mandolin is junk ! I have a Rogue, The Loar, and am now getting ready to buy in the $1500 range. I can tell you that the Rogue was my first one, I set it up myself and it plays well and is easier to play than my second mandolin that is The Loar. The Rogue cost me $50.00 I still have it and play it. The Loar cost about $340.00 I set that one up as well and I like how it sounds for the price and It looks really nice. So not all cheaper priced mandolins are like the one you showed here. That nut and bridge were crazy high ! haha!!!
I totally agree - Just trying to provide a list of things to check. We actually sell a mandolin in our store under $100 by Savannah and i like it but these other one's have $100 in repairs to get playable. Love the loar stuff! Even rogue is surprising
@@RamonaMusicCenter Rogue sure is surprising.... I mean its plywood but I don't know how they make any money ! LOL I think I am going to get a Eastman 515cc If I can find one. Do you have any in your store?
@RamonaMusicCenter Thanks for your reply, well I decided to buy the Vangoa Left-handed mandolin. It seems to have the best reviews for a low priced mandolin. I'm retired now and really want to learn how to play.
There is a reason you see so many cheap 2nd hand mandolins on the market. They are rubbish Spend a bit more and get an instrument that sounds and feels easier to play. I've been there, done that. Bought cheap, crappy entry level junk. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. I now have some beautiful instruments. A Mike Black oval hole and a Northfield F5s. It took some saving but they're lifers.
@@froggie5628 I have one.. Sometimes it can be hit or miss. I set my own up. I had to file the nut where the strings rest and sand down the bridge a little to get it to sit flush on the sound board "top of the mando". Then I set the intonation. It plays easier than my Loar 310F But the sound is better on my Loar. The Rogue is great to start out with. You made a good decision on that. Get a luthier to set it up and you will be happy to learn on it. I was.. I used my Rogue for about 4 months before I got my $340 Loar. I am now getting a mandolin with solid wood. Remember that the Rogue is plywood, so you won't get the same depth and sustain that you would in a solid wood mandolin. I still get my Rogue down from the wall and play it. The action is great on it after the set up. Good luck and play every day if you can and NEVER give up no matter what ! Have a great day.
While I agree with what you're saying, you shouldn't go especially expensive on an entry level mandolin either...buying an expensive mandolin right off the bat is a sure way to wind up with an overpriced wall hanger...you can get a decent enough sounding mandolin in the $150-$200 range for beginners...as long as it's set up properly...shouldn't really spend more than that before they see if they're gonna stick with it...you spend $500 or more just to wind up sticking it in a closet after a month or so, you're gonna have a lot to regret about dropping that kinda dough on an instrument you gave up on...I've been playing 9 years & still won't drop even close to $1000 on a mandolin when there's plenty of great sounding mandos in the $500-$600 range...that being said, set up is key on getting the most out of any mandolin you buy...I can do my own set up these days, but anyone who doesn't have the skills or know how to set up a mandolin, should take thier mandolin to an experienced luthier & have it set up for them so it's as easy to play & sounds as good as it can whatever mandolin they buy...it can be challenging enough to learn on an instrument that plays well, it can be down right frustrating on one that has super hard action & the intonation is way off on...remember, the name of the game is having fun with music...that's why it's called 'playing' music & not 'working' music...👌🏿😎👍🏿
Thoroughly agree with you! We actually sell a pretty great mandolin for $99 and I have no problem selling it to first timers. The main thing is that I have done quality control by selecting quality brands every year at trade shows. Unfortunately, people dont have access to the same knowledge base and can fall victim to some truly horrible mandolins online. One big reason to support a local shop instead of online orders through chains.
Absolutely correct as well...I remember being a first time buyer & you really don't want to spend a lot, but you don't know what you're looking at either...it's way easy to get stuck with a difficult to play clunker just because you don't know what you're doing & people want to rip you off...especially online...I'd only recommend players with a little experience who either know how to set up thier own mandolin, or know a good luthier they can trust to set up thier mandolin buy online...I got a cheap one with a terrible set up & had to replace the tuners, the bridge & the nut to make it even remotely playable...still have it & still play it, but it's now a much better instrument than it was when I bought it...I have much better ones too now as well, but that one should've stayed on the hanger...Lol! For someone looking for their first one, it's good to go old school & actually go to a music store so they can talk to someone who can inform them on the reality of playing an instrument & what to look for in a decent starter...just because it looked easy in that video they saw online doesn't mean they're gonna be able to blow people's minds after a couple of weeks of practicing 10 minutes every couple of days...Lol! But at the same time, there are stores that'll just take their money too...places like Guitar Center with know it all staff that are many times, barely out of high school can be a bad place for an aspiring musician...not that there's anything wrong with going to Guitar Center, just not very beginner friendly in my opinion...they should really look for smaller music stores with experienced staff who are truly interested in helping them along on their musical journey & won't rip them off just to make a quick buck...you help them get something decent to start out on & when their skills outgrow that first one, they're gonna come back to you for a better instrument in the future...it's all about taking care of a person's needs based on what skill level they're at...👌🏿😎👍🏿
That's a really good comment, i just retired and want to get my first mandolin that hopefully will become a full time hobby, i was going to spend around $500 for a decent instrument but now im having second thoughts after reading this, can you recommend a inexpensive mandolin that is worthy of being setup by a professional ( maybe a Rogue ? ) any response is welcome, thanks........Scott 👍. (edited because of typo).
I believe the best starter mandolin is Eastman. The tone, playability, etc. Is top notch for a 400$ mandolin . And eastman high end mandolins are nothing to snear at either. All round you can't go wrong with one.
100%agree!! Eastman is incredible! A couple other standouts are Washburn or Kentucky in the 2-300 range
Is there a continuation to this video ? Would like to see and hear how it turned out.
"You're not rich enough to buy cheap". - Best advice I ever heard.
haha great point. Middle ground is always where the real deal is
You just have to shop and do some research. My first mandolin was an Epiphone MM20. It cost about $120 without the case. It has turned out to be a mandolin I play all the time. It sounds good and is easy to play. It's got a really bright sound that carries though when playing with other musicians. There are some other really good low cost mandolins that are probably as good - like Hora or Johnson.
Totally agree! My first one was a Johnson for $99. I didn't mean to imply that you have to spend thousands but we have had some customers bring in the worst instruments ever from Amazon under $80 so just trying to educate some folks! I will have to look up Hora!
@@RamonaMusicCenter I didn't think you implied you have to spend a lot of money. It was a very informative video.
Just bought a loar LM-110. Sounds great got it for $400
Beautiful!!
I've heard The Loar Honey Creek mandolins ~$300 are great for starters
Absolutely!!! Love the Loar stuff
What do you think about Mitchell brand of Mandolin
They can be surprisingly good! I would still have a local shop check the neck and setup but way better than a lot of what is out online.
i bought that same model and it wasnt set up.. had to mess with the bridge and the nut needs adjustments beyond my expertise. action is too high
I mean, yeah, the Mandolins obviously bargain bin quality, but you were complaining the action was "still too high" when you replaced the bridge, (Not sure why you replaced the bridge first, seems like a rip) yet you hadn't touched the nut. The nut was clearly the main culprit here, it's extremely tall. The bridge isn't going to massively affect the action at the first couple frets as you were harping on about, the nut is.
The neck angle was the main problem in this case. It is easy to test if you put a capo on the first fret and the strings cant be put down completely to the frets by lowering the bridge. Sometimes this happens and alternate bridges can solve the issue but not with this one. The nut should be carved too but I wasn't about to put the time into an instrument that was going to be returned to the online company that it was purchased from.
In either case, this company sold an unusable mandolin without repair work that would likely cost more than the original price.
Not all inexpensive mandolins are that bad. That mandolin is junk ! I have a Rogue, The Loar, and am now getting ready to buy in the $1500 range. I can tell you that the Rogue was my first one, I set it up myself and it plays well and is easier to play than my second mandolin that is The Loar. The Rogue cost me $50.00 I still have it and play it. The Loar cost about $340.00 I set that one up as well and I like how it sounds for the price and It looks really nice. So not all cheaper priced mandolins are like the one you showed here. That nut and bridge were crazy high ! haha!!!
I totally agree - Just trying to provide a list of things to check. We actually sell a mandolin in our store under $100 by Savannah and i like it but these other one's have $100 in repairs to get playable. Love the loar stuff! Even rogue is surprising
@@RamonaMusicCenter Rogue sure is surprising.... I mean its plywood but I don't know how they make any money ! LOL I think I am going to get a Eastman 515cc If I can find one. Do you have any in your store?
My Eastman 305 was $510....
Incredible instruments!
hello
beans
Sup Beans!
yes
Unfortunately, me being left-handed, its hard to find one that you really want, so you have no choice but to settle for less.
Interesting predicament! Which options do you have?
@RamonaMusicCenter Thanks for your reply, well I decided to buy the Vangoa Left-handed mandolin. It seems to have the best reviews for a low priced mandolin. I'm retired now and really want to learn how to play.
There is a reason you see so many cheap 2nd hand mandolins on the market.
They are rubbish
Spend a bit more and get an instrument that sounds and feels easier to play.
I've been there, done that.
Bought cheap, crappy entry level junk.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing. I now have some beautiful instruments. A Mike Black oval hole and a Northfield F5s. It took some saving but they're lifers.
100%
I already bought an 80 dollar mandolin
Edit:damn, that action is fuckin high
Edit 2: i hope my 80 dollar mandolin doesn't need any repairs like this
What brand?
@@RamonaMusicCenter its a Rogue RM-100A Mandolin, so the brand is Rogue
Rogues are pretty decent considering the price and you should be far better of than the model in this video! A setup should do wonders for you!
@@RamonaMusicCenter Thank you very much, now I just gotta wait for the darn thing to ship
@@froggie5628 I have one.. Sometimes it can be hit or miss. I set my own up. I had to file the nut where the strings rest and sand down the bridge a little to get it to sit flush on the sound board "top of the mando". Then I set the intonation. It plays easier than my Loar 310F But the sound is better on my Loar. The Rogue is great to start out with. You made a good decision on that. Get a luthier to set it up and you will be happy to learn on it. I was.. I used my Rogue for about 4 months before I got my $340 Loar. I am now getting a mandolin with solid wood. Remember that the Rogue is plywood, so you won't get the same depth and sustain that you would in a solid wood mandolin. I still get my Rogue down from the wall and play it. The action is great on it after the set up. Good luck and play every day if you can and NEVER give up no matter what ! Have a great day.
I would never buy a mando w/o a truss rod
Me too! What a nightmare!
But, that's a slide mandolin!
Hahah you win!