As many others have pointed out, mandolins are expensive and you often get what you pay for. That's just the way it is.
This has been my experience:
You can get a terrible $100 mandolin that won't intonate past the 5th fret to learn on and that's fine. When you're done with it, throw it in with the camping gear or use it as a boat paddle or a hammer.
The next step up will be in the neighborhood of $700 for something like an Eastman/Kentucky/Loar. Instruments at that level are ok, but can be hit or miss in terms of sound. Maybe you get an Eastman 305 that sounds GREAT. Maybe you get an Eastman 605 that sounds SUPER SHRILL. Mine was the 605 and I wish I'd gotten the 305.
The next tier would be the $1800 range for something like an entry level Weber. That's where I am now.
The next tier will be something like a $3500 Collings. I don't know that I'll ever be good enough to merit one.
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