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#1
12-05-2012, 05:58 PM
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Mandolin Question
Hey everyone,
I've been looking to get a mandolin for awhile now... but I know next to nothing about them... Specifically, I'm looking at the Savannah SF-100 F-model mando... seems to be reasonably priced, has a solid spruce top, maple back and sides... Does anyone have any experience with this mandolin? I'm looking for potential problems with it.. intonation/tuning (I know that's a big problem with cheaper mandolins), etc.... Thanks, Christen
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Teton STS205CENT Alvarez AD-410 "Tranquilidad" Ibanez M522SBS F-style mandolin My Soundcloud Profile My Bandcamp Profile Behind the Feather Curtain (personal blog) 
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#2
12-05-2012, 06:58 PM
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i am thinking of buying one of these. I have played them and they are nice!
http://www.folkmusician.com/Eastman-...uctinfo/MD505/ another thing is I would buy from here because of their set ups http://www.folkmusician.com/mandolinsetup.asp they do this I believe on all models so even a cheaper one will have good playability. Check out the others. I have found through research and actually playingthem for lower end pricing that Eastman are very good mandolins. Loud bold and play nice.
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2010 Taylor 816CE 2012 PRS P22 Black Gold Wrap Around.
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#3
12-05-2012, 09:21 PM
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I tried the Savannah mandolins at a local shop and was not impressed. If you can save a little more, check out the Kentucky offerings. If not, consider the Gretsch branded mandolins that they just started selling under their roots collection. Not really bluegrass style, but a pleasant tone for under $200.
Todd
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https://www.mcmakinmusic.com
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#4
12-06-2012, 08:41 PM
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My advice would be to get an A style as you will get more for your money. The Loar LM220 is a great instrument for the price, around $379. Eastmans are very good too, the 305 is their entry A model for about 50 bucks more. Kentucky also makes nice starters, the KM150 will run you a little less than the aforementioned but isnt quite as good IMO.The single very most important thing is to buy from a dealer who performs a proper setup prior to shipping. Mandolins really need to have someone who knows what they are doing tweek them for optimal playability and sound, especially for a beginner who doesnt need to be struggling with their instrument.
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#5
12-06-2012, 08:44 PM
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Quote:
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#6
12-06-2012, 10:30 PM
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"The Loar," "Eastman," and "Kentucky" are all great starters. Lower-end arched-top mandolins (even solid wood) are pressed into their arched shape. "Hand carved" is the euphemism for some machine doing the carving and some person kind of finishing the gradations. Pressed top mandolins just sound different. "Hand-carved" is better. I'm sure the brands I mentioned are carved - well, not sure about the cheapest Kentucky. . .
music for money, go with the a-style. It doesn't have the look, but it'll have the same power. The scroll and points are truly just decorations. f-d
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#7
12-06-2012, 11:02 PM
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Quote:
Todd
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https://www.mcmakinmusic.com
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#8
12-07-2012, 11:35 AM
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Let me start by making the obvious NFI claim...
Anyway, If this thing is still available I'm thinking you would have a hard time finding a better deal: Reputable name, all-solid wood, F-Style (for those suffering with scroll-envy... I'm laughing with you. I was there once.  )http://www.themandolinstore.com/scri...idProduct=9675 Also from, arguably, one of the best places to deal with when purchasing a new mandolin... ***EDIT: 4 hours later...GONE! Did anyone here nab it up? It was a pretty darn good deal.***
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Gerry Last edited by GerryinAZ; 12-07-2012 at 07:42 PM. Reason: Status Update
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