From: David.T.Greenfield@dartmouth.edu (David T. Greenfield)
Newsgroups: rec.music.country.western,rec.music.early,rec.music.folk,rec.music.makers,rec.music.marketplace,rec.music.misc
Subject: mandolin info: results (long)
Date: 27 Aug 92 14:36:56 GMT
Organization: Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
X-Posted-From: InterNews1.0d56@newshost.dartmouth.edu

Thanks to everyone who responded to my request for mandolin info.  I
did receive some requests that I post the results, so the following is
a complete record of the resulting correspondence.

David
david.t.greenfield@dartmouth.edu



In article <1992Aug7.193255.6034@dartvax.dartmouth.edu>, I wrote...

>I'm in the market for a mandolin and I'm looking for some info.  The
>instrument I buy will probably be in the <= $400 range (including a
>case).  I have looked at several Kentucky models, notably the KM160,
>KM160-S and the KM180-S.  I have also looked at a Sigma SM35.  If you
>have any comments or advice on the price or quality of these or other
>mandolins in my stated price range I would love to hear it.  Also names
>and locations of dealers in New England would be helpful.
> 
>Please respond by email.  I will post or pass on the info I receive if
>there are requests.
> 
>Thanks very much.
> 
>David
>david.t.greenfield@dartmouth.edu


FOLLOWING ARE RESPONSES THAT I RECEIVED:

Date: Sat, 08 Aug 1992 09:08:45 PDT
From: JOHNMAC*DOUGALL TRIUMF OPERATIONS <johnmac@erich.triumf.ca>
To: David.T.Greenfield@Dartmouth.EDU
Cc: johnmac@erich.triumf.ca
Subject: Re: looking for mandolin info


Yo David.  I have a Sigma mandolin but I don't know the model number. 
It
has a solid spruce bent top and an oval sound hole under the strings
and
mahogony back and sides.  It's ok but it's still a plank!  I just
bought a 1947 
Martin 2-15 carved spruce top with f-holes for $500.00 US. that sounds
and
plays beautiful.  You should look for a good used Gibson (expensive) or
Martin
or similar than buy a Korean made plank.  But a plank is a good way to
get
started playing especially if you're not sure you want to get serious. 
For me
it's serious.  Martin made lot's of different styles of mandolins with
the 2-15
being the most common.  I bet they are easy to find in the Northeast. 

john.


Date:         Mon, 10 Aug 92 08:34:55 EDT
From: Larry Saye <LSAYE@uga.cc.uga.edu>
Subject:      looking for mandolin info
To: david.t.greenfield@Dartmouth.EDU

David,,,,,,,I too was in the market for a mandolin last year and
lucked up on a used A800 Alvarez. I paid around $650 (that includes
trade) for it. I looked at the Kentucky's and Flatiron's. For the
money I liked the Flatirons over the lower priced Kentucky models.
I was very fortunate in finding the used Alvarez. The model I got
was retailing for $1195 in 1988. Its really boosted my playing
ability.

I guess what I am trying to say is even if you must wait a little
longer go for a high quality instrument. Flatiron has a Performer
Model that goes for around $1200. Washburn has some that retail
for around $1500 that Rythym City in Atlanta priced to me at a discount
for around $795. Its the F-M4 model. I haven't seen it but Washburn
makes some nice stuff.

I hope your search will be successful and if I can help you in anyway
I will be glad to do it.

Larry 'Mule' Saye
Lsaye@uga


Date: Mon, 10 Aug 92 09:14:06 -0400
From: dave@mando.MIT.EDU (David Smith)
To: david.t.greenfield@Dartmouth.EDU
Subject: Mando

Hi, just got your email from the list. I would suggest
that you look at the Flatiron A models. They run about what
you want (perhaps a little more) with several models and
increasing prices for better wood and more trim. I played one
for a long time and really was happy with it. I still take it out
from time to time and play it. There are a couple stores in Boston
that sell them, the Music Emporium is one - local dealers I think.
Also, Gibson just bought them out so I don't know what that did
to availability. I've played a few Kentucky's including the cheaper
models and they are ok I guess. I personally find them a little
hard to play and get good tone on - I think you need a strong left hant
to play them well - a strictly peersonal opinion - many people
swear by them and the people I know that own Kentucky's like
them and sound real good. Anyway, just a few words from a
Gibson A player. good luck dave@mando.mit.edu
dave smith



Date:         Mon, 10 Aug 92 09:28:08 EDT
From: BOWMAN@morekypr
Subject:      Re: looking for mandolin info
To: DAVID.T.GREENFIELD@Dartmouth.EDU

David,

I own a Kentucky KM-1000 and am very pleased with its sound and feel. 
I should
note that it took close to 2 and 1/2 years to open up -- but then most
good
instruments take a while to respond to being played -- and they never
quite
responding.  Overall, I'm pleased with my Kentucky.  I have looked at
Kentucky's less expensive models and, to be honest, am not impressed,
but
I could say that about just about every manufacture's low-end line.

Two things you might want to consider: 1) If you don't *have* to have
an A-model, Flatiron makes a top quality 'iron skillet'
(hence "Flatiron") or "Army-Navy" model
mandolin with varying degrees of ornementation.  I've heard good things
about this mandolin, but never actually played one. and 2) If you are
good
with your hands and have experience with wood-working/luthiery,
Sterwart-Macdonald makes an F-Model mandolin kit.  The kit includes
everything you need (except maybe finishes) and is a
you-put-it-together
type kit.  If you aren't experienced in work-working, I wouldn't
suggest
this alternative.  But if you are, for $350+ you could have a
carved-top
F-model.  (I should mention that you have to graduate the top and back
yourself; other than that, most of the *really* hard work has been
done for you.)

If your interested in Stewart-MacDonald, let me know.  I don't have
their
address/phone# here, but will get it for you if you request it.

Just my two-nickels' worth,
Todd Bowman
bowman@morekypr.bitnet


Date: Mon, 10 Aug 92 07:58:12 PDT
From: michaels@tekig7.pen.tek.com (Michael L Schaeffer)
To: David.T.Greenfield@Dartmouth.EDU
Subject: Re: looking for mandolin info
Newsgroups:
rec.music.country.western,rec.music.early,rec.music.folk,rec.music.maker
s,rec.music.marketplace,rec.music.misc
Reply-To: michaels@tekig7.tek.com
Organization: Tektronix, Inc., Beaverton,  OR.

MANDOLIN BROTHERS, 629 Forest Ave, Staten Island NY 10310-2576
Phone (718) 981-3226
Catalog and in store sales.
Hundreds of mandolins on the wall.
Dealers of used and vintage instruments, along with virtually every new
brand of mandolins.
Some prices from the last catalog:
Gibson F model Orville (1900) $50K$
others of similar vintage: 1500 - 2400$
Gibson A models from 575 - 1400$
(I own a flatiron and recommend) Flatirons from 323 - 959$
Flatirn mandolins have been made in Bozeman MT since the early
eighties.
Their superb quality is one of the factors in causing the Gibson Co to
select Flatiron to be their sole manufacturer of Gibson guitars and
Mandos
for the last few years. At any rate I would recommend you get in touch
with
Mandolin Bros today!
-- 
===================================================================
michaels@tekig7.PEN.TEK.COM                          ,---c
			      #[Tek]----------------===-     Probe
===================================================================


Date: Mon, 10 Aug 92 09:50:02 PDT
From: gjs%wdl50@wdl1.wdl.loral.com (Gregory Scott)
To: david.t.greenfield@Dartmouth.EDU
Subject: Mandolin


Hi David,

I have a Kentucky KM250 with which I am very happy.  Unfortunately,
I think the current price for one is $400-$500 (almost double what
it was a couple of years ago).  When I bought the KM250, it was my
impression that the KM250 and KM280 were a good compromise between
the expensive Gibson and Flat Iron and some of the really cheap ones
I tried.  I have never tried a KM160 series but I thought that the
KM180
was a bit metalic in its tone.  Maybe I'll get rich and drop a couple
a K on a Gibson or Flat Iron but until then I'll continue to play my
Kentucky.

Have Fun
Greg Scott
gjs@wdl1.wdl.loral.com


Date:         Mon, 10 Aug 92 14:51:32 EDT
From: BOWMAN@morekypr
Subject:      More mandolin info
To: DAVID.T.GREENFIELD@Dartmouth.EDU

David,

Seconds after responding to your request for mandolin info this a.m., I
received the latest issue of "Vintage News" from Mandolin Bros.  In it
are several items you might be interested in:

90-8351 Gibson 1966 A-40 mandolin sn. 406988 $650
    In excellent condition showing light normal wear, f-holes
    teardrop shaped body and very fine sounding.

90-8411 Kalamazoo (by Gibson) 1930's A-50 style mandolin #570P39 $395
    good sounding, sunburst, f-hole, archtop, shows
    normal wear, but a great player at a realistic price.

00-6431 Diston/Martin A-model mandolin NSN $399
    Made by C F Martin, basically a style A flatback model.

00-6838 Gibson 1950's A-40, natural 3609-9 $595
    Mahogony sides and back vg+


The above info was published in "June-Summer 1992" issue of
"The Vintage News."  for more information contact:

Mandolin Brothers, LTD
629 Forest Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10310
(718) 981-3226/ 981-8585
FAX: (718) 816-4416

Disclaimer:  I am not affiliated with the above in any way other than
             being an *extremely* satisfied customer.

David, If you haven't done so yet, I strongly suggest giving Mandolin
Bros. a call.  They are extremely helpful and will give you the
low-down
on any instrument they have or sell.  They may also have a more
up-to-date list than the one I have.  They get new used intruments in
on a daily basis.  (Mention I sent you.  It may not do you any good,
but it may do me good next time I make a purchase with them.  Thanks)

Good Luck,
Todd
bowman@morekypr.bitnet


Date: Mon, 10 Aug 92 11:53:35 PST
From: rutgers!hotcity.com!davidm@Dartmouth.EDU (David Macmillan)
To: david.t.greenfield@Dartmouth.EDU
Subject: Mandolins

Dear David,

     My fiancee, a professional musician (voice, mando, ocarina, etc)
recommends the "Cambridge Music Emporium" (we think we have the name
right) in
Cambridge, MA.  Wide selection of new/used mandolins, with a much
richer sound
than the Kentucky or Sigma lines.
     We'd need to know what kind of music you're playing in order to
recommend
a specific mando.

     Care,
     David MacMillan & Rollande Krandall
     davidm@hotcity.com 


Date: Tue, 11 Aug 92 09:20 EDT
To: david.t.greenfield@Dartmouth.EDU
From: "John.Resotko" <ADP89@msu.edu>
Subject: Mandolin buying

Hmmm.... as far as price range goes, I can't give you any advice.  I
was so
generally dissappointed with the state of "off the rack" mandolins that
I
had one custom made, and you don't WANT to know how much that costs! 
(GRIN)

Anyway, your decision should be in part based on what style you are
playing.
My own preference is toward "A-style" mandolins (ie. a single hole in
the
soundbox centered behind the strings.)  I find they tend to have a much
warmer, less brassy sound which goes well with Early music.  If country
or
bluegrass is more you speed, "F-style"  (ie, "f" shaped cuts in the
soundbox)
produce a sound with a bit more punch: very complimentary to the
country/bluegrass sound.

The best advice I can offer is play the models you are interested in
before
you buy.  If the instrument is for performance, take a friend along for
an
unbiased opinion of the sound quality.  Some styles of mandolin I've
seen have
LOUSY projection: past 40 feet, they sound washed-out without
amplification.
Especially check the joint where the fingerboard is connected to the
neck, and
where they connect to the soundbox.  Look for gaps and hairline cracks
in the
glue on those joints that could cause you problems later.  Some stores
offer
incredible discounts on used instruments: a reputable store will offer
a
limited warranty on used instruments in good condition.  I've lucked
into
bargains over the years that way (one was a classical guitar that had
been
purchased as a birthday present, then returned when the child who
recieved it
decided after ONE lesson that he didn't like guitar!) Buyer beware, of
course.
If you look at a used instrument, try to find out what other stores are
selling it for new before you buy.  Make sure you're not getting
scalped by a
bargain that really isn't.

I'm not an expert, by any means... but I've bought instruments over the
years
to know a little.  My own rule of thumb is this: if they won't let you
take it
down off the rack and play it, it's not a REAL music store. You
wouldn't buy a
car without driving it first, would you?

Just my two cents worth....

John Resotko
Michigan State University


Date:         Tue, 11 Aug 92 14:16:03 EDT
From: Larry Saye <LSAYE@uga.cc.uga.edu>
Subject:      mandolin info
To: david.t.greenfield@Dartmouth.EDU

David,,,,,,,Hope I didn't confuse you on your mandolin search by my
post of yesterday. I sent it in a hurry and may not have been as
thorough as I could have. The cheaper mandolins are great to learn on
but are not as easy to play as a quality instrument. I played on a
$150 mandolin for years but also was frustrated at my lack of progress.
After I found the Alvarez it was like a brand new ball game. Like Rich
said in his post, the cheaper mandolins require a little more pressure
on the fret board and can really wear your finger out (especially in
B chord). If you don't have a mandolin at present and need one to learn
on then by all means hunt for a NICE moderatly price instrument.
you become
Let me know how your search goes and GOOD LUCK.

Mule
Newsgroups: rec.music.country.western