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Inexpensive Mandolin Group

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For those with inexpensive mandolins that we play and love.

34 Members, Created 5/22/2011 -

Administrators: cryo (owner)

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From SteveZ on 4/19/2014 10:23:31 AM

My two most inexpensive brand-new mandolins ($125-$300 range) probably get the most playing time.

The first is a Fender FM-101. It's mainly laminate, and because of that it's a take anywhere, no fear instrument which gets thrown in the trunk a lot.

The second is to me a work of art. It's a flat-top made in Kentucky by a local luthier. It's got a walnut back/sides and a cedar top which smells great. It looks different, plays well and just feels comfortable in my hands.

There are very good mandolins out there at super prices, even hand-made by local luthiers.

2 Comments
	flyod says: 4/20/2014 2:53:59 AM The flat top sounds like a great find, I am allways looking in craigs list, and pawn shops , also garage sales for a good find like that. All the local luthiers hear in Washington run a little on the higher end,
	SteveZ says: 4/20/2014 6:07:20 AM The flat top came from Brian Burgess of Glasgow, KY. He makes and sells Kentucky Guitars and is on facebook as KentuckyGuitars. What I like is that each instrument looks unique, instead of just another cloned design. What's even funnier because of trademark laws, that Kentucky Guitars are made in KY, yet Kentucky Mandolins are made in China. Brian is a nice guy and his instruments are not expensive, but are like playable folk art. If you listened to the sound clip (made on my iPad Mini) the sound is warm and mellow. It's a keeper for me and usually the first one I reach for.
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	50 Fiddle Tunes for the Mandolin! Linked by brae 9 years ago: 50 of the best fiddle tunes arranged in notation, TAB and audio tracks!
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Forum Post: (untitled) Linked by cryo 15 years ago
Forum Post: (untitled) Linked by cryo 15 years ago: Interesting sound comparison between mandolins.
Forum Post: (untitled) Linked by cryo 15 years ago: Nice thread on the benefits of owning an inexpensive mandolin. These are great instruments when setup properly.