Which mandolin should i get?

Question:I am an intermidiate player, i have an A style mandolin right now looking for a F style mandolin, i have exceeded the use of my mandolin and am looking for an upgrade, which is the best mandolin brand, price, or which is the best mandolin for me?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I am an intermidiate player, i have an A style mandolin right now looking for a F style mandolin, i have exceeded the use of my mandolin and am looking for an upgrade, which is the best mandolin brand, price, or which is the best mandolin for me?

As the first poster recommended, a Gibson F is the standard. But if you dont have 25 thousand bucks to drop on a good one, I'd suggest the Michael Kelly as well.

The absolute best f-style mandolin is a Gibson. Maybe you can't afford one of those? I got to play one once and the tone was outrageously good.

In which case, Kentucky is a good brand. Epiphone, Washburn, and Michael Kelly are also good brands. You also might shop at http://www/larkinam.com for some upscale brands.

I couldn't afford a Gibson so I played everything else I could lay my hands on, and chose an Eastman model 615. I actually liked it better than the Webbers I played and much, much better than Morgan Monroe, Washburn, Epiphone, Michael Kelly, Gold Tone, etc. They aren't as widely distributed as the others, but taking the time to look for one will be time well spent.