The Best Budget Mandolin?

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[@mendyviola]

As a multi-decade classical violist, was thinking about a mandolin but know I didn’t want an unplayable one. Thank you for this.

[@arglass7444]

I've been a Sweetwater customer for years. I've even visited their Ft. Wayne facility and got a tour (and lunch!) by my sales rep. A real class act all around. Glad you guys connected!

[@JohnJones22856]

Most expensive lunch ever!

[@Reignvermont]

I purchased this Mandolin in October of 2020! I love it! I am flying high right now because my favorite “mando man” recommends it. Thank you Baron for all you do. Happy Holidays to you and yours ❤

[@digitalcounterpartskrishna1247]

❤🎉😅

[@stephenchalmers71]

Couldn't agree more about Sweetwater. I've had nothing but good experiences with them over the years and having a personal sales engineer is a huge plus. I'm actually watching this video because I'm about to upgrade from my Rogue RM-100A, which served its purpose but requires an upgrade to a solid top instrument now that I know I want to stick with it. I'm mainly a guitarist, though, so I don't really need a higher end instrument. The Loar Honey Creek A-style seems to be right in the sweet spot for me and the satin finish, which I prefer to a high gloss, is exactly what I want. These are on backorder right now, but this video has helped me decide to pull the trigger on one as soon as they're in. Thanks for the helpful video.

[@bigshadeks]

I purchased an LM 310 model a few years back (when it cost what the A model costs now). I primarily use it to drag around at festivals and outdoor jams when I don't want to risk messing up my main mando (weather, etc). I had to do a little setup work out of the box, but other than that, this mandolin has been well worth it. It's a great starter with enough punch to keep up in a jam!

[@nickroberts-xf7oq]

How much for a luthier to do the setup ?

[@wendybrown2701]

I now have this mandolin. What set up did you do before playing?

[@bigshadeks]

@@wendybrown2701 I found one fret that wasn't dressed properly and leveled it out, rounding and polishing the fret to fix the buzz and flat spot. Other than that, the frets were dead on level. I also did a little work on the bridge, leveling the base to sit more flush to the body. I also replaced the saddle, although that step isn't really necessary. I had a deer antler saddle laying around that I used.

[@kosmokritikos9299]

I bought one of those a few years ago and have been very pleased with it. Tremendous value. Incredible sustain with natural vibrato.

[@mrapatheist]

This is the mandolin my wife bought me three years ago. Your endorsement means a lot, thank you. And let me second your recommendation for Sweetwater vs Amazon. This one came from Amazon and was not set up; the action was unplayably high & I had to sort it out on my own, having only ever worked on flat top guitars. Also it has a bad fret. I wish we'd gotten it from Sweetwater, as they have always been amazing with their customer service and easy returns. Cheers!

[@joekagerer]

Amazon is a Book Store, Sweetwater is a Music Store... I appreciate your effort in this, Thanks Baron!

[@liberioescriba6158]

it was a book store in 1999, move on, dude

[@joekagerer]

@@liberioescriba6158 You really need to look into Sweetwater's processes when they sell an instrument. Amazon doesn't give a sh*t about the action or play-ability of a musical instrument. They sell whatever they have. With any musical instrument, I would recommend first a local shop so that you can try the one you're going to buy. Especially true with stringed instruments that are wood and steel. But if that's not possible at least an online dealer that specializes in musical instruments. That's what my comment was. I don't buy my instruments where I buy my blender, books or other crap...

[@bajorekjon]

I've never been to a bookstore that had virtually anything I needed and could ship it overnight.

[@Road_Rash]

Amazon is an anything store...

[@RhonwenBear]

I received the Rogue for Christmas of 2021 and spent a lot of time researching an affordable replacement after I plucked away and decided I really did enjoy learning to play music. I chose this model for Christmas of 2022 and am in love with it.

[@thequietgitfiddler]

I've had this mando for a couple years and have been very happy with it. Great move switching to Sweetwater. Have purchased a couple instruments, including my Loar, from them. Musical instruments is what they do.

[@yungstaben7675]

As a precious SW employee I can assure you they’re mediocre at best, at least from my experience, ymmv

[@Swampykins]

Great video, Baron! I got a The Loar LM-310 F-style a few years back and still keep it as my office mando even after getting a better mandolin. Had to adjust the truss rod once and that has been all the maintenance I've done to it so far.

[@FunsongsMusicByPeterRahill]

I got a decent deal on a satin/matte finish one like this one, used from a local luthier. It has great tone and can be set up to play nicely. My only 'gripe' (which I will get fixed) is the too-tall posts that support the saddle part of the bridge; which I upgraded to a deer antler saddle. The too-tall posts don't resist forward-leaning as well as they might. Hope that helps. I like mine very much, and appreciate you recommending The Loar to others.

[@kevininman2013]

I have lm-310 and the 600. I enjoy both great mandolin for the money.

[@Romans--bo7br]

Great Video!! Before watching this video... I bought my first Mandolin... The Loar LM-310, which is the "F" style version of the LM-110 that you have. I love it, and definitely a Higher end "Beginners" Mandolin... Excellent quality for money. I'm so glad to hear that you're trying to find "The best bang, for the buck".... especially for beginners, like me..... although, I do play electric & Ukelele Bass guitars, as well as Lap Steel. I think that "possibly", your LM-110 ("A" style) projects a bit more volume, than the LM-310 ("F" Style).... other than that, and obvious body style differences.... they are pretty much the same. From what I've seen... most "F" style mandolins, are around a hundred dollars more than their "A" style counterparts... so, if one can afford an "F" style.... than you would actually be buying a "Step - up" in quality, if you could find an "A" style in the same approximate price range that you would pay for an "F" style. I really appreciate your (absolute) "beginner" lessons.. they have helped me out, Immensely. I only just bought my Mandolin about 2 months ago.... hopefully will be able to get good enough to jam with others in the area, by the end of this year (2024). I've decided that I really like playing the mandolin, so will be looking for an "A" style as well... probably another "Loar". Keep up the great work in your video's.... their very much appreciated, Thank You. PS;.... I subscribed, "liked" & rang the bell, after watching the very first video of yours... just a week after buying my Mandolin.... Oh!!... and by the way.... I'm 74+ years, "young" and having fun with all this! : )

[@JJ_TheGreat]

4:30 The problem, though, is finding a store which has mandolins. The stores I have gone to only have a few.

[@goofyjohn6191]

Played with a loar f style and another brand a style last week the sweet mellow sound of the loar versus the tinny sound of the cheaper a style was amazing, i highly leaning towards getting a mandolin versus the 4 guitars im playing on now.

[@gasworker3042]

Happy you hooked up with Sweetwater.... I've been learning from your videos for about a year and have learned so much...thank you Baron.

[@ClarenceCochran-ne7du]

I've one of the PacRim $50 Rogues I used for years playing live (you don't take a 1912 Gibson A into a pub/bar). The biggest issue with budget mandolins is usually how they're set up. I used to do set ups for a local music store, and have the tools and training to do set ups. After a proper set up, even a budget plywood instrument will generally sound much better. For 18 years, I played in a local Tradition Irish/Scots Band. When your main gigs are bars and pubs, using heritage instruments puts them at great risk of being damaged. After almost getting my Pre War Gibson J-45 damaged, I decided to use budget instruments. Since all our instruments were electrified (running acoustic through mics in a bar/pub is difficult at best due to space constraints,), adding piezos and processing through the mixing board, eas an acceptable option. I did our recordings with my legacy instruments, but performing, except when we had formal performances and could mike our instruments, was done with budget instruments. I agree Sweetwater is a really good source for instruments that will at least have a decent basic set up. Be prepared you may need to take it to a local Tech for further customization to your needs.

[@MrMetric64]

I just got a Loar LM-310F-BRB Honey Creek F-style Mandolin - Satin Brownburst from Guitar Center for $349.99 and I'm very happy with it. I prefer the F style mandolin over the A style, the sound on the F style Loar mandolin is great.

[@Harry1s]

I've been buying guitars from Sweetwater for 5+ years and I highly recommend them!!! David Hess is a great salesman.

[@kevintaylor5079]

As good as Sweetwater is , buying from a good store is a far better option . On lower priced Mandolins they don’t do much in the way of set up. I bought a Goldstar F that had a neck that couldn’t be repaired. No way it was tested prior to shipping. Bad tuning peg. All of this should have been noticed .I will say their service was fantastic . Replacement was very easy.Sales rep follow up was outstanding! If you can play an instrument before buying it is preferable. With mandolins price doesn’t always equal quality. It can be difficult finding shops that stock a variety of mandolins in ones locality.

[@millerjeff]

Sweatwater is great. Great choice to make the move.

[@jason_learns]

I'm very happy you got the Sweetwater affiliation! Also, I would love to hear an A style vs F style comparison from your perspective. I recently got to play the same Eastman model A and F style back to back, and I could not tell an audible difference.

[@MrDDHayes]

I have a Loar LM 220 VS A body Its a great little mandolin! I enjoy your video lessons!

[@user-jf3vl7wj8k]

Very helpful info about these mandos and your lessons are excellent, Baron.

[@dannyspencer3035]

I've bought instruments from Sweetwater 2,guitars and a loar mandolin, no problems,, they really do a great job on setting up their instruments.

[@brucelafone2910]

It’s interesting hearing the difference between the Ellis and The Loar. The Ellis obviously has a much warmer tone and does really sound better with actual sustain. The Loar to me does have very “crisp” sound and it is without a doubt the best Mandolin for beginners.

[@Benji_Enji]

Keep up the good work Baron. I just started a few months ago and I've already learned a bunch of songs from you. Your teaching style is great. You are a real boon to the community! Would love to see your thoughts on The Loar Honey Creek F-Style.

[@davidcooper8797]

I've had one KM-150 and I hated it. Tried two other Kentucky mandolins and hated them. I've had a couple Epiphones I really liked as well as a Flatiron pancake and a $50 Rover blackface. Currently playing around with a Eastman MD-513 F-style that I love. I've had a couple E

[@Rappmusic732]

Let's hear the shoot out between the A and the F!

[@rbloch66]

I've got The Loar 590, I think it is, F- style. Needed some basic setup, but for an instrument off of amazon, it's pretty sweet. I can heartily recommend it as well.

[@guyluca7361]

Years ago you did a Rogue review. I would be curious in a shoot out between the two!

[@jub8891]

"Shove that pig's foot a little closer to the fire" is a pretty detailed title

[@MrLaserbob]

The problem is Baron, even a budget mando sounds better in your hands than the best mando in the world in mine!

[@nickroberts-xf7oq]

He does play beautifully ! 🎶

[@jamesrichmond9466]

You should definitely buy yourself that F style and do a comparison for us to hear, also how do they compare to similar priced Rover

[@tankdarla637]

Great valuable information and review. i would love to see the f vs a mandolin comparison that you mentioned.

[@denselman]

Thank you !

[@micssticksnpipes]

Super keen to learn. Thank you for the advice 👍

[@robinmarwick1982]

Really helpful video…thanks.

[@rick00770]

Sounds great. I want a f style but the a sounds a little better seems like. But I guess if you get an electric you could adjust it. Sounds good though.😊

[@lilabahadursingh4900]

great help... thanks

[@rataca100]

I think most music shops set up the instruments they sell before they ship it.

[@spreizfus]

Love your videos! Looking to get a mandolin for my brother and will definitely recommend your channel and website! 🙂

[@thomaschamberlin2485]

Sweetwater is pretty good at sending instruments to other You Tubers so they might loan you an F-style The Loar if you ask nicely.

[@Servants_Heart]

I bought myself a Kentucky KM165 "A" series with F holes. I don't have the $$$ for a "F" series. As for Loar is hard to find in my area.

[@beckyberger5190]

I started out with a Martin Backpacker mandolin and but I want something a little bigger. I like the sound. But I want something bigger. Should I get an F style or and A style.

[@bernhardnizynski4403]

Sounds great!

[@drewtraver2947]

I almost went with that mandolin but I'm getting a Harley Benton A-style. The shipping and handling is more than the price of the mandolin but I'll find out if it's a good beginner mandolin. May have a mandolin buddy help me tweak this one.

[@boriscat1999]

I have been playing the F-style of the same "honey creek" series that is a little more expensive and I found it a real step up from the very cheap mandos I've bought from ebay. Wish I would have gone to a store for my first mando, it was unplayable and I didn't know just thought I needed to toughen up my fingers.

[@nickroberts-xf7oq]

Yes, that's what I'm experiencing with this Lotus beginner mandolin. The fret action seems like it requires way more effort than it should. 😮

[@archiereece8321]

i just ordered a Savannah a style

[@teeken8850]

Definitely The Loar.. i own 3 the 600 and honey creek , the my latest is a VS-700 Supreme.i bought from sweetwater..... and it is of a another magnitude, no tone bars and hand carved like a violin for tone... and it truly is hard to put in words just how that mandolin resonates and sings.. i love them all... most under rated mandolin out there...

[@davidmccue3591]

I have the F model of this mandolin. I'm not happy with it at all, but I'm fairly certain it's because the setup was lousy. I made the mistake of taking it to a "band store." I knew better, so that's mostly on me. I doubt many cheaper instruments come off the line ready to play. The instrument seems well made, but unless you get it from someone who does a decent setup, you'll probably have problems. With mine, the nut needs work. One of the G-strings is higher than the other and possibly one of the A strings as well. I'm 48 and my eyesight isn't good enough to see this clearly even under magnification--but I can definitely feel it. The other problem is the bridge. With a hand carved top, the bridge is never going to sit perfectly on the instrument because the dimensions are going to vary ever so slightly, causing gaps under the bridge. I know from watching these videos and others --especially Rosa string works--that this issue will cause serious problems with tone. So don't take my words to mean this instrument is not a good buy for a beginner. But listen to what this guy is saying and buy yours from someone who does a decent setup--like sweetwater-- or youre probably going to be left wanting. Thanks for the video man. Are you a Mainer, by any chance? I'm picking up some Mainerisms.

[@MandoLessons]

Yes, setup is probably the most important part of an instrument. A well set up $100 mandolin is going to be far better than a poorly set up $5000 instrument. And good catch on the Mainerisms! I now live in Oregon but was born and lived in Maine for the first 3 decades of my life :)

[@davidmccue3591]

@@MandoLessons Nice! I've lived in Grant's Pass and also Eugene area but was born and raised in Aroostook county Maine.

[@davidmccue3591]

So recently I decided the issues I was having with setup of my 310 were just too much to deal with any longer. My bridge was not making full contact with the body of the instrument and also the (firsts? Last? Top?)...top G string wasn't down in the nut groove quite as deep as the other G string. Lemme tell you...this caused sooooo many problems trying to learn to get a clean strum. I'm thinkin it was probable the absolute worst string to have that problem with. After watching several dozen setup videos-one which actually featured the 310--I decided "this ain't rocket science and decided to tackle the job of sanding the bridge to fit the body better...cutting the groove on the nut a little deeper so the string seats properly...and changing the strings for the first time. It all went really well. Turns out the groove was fine and the string just needed to be pushed down with some force to get it to the bottom of the groove (Duh! Like, really? I've been putting up with this shit 4 months and how did I never try this before? No clue.). So the job went beautifully, and I can't believe how good and how LOUD this thing sounds now. Not only that, but my ability to play what i've learned so far increased dramatically without that dang string screwing me up!! So I just wanted to say that I am now VERY happy with how this thing sounds and plays. And I'm going to agree that this is an excellent mando for the money. But again, either have it setup by someone who knows what theyre doing or watch some videos and try to do it yourself.

[@bradwatkinsify]

I just found out that Sweetwater doesn't mandolin setups. I just purchased a The Loar LM-590 MS.

[@anthonyruda2021]

Hello. I like your videos. Have you ever reviewed the Eastman MD315 mandolin, and if so do you like it? Thank you. Also, can you recommend any CD recordings of Irish jigs and lively dance music ensembles that feature the mandolin?

[@danstune]

Great post!

[@erinb6313]

I’ve been looking for a video & resource just like this!! Thank you so much. Do you also have recommendations like this for mandola and octave mandolin?

[@TuckerTheMandolinist]

Please do one for the mandola?

[@AnAngryGnat]

A comparison video would be cool

[@roybuchanan5078]

The folks at Sweetwater are fantastic. I buy my strings from them and they call me up to check and see if I'm satisfied. Unbelievable.

[@Ira88881]

What gauge strings is this shipped and set up for? I’m a new player (old guitar player) and looking for another mando to drag around town and leave my F at home. I’ve been playing light gauge, but I know that medium is where the tone is.

[@miabjellert9057]

Hello! I wonder if that one is easy to play for a beginner? Is it easy or difficult for the fingers of the left hand to play the chords on the fretboard compared to other models?

[@kato8510]

i would love for you to compare it to the f style!

[@jameswalker4155]

This mandoline sounds great, but I'd love to know how to play that little bluesy thing that you used to demo it. I have been watching, but the slides are throwing me , or, I think that those are slides. I looked through your blues section, but didn't see it there. Any chance of a lesson that?

[@Boomistirr]

Can you time stamp it?

[@oscaroscar7904]

Hi, great video I have a Morgan mandolin but it has started to sound to ``metallic`` not as in metal music lol but it might just be that I need to change the strings, I was also wondering Iv started playing mandolin alot more then guitar lately and also started to understand music theory like intervalls, sharps, flats, octaves and stuff like that and I am working on the circle of fifths but I am having trouble finding a good explination for it on mandolin for ``beginers`` or people who are used to using tabs.. :) I was wondering if it is possible to make some kind of video on the circle of fifths just for the mandolin like making a tab for eatch notes in the circle of fifths since I think it would be a good starting point for beginer or intermidate mandolin players, and maybe also explain why circle of fifths is useful, like how C is the fifth note of G and how the scale go into eatch other to sound good together, often in lessons on youtube etc I feel they dont explain why a consept of learning theory etc can be good :-)

[@wilstjohn]

Sweetwater rocks

[@wendybrown2701]

Hi where can I get the lil black silencers up by your tuners?

[@greggcoppolo8430]

It's too bad that I'm left-handed, because I would probably buy one. I ended up buying a Vangoa Left-handed one. Not many options for left-handers.

[@leonardomendes8684]

What do you guys think about the ashbury mandolin?

[@sbkmarkel]

There’s a used Kentucky KM-140 in my local store for $200… Thoughts?

[@midnight4109]

Do you ever sell or auction off any of your instruments? I'm determined to go second hand.

[@matthew4878]

Ive played a few The Loar mandolins and they had a big fat neck that was painful to play

[@gunscratch]

Many years ago I used to play an Eastman 515 ‘blonde’ mandolin. I sold it to fund a guitar purchase. I really regret that now as it was one helluva instrument. I’m looking to play mandolin again now and would like to know if this is an instrument that will carry me right through my mandolin journey? I know I’ve been spoiled and I’m torn between getting the Loar or saving and getting another Eastman; what would your honest opinion be?

[@mandolinic]

Is it just me who thinks that "A" style mandolins sound so much better than "F" style??

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

Dollar per dollar yes. A $600 F style is no where near a $600 A style.

[@StJimmy765]

@@johnjriggsarchery2457 But does an F style actually sound better than an A style of comparable quality?

[@patrickhanly7458]

I do, in both F hole and O hole styles.

[@powbobs]

Just you.

[@powbobs]

@@johnjriggsarchery2457 Yes, because the scroll and points take more labor, meaning a higher price.

[@pawelzz79]

I am considering buying this mandolin and I have one question: what strings and in what size do you recommend for this mandolin?

[@MandoLessons]

I'd recommend starting with D'Addario EJ74 strings. They are medium gauge.

[@markriggins372]

Baron what strings do you have on the Loar? To my ear it sounds a little thin but I think would be great entry level choice. Maybe different strings would mellow it out a bit. Sweetwater sounds like a much better fit for you.

[@guyluca7361]

What is that opening tune so I can find the lesson. Help!

[@leftycut1]

Shove that pigs foot a little closer to the fire. It’s on his lessons page in the fiddle tunes category

[@ananthavenkatanarasimhacha9046]

Sir, what would be the price of this Mandolin and where I can purchase. Please let me know

[@wendybrown2701]

@Mandolessons, what strings do you prefer on this mandolin?

[@daniel_miller]

Any suggestions for a budget tenor guitar?

[@dgp4399]

Recording king is pretty good and under 200 ,Tune it GDAD ,(John Pearse Strings ) sounds great with capo on 2nd fret, I'm still experimenting with string gauges

[@illtrustyou4409]

Ibanez M522 Mandolin - Dark Violin Sunburst Gloss I was considering getting this one what do you think?

[@sherrybraungard1749]

I am trying to learn how to play No Roots on mandolin. We do it in Bm can you help me

[@tomandmarley]

hi mate do you know much about the epiphone mm30 mandolin? They sell for around £180 here in the uk but i can't find any reviews on them.thanks

[@aprilguittar9658]

Is there any way to put a strap on that mandolin? I'm just starting to learn mandolin & I dont think I could play one without a strap!

[@MandoLessons]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/omK9Ynx9qMqgjZo

[@Vampira2430]

Is Savannah SA090-TSN A Model Mandolin Sunburst a good one ?

[@Lucy-ng7cw]

What is the song at the start ?

[@lewisgeyer1440]

Great review, congrats on your Sweetwater affiliation.

[@tetontent]

Eastman is better

[@clawhammer704]

At the same price point?

[@SeaDrive300]

@@clawhammer704 No, the Eastman entry-level mando is twice the price of the Loar 110, but IT IS WORTH IT! Once you have it in your hands, you will never regret having waited a little bit longer to save up the extra money needed to buy an Eastman MD-304 or MD-305. Also, keep in mind that an Eastman from a dedicated acoustic instrument shop, like The Mandolin Store, comes with a free setup, something you're not going to get on a Loar 110 from Sweetwater...

[@archiereece8321]

i have a Rogue...all i could afford for now

[@stephenhill6003]

Like you I have a "cheaper" mando, but I'm enjoying it and will move up once my skills justify the cost. I had it set up after unboxing and that made a huge difference.

[@nickroberts-xf7oq]

I have a Lotus I'm starting with. I play the Appalachian dulcimer, so I have a little experience to go on. 😊 But the "action" seems high on this beginner instrument. 🎶 Is it worth going to a luthier ? Or, should I just put that towards a LIAR, etc ?

[@longtalljay]

A different take: Many people aren't really poor. They just allocate limited "budget" to "trivial pursuits" such as music. For anyone looking at mandolins and at Baron's channel, music should be a bit more of a priority. The place to start, I would suggest, might be one of the top online mandolin stores such as The Mandolin Store in TN. The Kentucky 200 series at around $650 is a ten times better place to start your mandolin journey. I have three of those, and one of them (an oval hole KM 276) has a better and bigger tone than any mandolin I have heard in person (I have even played one of David Grisman's Tone Poem mandolins and owned a 2014 Gibson F-9). Give music its due, people!

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

I'll go a step further; I have a beautiful 1921 Gibson A2 I paid $1,340 for and it's worth quite a bit more and a 1924 Gibson A jr Snakehead in excellent condition I just bought for $1,000. Needless to say, unlike my Kentucky mandolins the Gibsons are both worth more than I paid for them so in real terms, they not only cost nothing, they can more than pay for themselves if I want to sell them.

[@reywashere5284]

If people are serious about an instrument, they should get the best one they can comfortably afford. As a college student, I got an LM 310 because it was the best I could get, and have had nothing but good from it.

[@EliTheAlien]

Nah bro, people are actually poor. 60% of Americans would be screwed if faced with a sudden emergency costing $1000 or more. The economy is trash right now. I get what you're saying but like... to say it's not a matter of actually being poor is kinda crazy. This post feels disconnected from reality.

[@kd5nrh]

Oh yeah, we really need to twist your arm to buy the f style version. Don't try to use us as an excuse to buy another mandolin. :p