Mandolin for beginners?

Question

I would really love to play the Mandolin.. for celtic and some bluegrass might be fun. Any suggestions for a good starter Mandolin? I was looking at the Kentucky KM-505, or the Aria AM-400 F. Any thoughts or suggestions would be great! Thank you.

Answer 1

I have a Kentucky mandolin.   I can't remember the exact model number at the moment, but I'm very pleased with the playability and sound of it.  I also own a vintage (1916) Gibson A-1 mandolin but I actually prefer playing the Kentucky; its easier and more comfortable to play than the Gibson, which has a neck that feels sort of clubby, and stiff action.  The mandolin player in my bluegrass band has a Kentucky F-model (with the carved top and F-holes) and it sounds great.

I'm not familiar with Aria mandolins so I can't say anything about them.

But I would recommend Kentucky mandolins.

Answer 2

I played a KM-160 for two years before upgrading to a Webber. I found it to be a really good place to start and have a philosophy of going cheap to get started an rewarding myself big if I stick with it. That way you don't have to make a big investment if it turns out you really aren't that into it. I haven't played an Aria but found consistent volume and tone quality in every Kentucky lower end model I've played. My suggestion is to go to a store with a reasonable in stock inventory and have a friend with you that can play and judge the volume/tone quality of several instruments yourself. Oftentimes with acoustic instruments there are "gems" among the "also rans" (within a particluar brand/model) and it's a matter of hearing it for yourself to find it. Another good resource for this question would be Mandolin Cafe. Good luck.