Mandolin recommendations?

domforr

Hi, can anyone suggest a good mandolin for recording/playing purposes within a reasonable budget? More for the celtic style than bluegrass. Second hand would be preferable from a price perspective.

The possibles I've lookes at so far:

kentucky KM-162
Auden Mandolin
Jimmy Moon (only if second hand)
Loar Mandolin

Anything I'm missing?

mgaw

eastman are good value 2nd hand especially oval holed ones

domforr

Any particular model?

mgaw

304 would be the cheapest oval holed one

domforr

they seem to have good reviews. Any experience with bowl back mandolins? Just saw this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suzuki-Bowl-Backed-Mandolin/222733828323?hash=item33dbf880e3:g:Fk0AAOSwy~BaGvVx

mgaw

no idea about bowl backed mandolins, looks nicely made though

Teetonetal

I've had a couple of eastmans over the years. Very safe bet.

domforr

I've heard good things. I managed to get a Kentucky KM505 at a reasonable price and it plays well after a set-up. Will probably look for Fylde or Hathway at some point as well.