STEWART COPELAND

Well, I know I can always get expert musical advice here I want to get my son a mandolin for Christmas, went to a mandolin site and it had a mile long list of types that meant nothing to me. He is 21, plays guitar and prefers acoustic, so I assume he would want an acoustic mandolin. Any advice - can I get a decent one for under $500? Thanks!

There is always an important advice at the moment you have to buy an instrument you never played: never buy a very cheap one, but never get the best that's around.
You never know if your son will really love it; he may use it for a while and after a few days or weeks, leave it there without playing it anymore, or just playing it every now and then. Usually there is a spiritual connection between a musician and his instrument...if that goes away, it means that probably he will not use it that much. Why buying an expensive one if there is a chance he may leave it out there?
At the same time, if there is a kinda interest in that instrument, it's never suggested to get a very cheap one, as it may have been built with economic and bad tools, and the feedback from playing it may not be that enthusiastic.
Just check the range of prices, ask to the people running your musician store to suggest a middle-quality one, not too cheap, not too expensive, tell them the purpose and I am sure you may find the right deal for the right purpose.
Gio

Howdy !

Here in Canada a bunch of years ago I purchased a very nice black Fender electric/acoustic mandolin. The cool thing for a guitar player is that if it's electric too, you can play it through your guitar effect pedals and your amp. Heavy duty mandolin sounds.

They are more expensive, my Fender was $700 Canadian, but I am sure you can find a good one for $500.

Sometimes I search Youtube video's with the various brands Im considering, you get to see it and hear it played and they sometimes tell ya the pro's n cons and sometimes the comments suggest better ones.

That's all I know. OH, get one with the widest neck, mine it skinny and tought to squeeze your fingers in there.

Cheers.
Bongoboy.