Buying advise? Violin, Mandolin, Banjo?

[DonP]

I don't know squat about these instruments. I haven't bought yet...

Daughter wants a violin. Found a metalica blue one with case for $129. Made in China.

Found an A mandolin for $99. Gold hardware, binding, inlays. Flamed maple back. I think it's an Old Hickory, most likely made in china. What isn't?

Don't know squat about banjos, except that I need one to play 'Land of the Lost'

Anyone have good tips on what to buy?

[DonP]

Anyone?

I must play CRUSHING METAL ON A MANDOLIN DAMMIT!

[guitarsjb]

I can help a bit with the banjo. Try banjo hut. I bought James one there, quick shipping, good service. It was 249 I believe with tuner, strap, gig bag, book and DVD. I had a guy giving James lessons and he said it was a great banjo for that price, he was impressed.

Oh, his is a Savannah (I KNOW I probably spelled that wrong) brand.

[DonP]

I can help a bit with the banjo. Try banjo hut. I bought James one there, quick shipping, good service. It was 249 I believe with tuner, strap, gig bag, book and DVD. I had a guy giving James lessons and he said it was a great banjo for that price, he was impressed.

Oh, his is a Savannah (I KNOW I probably spelled that wrong) brand.

Cool, thanks for the tips. I still need a banjo and a violin.



Today I went to a pawn shop here in Nashville and picked up:

1) http://www.pulseonline.com/austin16.htm
The pawn had it listed for $89 with a large gig bag thrown in for free. It's used, and has a few small issues-pickguard needs to be glued down, cover missing for the tailpiece (cosmetics).

2) http://www.musiciansbuy.com/fender-fm62se-mandolin.html
With and extremely nice hardcase pawn listed $189. Brand new shape, plastic still on the pickguard and truss rod cover.

3) http://www.welcomebackradio.com/ga15rvt.htm
The pawn had this listed for $379. It's in extremely good condition, been serviced, and old replaced parts in a plastic bag.
I couldn't find any completed auctions.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gibson-Explorer-tube-amplifier-1960s-model-ga-15-el-84_W0QQitemZ250369496787QQcategoryZ118983QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m263QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%252BDDSIC%26otn%3D10%26pmod%3D220645038445%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D5979036299223166725

Got all of this out the door for $625. Sales tax in the area is 9.25%

Good deal?