help with mandolin gift purchase

[lolocal]

Hi.  I would like to purchase a mandolin for my husband as a Christmas gift.  He plays guitar but has NEVER probably even touched a mandolin.  Can anyone offer advice on a new or used purchase.  Around $250.  Thanks!!

[Maineahhh]

ok, so I bought a $300 Washburn off Ebay for $100 (including shipping) and it's done me very well. i wish i could remember the seller, they were selling Washburn B-stock items for CHEAP! B-stock meaning good to play, just didn't make the cut to sell at retail cause' of a chip in the paint or finish screw up or something . . . Fender sells new mandos for under 200 bucks, and they don't sound bad either . . . personally, i'm saving my pennies to get a custom SAN JUAN MANDOLIN from the grand luthier himself mr. bobby wintringham . . . love you bobbyyyyyyyyyyyy!

[Maineahhh]

this is the one I have . . . i think it's worth it

http://cgi.ebay.com/Washburn-M1S-A-style-Mandolin-Sunburst-finish-M1-S-NEW_W0QQitemZ370107217691QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item370107217691&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1207%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

or this one, but hte other one is free shipping:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Brand-New-Washburn-model-M1S-solid-top-A-style-Mandolin_W0QQitemZ280212644237QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

good luck!

[lolocal]

Thank you so much for your advice.  I will check on the 2 ebay offerings.

[Mandojosh79]

Kentucky or washburn A model starter mandos are great.