HBMA-50E Mandoline VS : Perfect for a beginner like me.

My first Mandolin. So even though I haven't got a lot of experience with the instrument I have got plenty of Irish friends who play. Always wanted some trad so it was this or a fiddle and I thought this would be easier to pick up.

As I have been consistently impressed with HB guitar stuff I thought I'd try out one of their other instruments as at this price it worth giving it a try to see if I enjoy it.

The build quality is nice pretty light where usually HB gear is usually slightly heavier than the big brands. Sturdy though. Appearance wise it great. Looks the real deal.

The pickups pretty basic but you'd rather have it than not as you can at least plug in if you need amplification and can't mic it. Socket is in a pretty awkward place at the bottom of the Mandolin if you wanted to play sitting down. Standing its not an issue.

The sound is pretty good for the price and will be enough for anyone learning or just starting to play with others. Put a bit of chorus on through the amps and you can get a really rich sound out of it.

It's never going to be a professional instrument at this price but great for a beginner and at this price if I don't take to it I can just sell it on and not lose out.

Nice Instrument.