My first mandolin was a Fender FM-52E, acoustic/electric. I played it for two years while learning 'the ropes', as it were. I still play it, even though I now have a lovely, lovely, lovely handcrafted mando made for me by my father-in-law.

The only drawback to my Fender was that it wasn't very loud if it wasn't plugged in. Other than that, it did have an adjustable bridge; and the action was pretty good for such an inexpensive mandolin.

I did put rather light strings on it (Thomastik-Infield), which made the action just right for me - I play mostly Celtic, Italian and Oldtime pieces, so there you go.

Another question, is there somewhere you can get a good setup done on the Fender, when and if you do purchase it?

All the best, Áine