It hasn't been mentioned(?) that there are three main styles of mandolins:

1. The old "gourd" style, with a deep round back, still shows up occasionally - even in public. This style is generally considered more of a "novelty act" than anything, but might be of interest if you want to play ancient music.

2. Those generically called "A Style" look more or less "flat," but usually have slightly arched top and back. The visual distinction is that the head is fairly plain.

3. The "F Style" generally have a characteristically ornate head with prominent "curls" sticking out. Some believe the traditional notion that the "scroll" on the F Style was intentionally added to provide a place to tie on your strap.

The F Style is probably most popular with bluegrass players. The tendency is for mandos in this style to be a bit heavier than an A Style of comparable quality. You may also find a bit "fatter" necks, although there's lots of variation in both girth and depth.

Popular opinion is that the F Style are "louder," which probably accounts for their favored position with bluegrassers, where a main function of the mando is to simulate a snare drum. Players of (other kinds of) music more often feel the A Style have "more tone." My limited sampling of "off the shelf" instruments of both styles suggests that F Style mandos typically have a bit "stiffer" action than typical A Style ones, but a good setup probably can wipe out most of this difference.

Unless you specifically intend to concentrate on bluegrass, you'll likely find a better selection at reasonable prices at the lower end of the price ranges if you look mostly at A style constructions, although this will depend a lot on your local market. There are quite a few "brands" out there, and they are extremely variable in tone, action, and "playablility." Some things can be fixed with a bit of setup adjustment, but some are just built in.

New mandos with decent qualities can be found from about $350 US and up. If you find one you like, there's not much value to lose. New instruments from the smaller makers generally run from $800 to $2,000. I have one Chinese mass produced plywood mando that plays very nicely and that I got new for $350 about 5 years ago. My "old standby" is a Washburn A style that was new at the same price 25 years ago. I spent about $1300 15 years ago for a Vega F Style when I was playing exclusively with a bunch of bluegrassers. I don't play the Vega much simply because I don't have to now.

I have had two separate chances to play briefly a 1910 and a 1912 Loar Gibson, and there is NO COMPARISON between either of these two instruments and any other mando I've had my hands on - but I can't justify the $10,000+ it would take to get one. (One sold recently on eBay for $80,000.) Both of the owners "inherited" theirs as family heirlooms. If I had a relative who could leave me one I might consider murder, but probably would just drool a lot while I waited.

Note that this is all personal opinion. You should wait for the rebuttals. I'd also second Mooh's suggestion to visit the Mandolin Cafe for a bit of poking around 'mongst the real "mando cultists."

John