I have three mandolins, including one "F-Style" that claimed to be a "bluegrass" manodolin, and that took me for about $2300 (US) total. I haven't played it in years.

I've played quite regularly on the other two, both "A-style." One is a midgrade(?) Washburn that came at about $350 quite a few (25?) years ago but that probably is quite representative of "something really respectable" at a fairly reasonable low-end price. The other is a "Chinese(?) plywood A-Style with "Lotus" on the peghead that I got for around $250 (new) somewhat later (8-10 years back?).

As I got a $150 fiddle (Chinese) at about the same time as the "lotus" mando, I dont' have to base the opinion on a single sample, but can say that at beginner level, and probably a little beyond, the good Chinese instruments are of consitently good quality. Setup, and of course strings appropriate for what - and how - a person plays are very important, assuming that the basic quality is there, but with any instrument you sort of have to learn what works to get the setup you like.

VERY GOOD MANDOs, tend to increase somewhat in price, so if you're looking for an economical entry used instrument at reasonable prices bargains may may be hard to find among the real "name brands." "Good enough" used instruments quite probably will sell at about the same price they had when new, if you're buying from a "music shop" that can actually give advice on what you're getting, and as long as they haven't been seriously abused.

While I haven't checked what's available now - I'm maybe 7-8 years behind since the last serious look? - a target price of around $250 would seem more likely to be what would get an instrument that would be satisfying for several years - fairly easily - although with some "searching" and with someone to advise on what you're paying for it's not unreasonable to hope to come in a little lower.

Just don't listen too much to the echo when someone speaks the "brand name." Listen to the instrument when you - and/or somebody else - makes it sing to you. Most important - pay attention to what it feels like in the hands that will play it. (With allowance for a little setup, if you have someone to help with what's needed.)

John