View Full Version : Looking for advice
I have a brand new, unused "The Loar" mandolin in it's original shipping box, with paperwork. The mandolin has not even been played an hour. The plastic is still on the pickguard. An extremely beautiful piece of wood. My dilema? 2 days after I bought this, I recieved an offer to purchase a handbuilt f style mando that really knocks my socks off. I've got $540.00 in the Loar. Being a new player, should I just ignore my desires to have a "one off", and play the loar until I'm worthy of the handbuilt? Or should I sell the loar and go for the one I'll probably keep forever?
Andrew Lewis
Dec-21-2007, 7:17pm
Based only on my own experience, I would suggest getting the most mando you can comfortably afford, assuming that you are committed to playing this instrument. If I was in your shoes and the handbuilt one that knocks my socks off was in comfortable financial reach, I wouldn't hesitate to go for it and sell that The Loar. Finding one that knocks your socks off is often a long, hard search.
Thanks Andrew, I was kinda leaning towards that end anyway. The Loar will probably find it's way onto the classifieds section fairly soon! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
allenhopkins
Dec-21-2007, 7:27pm
What is "worthy"? You obviously prefer the hand-built mandolin; I assume you're not going to sell your house or send your kid to a sweatshop to afford it. Buy the one you love; sell the other, or keep it for a back-up.
Honestly, I don't understand the motif that crops up from time to time, that a beginning or developing (or simply less skilled) musician "doesn't deserve" a particular instrument. Good instruments lead you to play better. Having a mandolin you really like will make you play more, practice more, get better faster. There's no Mandolin Review Board that sits in judgment over each picker, and only approves certain instruments for certain people.
In this free-enterprise society, we "deserve" whatever our resources allow us to purchase. I have a bunch of mandolins, and I don't play half as well as dozens of other Cafe members -- I'm sure of it. Doesn't embarrass me, doesn't make me think I'm not "worthy" of my F-5. I only hope that after I'm done with it (maybe I will have taken up the celestial harp -- or the coal shovel -- who knows?), some other musician will have it and coax more and better music from it.
arbarnhart
Dec-21-2007, 7:39pm
I take it you can play "The Loar" with your socks on. Are you comparing apples to apples? You playing both mandolins? If so, and there is that much difference, go for the custom. If not, make sure there really is that much difference in *your* playing.
Honestly, I don't understand the motif that crops up from time to time, that a beginning or developing (or simply less skilled) musician "doesn't deserve" a particular instrument. #Good instruments lead you to play better. #Having a mandolin you really like will make you play more, practice more, get better faster. #There's no Mandolin Review Board that sits in judgment over each picker, and only approves certain instruments for certain people.
Point taken. When I said "worthy" I was alluding to the fact that as of this very moment, I'm able to stumble my way through half a dozen songs. There is NO doubt that I will get better. My abilities were never a doubt in my mind at all. I was basically asking if selling out of the Loar now, and continue my learning process on the instrument I will keep from now on, was a good idea or not! I can afford any mandolin I choose to buy. I'd rather not be listed as one of those that have more money than sense!
Walter Newton
Dec-21-2007, 7:48pm
If you're serious about playing you'll probably want to upgrade sooner or later, if it isn't going to break the bank it might as well be sooner - with the "Loar" in as-new condition you can minimize the hit you're going to take.
mandroid
Dec-21-2007, 8:37pm
one discovery that playing a bunch of stuff will give you is neck profile preference.
that can be separate from the sound.
old and mass produced instruments are an as-is situation,
but if presented the opportunity to get one that you can influence the ideal neck shape
that has worked for you from having played around a bit
on other peoples mandolins
or the catch and release horse-trading.
for the yet to be built Mandolin, then all the better..
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif if that makes any sense http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
Mark Walker
Dec-22-2007, 7:17am
Prior to buying my first custom-made Silver Angel mandolin, I 'test drove' one a guy about 45 miles from me had. #I visited him with my cousin, a world-class mandolin picker. #He's partial to oval-hole The Gibson's, yet after our visit he said to me, "I never thought I'd say this about a two-hole mandolin, but you couldn't go wrong with a custom-made mandolin like that, and you'll only get better as you'll play 'up' to the quality of that mandolin."
I'm not a great picker by any stretch of the imagination, but I can do things with my Angel I can't with my PacRim Lotus!
I'd say "GO FOR IT!" #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Good luck and Merry Christmas!
Don Grieser
Dec-22-2007, 7:59am
If you find a mandolin that speaks to you and you can afford it, buy it. Hopefully, they won't all speak to you. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Mandolusional
Dec-22-2007, 8:33am
Yes, everyone has good advice, and you really might as well start of running so go custom if you can afford it and show us pictures! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
fatt-dad
Dec-22-2007, 8:33am
I'd go with choice "B" even if selling "The Loar" ends up at a loss.
f-d
Celtic Saguaro
Dec-22-2007, 8:45am
My only concern with beginners buying expensive instruments is how much they really want to learn. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, go for the hand-made one. If you're not sure, the classified are full of expensive mandolins people didn't have the time or determination to play.
JEStanek
Dec-22-2007, 9:32am
Don't worry about worthiness of your play. That's ridiculous. If you can afford it and you would like it, and you understand the risk of having it (if you put $$$ money into a custom build and you ultimately want to be rid of it, you may lose some money) then go for it even if you lose some $ on The Loar.
The custom instrument won't make you play better immediately but it may inspire you to improve faster by playing more often.
Jamie
Jamie
dirty harry
Dec-22-2007, 9:40am
Hi 4&4,
Go for it...........
No regrets........
You deserve it!
Keep "The Loar", if you can. IN A FEW YEARS IT WILL INCREASE IN VALUE.
-Harry
gnelson651
Dec-22-2007, 10:09am
Get what you want can afford. Overwise you'll regret it later (I know, I've been there).
If you have to sell The Loar, then know that you have one mandolin that speaks to you. While I disagree that it will make you a better player (you have to practice religiously for that), you'll be happier with what you have (for awhile until MAS sets in).
Steve Ostrander
Dec-22-2007, 10:23am
If the handmade mando is a really great deal, you have to ask yourself "when will I get a deal like this again?"
You can get another "Loar" anywhere, but how many of the handmade brand are gonna come along? Or keep the Loar for a backup.
Good responses here. I had already pretty much made the decision to keep the loar. I have also pretty much decided to go ahead and try to give the custom a new home. Being a banjo player for 32+ years, I've already heard, and played 95% of the songs I'm now transposing over to the mandolin. I have a fantastic teacher in Matt Flinner, and generally pick up 2-3 new songs with each visit. I've already determined that I will be more of a melodic player, but still dig the monroe stuff. I have several pro picker friends around here that can help me with that as well. I do know this. As long as I have been playing and performing music, I HATE being a student at anything! But the thought always comes back that we never truly learn anything to finality. Thanks for the input here. It is most appreciated.
steve V. johnson
Dec-22-2007, 5:40pm
I haven't read the responses, which I'm sure are good, smart and well-reasoned.
I'm just going to shoot from the hip here: Sell the The Loar.
Just one guy's opinion. I love handmade instruments.
stv
niaflsbob
Dec-22-2007, 6:16pm
IF YOU HAVE CHANCE TO BUY A GOOD HANDMADE INSTRUMENT AND A GREAT PRICE DO IT. ESPECIALLY IF IT "SPEAKS TO YOU". I HAVE NEVER SEEN OR PLAYED "THE LOAR" BUT I DOUBT IT COMPARES TO A DECENT HANDMADE INSTRUMNET. A GOOD POINT TOO IS HOW MUCH YOU INTEND TO DEDICATE TO PLAYING. IF YOU WANT TO PLAY WELL IT TAKES TIME (PRACTICE) I'M LOOKING TO UPGRADE ALSO AND IF I FIND THE RIGHT INSTRUMENT (I'LL KNOW IT WHEN IT SPEAKS TO ME) I'LL JUMP ON IT.