Breedlove dilemma

[oldmanlarry]

Initially my dilemma was deciding between an amazing sounding Quartz OF (Blonde) for $1065, or a Quartz FF (Sunburst) for $1650, both at the local shop.

The FF has more in the low end and more bark, but the OF is right there with it - well balanced and a great tone of its own. Tough to justify $600 more when I dig them both. I'm sure the FF will turn into a beast over time, but I wanted my cut off to be $1500.

There is also a 1998 Cascade in the cafe classifieds. Great shape. $1250 including shipping. Will need to dish out money for setup to lower action. Awesome deal though. The Cascade I played in the local shop surely surpassed the tone I heard from the other two, in my opinion of course, and I prefer the looks of the K shape w/ burst too.

So now I'm just really confused.

The local shop is really great. I like to support them because they are genuine, friendly, knowledgeable, trustworthy and offer a lot of jams, open mics, and occasional free demos/concerts. I've been talking to them about mandolins and feel they expect me to go through them for my next mandolin. I came very close to taking one home with me the other night, so the owner definitely thinks he's got a sale coming up.

On the other hand, I would buy used from another player, not new from a big chain store. And I kind of think a Cascade thats been played for most of those ten years has probably opened up quite nicely by now. Plus its a more premium model for a more affordable price.

The FF has had a lot of good words said about it on this forum. I'd like to hear anyone's opinion on how it stands up to a Cascade. Any other decision making advice would be appreciated too!

Anyone else have this loyalty to the local shop guilt problem too? It's tough.

Never thought mandolins would give me such a headache! At least I know, no matter what, I'll have a nice sounding mandolin in the end.

[Rick Crenshaw]

If you know that you like Breedlove tone, that's a no brainer to me. #I have friends who won't buy used... myself, I prefer to buy used. #1) broken in, 2) instant mojo, 3) better tone/dollar value, and 4) pre-discounted so if you want to sell later you are almost guaranteed your money back. #Even if you have to have work done on it, in my eyes the used Cascade is a better deal. #YMMV

edited to add:

One more thing... don't worry about not buying at the local store. If no one bought used instruments, think how few new instruments would get bought. You're just injecting cash in a different part of the cycle.

[man dough nollij]

About the local shop guilt problem... I hear you. I'm a big proponent of shopping local and giving business to the small, friendly, local folks. What's killing the little shops is the internet, though. If you went to your local shop and test drove every instrument there, spent a lot of their time getting your questions answered, then ordered from Musician's Friend/Guitar Center/Music 123 just to save ten bucks, then that's typical of what makes it hard to be a shopowner in an e-commerce world. If, however, you find a great used instrument that you can buy from another enthusiast/player, you aren't taking any money from the local guy. I'm not a retailer, but I'd venture to guess that the local guy wouldn't blame you for buying used from a private party if it's a good deal, and something he doesn't have. Part of the reason people have businesses like music shops is (I'm guessing) that they love the rapport and hanging around with like-minded folks. That doesn't bring home the bacon, of course, but there are other ways to show your loyalty (repair, consumables, set-up) than buying an instrument that's not exactly what you want. I'm interested to hear what shop owners would say about this topic. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[delsbrother]

Buy the used Cascade. If, after you set it up, you don't absolutely love it, go the local store and trade it in for one of the other ones you like. I would guess they would love to take in a Cascade in exchange for a Quartz.

Rampant Consumerism FTW!http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Geoff B]

life is too short to own a mandolin you don't love, or intend on falling in love with. Loyalty is good and all, but you are only bound to your heart and deserve to proceed with that as a priority. I think the dilemma would be not having played the cascade vs. being able to play the other two. Regrets do not help your playing so, as with other important decisions, go with your heart and get the best you can afford.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[johnM]

I support the local shop. Reason, you've been in there playing his stuff and established a relationship with the guy (or gal). If you ever have a question or god forbid a problem he'll be there to help you.

I've bought and sold more things than I care to admit, and the best experiance i've had is with the mandolin store. I was treated fairly and honestly, got a great deal and he's now won a returning customer.

Just my 2c. Good luck.

jm

[bienkow1]

I cannot comment on a Cascade, but I have nothing but great things to say about my Quartz FF. Breedlove's have a unique sound to them, and my worry with getting one was the lows...and mine has PLENTY of bark when chopping some BG...highly recommend it.