Best production A-style?

[davestem]

To my great satisfaction, the BG gospel band I play in has found a stellar guitar player, and I am now free to play mandolin for the band. This is very cool, but leaves me very aware that my Johnson MA-380 is not up to the level I want. Nor would I feel too comfortable playing it for paying customers...
I'd really appreciate some input: what's the best mandolin I can expect to buy for $500 to $700 dollars? I'm specifically interested in A style mandolins. I am very much open to buying a used instrument. I want the best playability, volume, and bluegrass tone that I can possibly get for my money. Any suggestions? Please be specific.

[Loren Bailey]

Dave,

I have seen a few Breedlove Quartz OFs in that price range. Dale, a frequenter of this board and advertiser in the classifieds, seems to have some of the best prices around and may have a lead on some used ones.

FWIW, I LOVE my Quartz. I have had it for about 18 months and it is amazing how it's tone has developed. A great american handmade mando at a really good price. I've played quite a few quality mandos since purchasing mine and wouldn't dream of trading her in on any of them. Try one out if you can. Just my $.02.

Loren

[yoods]

Davestem,
Check out the a fairly recent thread on a similar topic in the General Mandolin area called "new mandolin purchase". This might be of help in the price range you are looking for.

[davestem]

Thanks, y'all. I have heard comments previously about the non-BG tone of Breedloves...I guess I'd have to try one and compare, but I'll keep an eye peeled. I'm planning to go to Byron Berline's shop and check out his selection, but I wouldn't entirely rule out an ebay or mandolin cafe classifieds purchase.