I was at Umanov's recently... they had maybe 4-5 mandolins. #The nicest was a Collings MT, which I played for a few minutes. #Don't bother. #
Spend the time at Mando Bros. #You won't see the sights, but you WILL see/play a really good variety of mandos- they typically have in stock Collings, Eastman, Breedlove, Rigel, Phoenix, Mid-Mo, Weber, and some number of vintage Gibsons. (all in their mandolin room). They will also often have some miscellaneous others and sometimes gems like that Vega cylinderback that several of us played. #If you want to look at new Gibsons, they seem now to be kept in the all-Gibson room, and they have a few very high end mandos that they keep elsewhere, but will let you play if you ask.
IMHO, because they are who they are and where they are, they tend to be at the high end of the price range for many of their mandos. #While you can find a bargain there from time to time, mostly you won't. #You WILL find a great selection for comparison shopping, great service, knowledgeable staff, etc. #
I wasn't looking for it, but recall walking by several record stores (vinyl) in the Village. #I know it "ain't what it used to be"... but it's still a fun area to walk around.
Karen Escovitz
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Otter OM #1
Brian Dean OM #32
Old Wave Mandola #372
Phoenix Neoclassical #256
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If you're gonna walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!
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