I am a guitar player and am looking for my first mandolin. I have spent a fair amount of time researching and think I want to start with a Kentucky mandolin. I'm pretty darn sure I will enjoy the mandolin and keep at it with lessons and lots of practice (as I am doing now with guitar). Given that I don't want to have to start with a cheap mandolin that I will soon want to upgrade, I figure I should "buy my third mandolin first." I did that with guitars and RVs, and I'd rather skip the process this time.
The first instrument I'd consider is the KM-150, but I also have been intrigued by the KM-250 with the carved back and radiused fretboard. The KM-500 (if I can scratch together the $$ for one) is also a candidate. So, how much of an incremental improvement in the instrument is there between the 150, the 250 and the 500? Do the dollar increases parallel the quality improvements?
I haven't been able to lay hands on any Kentucky mandolins in my local area, so your input will be very helpful in my final decision.
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