Which Mandolin fits/compares to your Ability ??

[Eric Platt]

I try not to get into judgement about which instrument one "should" own. I've owned somewhat expensive guitars over the years. In a few cases, they caused anxiety to the point that I didn't feel comfortable taking them out of the house. Well, if I can jam with it, there really isn't a reason to keep it. I know what my comfort level is and am happy with instruments that fit with it.

And have stated this already too many times, while I love the sound of my Breedlove, for my present band, the Gibson A Jr is what gets played. The sound just fits better with that band.

[mandocaster]

I used to have a lovely Givens A3, made in 1984 as I recall. Sheraton brown, not fancy looking, but a distinctive and beautiful tone. Not super-valuable - worth less than $3K when I sold it to raise money for my Collings. I could have theoretically been happy with that mandolin forever. If my number one got stolen (brrrr, hopefully not), I might look for another Givens.

[Kalasinar]

When I started playing I bought a Tanglewood and had it set up properly by the local luthier. It wasn't a bad mandolin. But after six months I found myself longing for something better but told myself I wasn't good enough yet. My wise friend put me straight. He told me to "buy the best you can afford that suits your needs". Well, it didn't take much persuasion. I bought my Eastman MD504 and haven't looked back. I still often think it is too good for my level, but it is a better instrument for me to improve myself with.

[Bertram Henze]

Wow! Sounds like you have an incredible instrument there!

Absolutely. To acquire more instruments would be like that Kerryman joke about the man who's granted three wishes, chooses a bottle of beer for the first one and gets a magic one that always remains full. Asked for the other two wishes, he wants another two of those bottles...