I am on a quest for my next mandolin, having let go of a few I enjoyed and now need a step up instrument. I have grown in my interest and desire to practice and play bluegrass. Seeing Nick and Desperado motivated me even further! That guy can play that F5L! I do also sing quite a bit, as a lifelong guitarist/entertainer, and have been loving playing fiddle tunes and reels on my mandolins as a way to increase my skill and fight tremors.
I am thinking for my price I can afford a Bitterroot F5, Yellowstone A5, Collings MT or MT2, a Pava Player, or an F-9. I want something that will have plenty of sustain and resonance, along with enough chop. I sing and play unplugged 4 times each month in extended care facilities and would use it to play in the church band.
I tend to like a slightly larger nut width, though I can go with 1-1/8" or 1-3/16". My preference is F5 since I have a nice A5, but I also very much would enjoy the Collings, Pava or Weber in an A style. Maple Back and Sides and Spruce top are my preferences. A radiused board is a plus, but not an absolute. Great tuners and fit and finish would be nice. I like sunburst, blonde and black tops, too.
I would appreciate any food for thought and your expertise will help me narrow my target.
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