I've been following a recent what should I buy thread, and just saw the OPs SoCal address. Probably a six hour drive or a short flight to The Mandolin Store. Now think about it, you are buying something you could spend thousands of hours with. To me the trouble is well worth it. Now I'm within half an hour of two pretty good shops, and between those, I'd be likely to find something I'd be happy with, but if I were spending upwards of $5000, I'd grab a flight to Phoenix and head to TMS. Wouldn't even stay overnight.
I realize some might live two hours from an airport and that can be an issue because small airport flights cost, but a three day weekend jaunt would be doable to compare.
The I'm a four hour drive from a store argument is senseless unless you've played a brand you know you want and they don't have it.
I have a friend a hour's drive from Portland. He bought a guitar for $7000 online. He's happy with it, but why not drive to try six or eight at once. How much money goes down the drain buying new and selling to buy something else later? I think investing in some travel is worth it.
And budget a healthy chunk for the other half to go shopping in the big city. That will help when you go a grand over budget for that special mandolin.
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