I'm a long time guitarist, playing acoustic, electric, bass and even some piano at times, who is looking to learn a new instrument, and I think the mandolin would be a great skill to have in my tool box. The guitars I play span the range of quality (PRS, vintage Gibson, modern Fender, Ibanez, Earnie Ball, Reverend, etc ...), so I do appreciate a quality instrument and understand it comes at a cost.
I also realize mandolin's are a different price structure than guitars are, and I accept the fact I can only get an 'ok' mandolin within this $1k price range. from what I've been reading, maybe a 'good' one if I consider buying used. I'm ok with that, and would consider a more expensive one in the future if I take to it and begin playing it as much (or more?) than my guitars.
I'd like to stay away from the really cheap ones, as I have enough experience to know I probably won't like playing it if it doesn't feel good and sound good. So I want to avoid is buying one that is difficult to play, or sounds bad, or doesn't fit my purpose. Hence I am reaching out to you fine folks for some knowledge and guidance!
What I'm having a hard time understanding is what I should be looking for. I've been reading a lot on this forum, and see mention of oval holes, F holes, round holes, etc ... and these having an impact on tone and suitability for particular genres of music.
I'm not overly concerned with an A style vs. a F style, but I do appreciate the classic look of a mandolin, so I haven't been considering something like a Godin A8, or some of the other "non-traditional" looking mandolins ... although maybe I should given my intended use?
I've been playing guitar for contemporary worship teams for about 15 years now, and that is the genre I would be purchasing this for. Most of these songs are more rock genre, so not bluegrass or country; but I appreciate the texture a mandolin can add to the mix, and really think it could fit well.
I need one which can be plugged in, and not mic'ed up. From what I gather, I can purchase an already electrified one, or a non-electric one and add something like a K&K Mandolin Twin Internal pickup system to be able to plug in. Is this a good strategy, or should I limit my search to only ones which are electrified from their manufacturer?
The reason I've set a $1k budget is because I have a Reverend guitar I plan to sell, as I don't play it much, and it should bring around that amount. I could expand my budget a bit, if the quality is significantly improved with a few hundred dollars more, but would 1st try to keep it to this until I see how I connect with playing a mandolin.
On my list thus far are the typical Kentucky, Eastman, and The Loar brands ... but I don't know what models to look at for my intended use and genre. I don't think I want a strictly "bluegrass" type tone, so does that mean I should be leaning towards an oval sound hole, or a particular top wood?
I know that was long winded, but from reading other "help me choose" threads, I tried to include the info I see you folks asking newbies when they are looking for guidance
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