Re: Distressing, what have we come to?
John H has responded eloquently. I would just add that some musicians just like the look of an antique instrument, the "patina" as the dealers call it, but would like the reliability and structural soundness of a new mandolin, covered by manufacturer's warranty.
There may be an element of "posing" involved, though I think it's more the case with the teenaged rockers and their artificially aged Strats and Les Pauls. Some older instruments, rightly or wrongly, have acquired desirability for better sound and construction; we all know the premium placed on Lloyd Loar mandolins, and to a lesser extent on slightly later models. Top-rank musicians are often seen playing obviously worn instruments. "Pre-CBS" Fender guitars, late '50's Les Pauls, "herringbone" D-28's command premium prices as well.
I think some musicians may be trying to fool the audience and fellow pickers into thinking they have "vintage" instruments, but the vast majority just like the look of a "played-in" instrument, and rather than try to find and afford a 75-year-old F-5, would just as soon acquire a "pre-aged" model that meets their musical needs.
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
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