Re: What is the Difference between a $6,000 and $3,000 mandolin?
I think the difference boils down to cache. It can't be measured. Only you can tell the difference, and we all agree it's subjective.
We all recognize that there are differences in the trees, the builder, the approach, the type of mandolin, and the appointments. Just too many variables.
What's the quest? Oh, that's just completely different. Is the mandolin, "Something to cherish" or is it, "Just a tool?" Both?
Seems to me, you've already had well made sharp screwdrivers. I mean an Gibson F9 and Collings MT are great, well-made mandolins. I'm sure that they sound like powerful, mandolin-sounding instruments!
When I read folks looking for sonic improvements (i.e., more or less mid-range/bass/trebles), what would be my basis to contribute? Heck, half the time I think my hearing's bad!
Now that the preamble's over, here's my point. Our ears acclimate. Your ears are both acclimated to the instruments you play, the instruments you love. The instruments that carry your stories. You go to the store and grab another and it'll sound different. They'll all sound different; well unless they imitate the profile of what you are playing.
I'm confident that a blind-curtain test of a '23 Gibson F5 against a Kentucky or Eastman or Northfield would yield interesting results. I'm also certain the same would be true among the custom builders.
I would have no reservations of ordering from any known builder and would likely have a great time getting to know the builder. Fully doubt that I'd get a mandolin of monumental improvement over something available from Collings or Gibson?
Have fun though! I love buying mandolins!
f-d
¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!
'20 A3, '30 L-1, '97 914, 2012 Cohen A5, 2012 Muth A5, '14 OM28A
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