Hmmmmmm. #Where to start. #I'm wanting to buy a mandolin and I need you folks to translate my shotgun, car, guitar, and tandem bike frames of reference into mandolinese. #Perhaps it can't be done, but... #
I want a mandolin like my shotgun. #Not a cheap Chinese thing that depreciates in value the moment you buy it, but neither do I want an English custom-made gun that will appreciate in value. #Well, I suppose I'd like one, but it's not terribly realistic given my salary, piles of children and such. #I want a mando like my Ithaca pump action. #It will kill ducks all day, it's well built, and it will probably never be a collecters item, but it will hold its value. #I want a mando that holds its value.
I want a mandolin like my car. #Yes, I'd rather have a Porsche or a Rolls, and I certainly don't want a Yugo or a Trabant (East German/Russian make, I believe). #I want a Chevyesque vehicle; solid, dependable, reasonable. #Of course, I'd be happy to get a Chrysler instead of a Dodge or a GMC instead of a Chevy if I can. #I want an affordable mandolin. #
I want a mandolin like my guitar. #Form follows function. #It's a no-frills Guild. #No fancy appointments, but a solid top (this really seems to matter in guitars), good tuners, well-made, and it sounds nice. #I'm sure Phil Keaggy could make it sing. #I want to know the "must haves" in a mando (I've learned, for instance, that A style will probably suit me).
I want a mandolin like my tandem. #Tandem owners get pretty snobby about brands too, but we bought a used Trek because it is a great undervalued tandem. #It's underapprecieated because it was factory made, sold in "regular" bike shops (as opposed to tandem specialty shops) and not custom sized. #It's undervalued because they were manufactured with quality components and fine worksmanship. #It has no snob appeal, but my wife and I go fast, have fun, and ride comfortably. #Undervalued usually means used, but if this isn't true with mandos, let me know. And I won't rule out Asian, if you think a case can be made. I've noticed that the once scorned Japanese Martin guitar knockoffs are now collectible/desireable. #I want a mando that is better than most people think.
In sum, what are the undervalued mandos that will last, hold their value, and sound good? #
Paul
p.s. #I'm learning (I have an old potato bowl mando), I probably won't spend more than $500 (if I want to keep my wife and I suppose I do), I'm happy to buy used, I play mostly folk, bluegrass, gospel, and nobody will ever mistake me for Chris Thile.
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