I’m interested in buying an electric mandolin (most likely 4 string)—I'm no stranger to mandolins, but I'm a novice in this area, with no previous experience playing electric instruments of any kind. I’m wondering if there are shops in the US where it is possible to try at least a few different models. I’ve been presuming that I’d go with an internet purchase, but my (non-musican) wife suggested I might be happier to try before I buy.
She has a point. I went to Greg Boyd’s eight years ago, thinking I’d get a Weber mandolin, and came out with the Collings that remains my main instrument. When we went out shopping for my son’s college orchestra violin, I figured a 50+ year old European instrument—instead, he came home with a violin from a wonderful contemporary Seattle luthier. Getting your hands on instruments seems to make all the difference in figuring out what is right for you, but the electric mandolin market seems so small I’m not sure if that’s practical.
Any leads or ideas are appreciated!
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