choosing a mandolin for playability

[pops1]

The tricky part is finding someone that can do a good set up.

That's why I do my own. I'm fussy and want it just so.

[JeffD]

1 Get a good set up.
2 Get lessons.
3 Then get the very best mandolin you can.
4 Repeat as needed.

[V70416]

Personally(and since my ears are tiny and tinny) i would take playability over tone/volume anytime. I have short fingers so
a 1" nut and slim neck is what Iprefer in a mandolin. Ibelieve these dimensions might be called "Loar-ish" or "Skaggs-ish".

The teens Gibsons are almost unplayable for me no matter how well they are set up because of the wide nut and deep-V neck. Narrow frets and
flat board doesn't help me either.

If Ican't get to the notes on time it doesn't really matter what the instrumemt sounds like.

Ifeel lucky to have a mandolin that fits my hands and sounds pretty good.