Hey everyone, I'm a newbie on the site. I am a long-time guitar and bluegrass double bass player who is close to cracking the mystery of the E-A-D-G tuning. I have played a lot of electric blues in the past, and finally realized that a lot of the lead patterns I've figured out on my own on the guitar are actually based largely on major and minor pentatonic scales. Duh! Anyway, now that I've figured out the patterns for these scales on the mandolin, and of course the essential chop chords, I am thinking of upgrading my $500 Michael Kelly to something a little more ... refined? I have a mental block against paying $3,000 or more for a mandolin that is unlikely to generate much income in performance. I know that Kentucky or Eastman produce some great instruments in my price range, but I do like the idea of buying an American-made mando from one of the "boutique" builders. Looking on the Mandolin Cafe classifieds, I see instruments from two makers that are in my price range: Harlan from Michigan and Bruce Clark/Nichols Road from Ohio. Before you tell me, I know very well that the best mandolin is the one you go and play and it looks and feels and sounds the way you want it to. I'm not sure I have the patience for that. My question is just whether either company has a particular reputation for build quality or sound that might influence my decision. Thanks for your input!
PS - Reading through other posts on this site I don't think I've ever seen a forum where so many people are so welcoming, friendly, and supportive. I have been on some other sites where almost anything you say will piss somebody off and bring out the worst in them. Kudos for that!
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