Should I Buy an OM

[Eric Platt]

Would say yes, but an OM. But I don't know much of the ITM world. The Eastman as an almost banjo sound to some folks. Depending on the thoughts of others in the jam, that may, or may not work.

FWIW, I play the OM occasionally in our weekly old-time jam. And regularly play it in Scandinavian and Midwest old time (combination of OT and Scandi) music jams in the area. Often playing melody.

But as others said, see if you can find a beginners session to go to and just work up to speed on the tunes. Whether on regular or octave mandolin. Keep at it and the speed will eventually come around.

[MandoNina]

Not necessarily for the reasons you mentioned, but yes of course you should!
If you've got the extra money it seems to me the question is why shouldn't you