Re: Loar 520E, Kentucky 630, Loar 590E or Eastman 315
Another alternative : Watch for used mandolins posted in the Cafe classifieds in your price range. Purchase with a 48 hour buisness day trial period. If you don't like it simply return it. You are then only out the cost of two way shipping which will likely be your responsability under the terms of a trial period. Understandably the costs will be a little more for you if shipping across the US / Canada border, but not terrible. I have not found shipping costs crazy high when purchasing from Quebec.
I have purchsed a total of 7 mandolins this way with no regrets. I think the vast majority of sellers do their best to accurately describe the condition of their sale. Pay little attention to their marketing terms like "hoss", "banjo killer", e.t.c. as these are just marketing terms designed to get your attention.
Even at the risk of paying two way shipping you will get much more mandolin for your money by buying used and especially so if you go for the clean style of an A model rather than the scrolls. Remember, people ususally sell because they have moved up the cost investment in their instruments and not because they are selling a bad instrument.
Big Muddy EM8 solid body (Mike Dulak's final EM8 build)
Kentucky KM-950
Weber Gallatin A Mandola "D hole"
Rogue 100A (current campfire tool & emergency canoe paddle)
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