Hey everyone! This is my first post, but I’ve made good use of the forum already while researching my first mandolin. I’ve got some good background, but couldn’t find an answer to my specific delema, so here goes...
I’m debating between a new MD305 and a used MD605. By the time I get a real case for the 305 and put a pickup in it, they are virtually the same price. I understand the prevailing sentiment is that the 605 isn’t worth the EXTRA money new, but what about this situation? The “newness” of the 305 isn’t important to me. I plan to play the heck out of it and gig with it, and I just couldn’t find one used.
I’m a longtime guitar player, and have recently been sitting in with a friend’s bluegrass band. There are already two other guitarists in the group, and no one on mandolin. I’ve been flirting with the idea of picking up a mandolin for a while and this seemes like a great time to finally do it. The plan is to get up to speed on basic chop chords ASAP, and then see where things go from there.
From my research this is what I’m weighing:
Pros of 305 - possible better tone due to lighter finish, would prefer the 1/4” endpin jack I would install over the 605’s side-mounted XLR.
Pros of 605 - possibly already broken in/opened up a little, better resale value (already taken the “drive it off the lot” new gear hit), more visually attractive finish. Not sure if the hardware is a step up?
The other routes I’ve considered are a Breedlove Quartz OF or “budget” older Gibson (A-00/A-40/A-50). These were very appealing because I would love to play an American instrument. But the consensus that the Beeedlove’s aren’t ideal for bluegrass makes me a little leery, and the older Gibsons seem like a whole other can of worms in terms of researching models/years and getting it setup, etc.
My goal right now is to get something in hand that I can learn on, gig with, and ideally won’t outgrow for a good long time. Maybe even a “one and done” kind of purchase. I’m not eager to overspend on an instrument I’m just learning how to play, but I’m also not against investing a little more for something that will be more enjoyable to play. Would it be rediculous for me to just jump into a $1,000+ instrument like a well-used Bulldog? I certainly remember what an improvement my first $1,500 guitar was over my $500 guitar.
I know this post turned into a small novel, so thanks in advance to anyone who bothers to read it and chip in their $.02
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