Need Advice on Selling/Upgrading Mandolin
Hello all,
I am looking for some up-to-date advice on various aspects of selling mandolin family instruments to pursue a better instrument (already read a lot of past threads on these questions, but markets changes, etc. make me want to pose the questions again).
My situation:
own a fairly old Breedlove Quartz OF that I bought used in 2009, with an internal Schertler Dyn-M pickup installed. I also own a Weber Gallatin A style Mandola that I bought used in 2013. I have found that I play the mandola less than I expected, as I find it's mid-range to be lost among guitars in the ensembles I play in.
Considering this, I am thinking of selling both the mandola and my mandolin to upgrade to a Collings MT, Pava Satin, Girouard, or some similar level A style mandolin. I am realizing that financially I will not be able to upgrade the mandolin without selling the mandola for probably ten or more years, and it seems a shame for my main instrument to be of a lesser quality than one I struggle to find a place for.
My questions are:
1) If a mandolin is not currently in great playing condition, is it better to sell it as is, or fix it up to sell? My Breedlove has a small chip in the finish near the top of the headstock, the frets likely need to be replaced, the tailpiece cover rattles, the tuners are really cheap, and the pickup works inconsistently (which I think is an issue of it's attachment to the body, rather than electronics). The condition of the instrument does not do justice to the quality of sound it is capable of producing. In part I've held off getting some of this work done for a while because I felt like spending that money would set me back on saving up for an upgrade; I anticipate the types of mandolins I am considering would be my sole lifelong mandolin.
2) What are the pros and cons of consignment or trading in versus private sale on the Cafe? I live just north of Austin, so I have Fiddler's Green as an option for that kind of thing.
3) For purchasing one of the upgrades I am interested in, I see myself as having two options: a new purchase that I could test out in person at Fiddler's Green (which will be at the top end of my budget), or a used purchase without being able to play the instrument before hand. I am thinking that the pros of a new purchase would be that I get to break in the instrument myself with my own playing over the years, and that it will come in peak condition in every way (esp. set up), and that it would be easier for me to be able to play the instrument before buying. However, used instruments don't necessarily lose value if the price is right and you keep it in good condition, may be had for significantly cheaper (and allow me more options at my price point), and will potentially have a more developed sound. Is that a generally fair assessment?
This is a long one, but I appreciate any advice you can give on any of these questions!
"Yeah, well, you know, that’s just, like, your opinion, man."
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