Re: buying first mando without playing?
I’ve played all your examples, other than the “The Loar.” I still own an Eastman MD315 and Silverangel A. I wouldn’t stress too much over not being able to play these instruments before buying. All have good reputations and are fine instruments if set up properly.
Even playing an instrument in a store is only a hint of what that mandolin might be capable of. I’ve found that I’ve had to try different strings and picks to find the combination that most pleased my ear. That takes time and playing. On the MD315, for instance, I’ve settled on J74CM with medium G and D courses and heavy A and E courses. On the last two instruments I’ve bought, I’ve done less experimenting with strings - the Silverangels are built for heavy strings (J75); Will Kimble recommends J74’s and they sound fine to me. I’ve still had to try different picks to see how much brightness I needed to add or subtract.
Jump in and start learning!
Doug Brock
2018 Kimble 2 point (#259), Eastman MD315, Eastman MDA315, some guitars, banjos, and fiddles
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