Re: My Mandolin satisfaction maybe related to the cost
I understand what you're saying. It doesn't work that way for me. I'm all in favor of having stuff that does it's job well but, I don't need luxury brand cache to get satisfaction out of it. So, I have about an Eastman and a nice custom flat top mandolin, both are way better than I can play them. I drive a Honda Fit because it was cheap and gets great gas mileage. At 140,000 all I've done to it are brakes and tires along with oil changes.
For mandolins, playability, if it can't be addressed by set up is cause to move an instrument along. What people like in terms of looks is all over the map. Stuff like the very precise finishes on Collings vs the old patina on a teens Gibson or folks who spend extra for a reliced looking new instrument - that's all just a matter of taste and I won't argue anyone on that.
My personal preference is I like my stuff to look like I've used and enjoyed them with care (a ding or a scratch doesn't bug me). I don't need to impress anyone with my gear or kit (mandolins, bicycles, or cameras). I think we all know the person who has the very expensive latest thing and has no idea how to use it and we also know that person who has some crummy old beat up thing and uses it well. Both can be cool. Both can be jerks if they lord it over folks.
In the end, are you doing well with what you have and is what you have holding you back (and you need to be reaaaaaal honest in answering that second question.
Jamie
PS - then again, if you've got the cash, and it brings you joy buy what you want. I'm not the boss of you. I like to eat new things and travel.
There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946
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