This post is an update of my 5-string journey, hoping it may help someone else. I contacted JL Smith (Florida), who had a partial build done that looked fantastic to me. We agreed I would buy it. Two weeks later, he changed his mind, and said he didn't want the pressure and might not finish that build. I read and saw video of John Maddock (Tavy on this board, in England) with a beautiful 5-string he made. Turns out that one went to a fellow in SC, my neighboring state. Both Americans with Maddock 5-string mandos were kind enough to correspond with me, and loved their instruments. I had checked with Andrew Jermain and Jonathan Mann, who had really long wait lists. So, Maddock it was. My mandolin is mostly built now, waiting for the finish to harden before polishing. In the meantime, I spotted a Fender FM-60E on Facebook Marketplace located not too far from where my mother lives. I ended up buying it at the end of November, and am loving it. I know the Maddock mando will have better intonation and a better pick up. But the Fender is beautiful and terrific in its own way. It was mint, from the year 2000, with the plastic still on the pick guard. I've set up the intonation, which is now accurate for the four top strings, and after removing the spring, the problematic D-string is pretty accurate up to the 6th fret. Don't really like the Katana amp I have with it, and am considering others. I'm studying with Tim Connell. Happy new year to all, and thanks to everyone who took time to help me.
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