After all sorts of looking for a mandolin, I've 99% settled on this one:
http://www.stringinstruments.com/pc-...ged-toner.aspx
Without getting advise that kicks me into the next tier of higher-priced mandolins (thanks in advance), I'm looking to hear from folks regarding this mandolin's sound (imagine you're blind and couldn't give a hoot about the looks of a mandolin).
BTW, looked at these two before settling:
http://www.themandolinstore.com/scri...idproduct=9071 (Like the binding, but prefer an aged look (and I'm super careful so am not concerned about dings).
http://www.themandolinstore.com/scri...idproduct=8029 (It's a Weber, but this sounded a little "muddier" on the bass side).
Also read Bruce Weber's take on X-bracing (http://www.folkofthewood.com/page2168.htm):
Modified X-Brace: X-bracing gives you that great chop right out of the box with a crisp, clear tone and awesome projection. The initial break-in period is also less with x-bracing.
Tone Bars: Tone bars give you a wonderful bell-like sustain with a rich depth of tone that will mature with time and play into that wonderful wood sound we all love. Break-in is quite a bit longer on tone bar braced instruments.
Disclaimer: Changing sound hole shape and size, using F- holes, sound board species, rim/back/neck woods all effect the tone, volume and subtleties with either bracing pattern. It's all about finding the right recipe (i.e. bracing, wood selection, graduations and desire).
Luthiery is not rocket science! We're dealing with the ever changing properties of a once living substance that we resurrect to tantalize the ears and imaginations of our players.
Regardless, I'm still waffling (we aren't talking "chump change" here) and am looking for some feedback from the greater mandolin community. Thanks!
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