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For me, a Golden Gate MP 12 has been my go to pick for the past 20 years, 1.5 mm, and cost around 1.50.

I've used armrests on 2 of my previously owned Mandolins to soften the edge from digging into my arm.
I don't use one on my current player.

It's your call, whatever works for you is the right way
I prefer using a boot lace looped onto the scroll and over my shoulder.

Thanks for your input folks, I've decided on the Allen AR-2 in bright gold.

Yes...I'm leaning toward Allen, I'm interested hearing pro and con of different models.

Changing the stock stamped tailpiece, Allen indicated their mounting holes and endpin will align up with the stamped type.

I'm thinking of changing my tailpiece to a Allen, any thoughts on particular model.

At that price, you did good; those 520s are fine Mandolins.
All you need now is a Crossrock fiberglass case to take er out and you'll be set.

Hello!

There's a Matrix MR 600 on e bay for 25 bucks, a much better unit than the 500.

Matrix -500 Quartz Metronome
Pick it up on e bay for short money, takes a 9 volt battery, that lasts forever.

Yes!

Peter I recall that you mentioned the fiberglass case will fit a tone Gard and the carbon fiber won't,please correct me if I'm wrong.

When Amazon lists them I might bite.

My 2020 is a cannon; fit, finish, and tone do it for me.
I've owned plain with the '02 F9, average look with the KM 1000, and sold them off for the LM700...love the gold bling as well.

https://youtu.be/RavUMQYgnK8
The 520 may be the ticket.

I will suggest The Loar brand, take notice to the amount of Kentucky and Eastman brand up for resale in the classifieds, and take note how many The Loar are up for resale, that should tell you...

I've owned/played Gibson F9, Kentucky 1000, sold them off for the LM 700, fit, finish, and tone of the 700 works for me, YMMV.
They're so popular that retailers can't keep them in stock, and...

I change them (J74s) when they break, which is almost never, or when the G or D string where's through.
I play 1/2-1 hour per day, I can go years before changing a string.

If you had it set up I doubt a new bridge will make it speak to you, if your not happy with the tone, into the wild it goes.

Check out the straps in the classifieds; $24. Shipped.

I play and memorize through repetition two bars, after they are memorized I move on to the next two.

I believe Kentucky production moved from Japan, to Korea, to China.

10:13
The Loar LM-310 Mandolin Review - Perfect for Guitarists/Beginners ...
YouTube · Billkwando
May 21, 2017
This you tube vid may interest you.

I prefer F style with Tone-gard and the more bling the better, I find the F just as comfortable to hold as my A style.