Some thoughts for some of the newer members (and maybe some of the older members) --- "Buyer's Remorse" is when someone buys something and then regrets it. It's a well-known concept. Well, here's another one.
"Missed it remorse"
I've been looking to upgrade from the higher end of a student grade mandolin to the lower edge of a pro/semi-pro mandolin -- specifically an F hole Flatiron (before the imports) or a Gibson A9. A scroll would be nice but an A style for either one at least might begin to put me in the ball park of the better ones -- back in the bleachers, maybe the locker room ! -- but not outside on the sidewalk.
I've watched a lot come and go but promised myself that I'd only buy if I sold at least 1 K worth of my current instruments (Metal tricone guitar -- soooo heavy), a "The Loar" (yeah I hate the name too) good sounding guitar with a neck like a baseball bat, etc. etc.
So I've passed up various Flatirons in the 1200--1900 range (the last one actually was an F model) as well as various A9's. Each time I'd see it disappear, I'd have a little regret. But guess what? Another one does come along every so often.
So sure, "pull the trigger" if you see something that calls to you -- do it! But if you miss out, don't fret--um, don't worry about it. I've watched the Classified for years and there have been at least one coming along every one or two months that would meet my needs at my price. (Reverb is okay but a little higher priced...I'll stick with the Cafe and its community.)
One more thing -- if you look at ebay (general caution, you MIGHT do okay on ebay, or you might not....) but anyhow, if you miss getting something by $5, don't lament! You don't know that you missed it by $5 -- the other buyer may well have been willing to go another $50 or $100.
So just a little philosophy here.
P.S. -- Anyone with a strong back or huge hands looking to buy a Recording King all metal Tricone guitar or a The Loar L0-16?
Alan Spector
Absolutely LOVE the sound of my 1917 Gibson A (they are so underrated). Too many other stringed instruments in various conditions to list here. And a wife who says: "You only have two hands. How many instruments do you need?"
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