Advice on Ovation MCS 148 versus others in similar price range

[kmc]

First off I'd just like to say thank you to everybody on the forum. This is my first post and I have found so much good information here.

I consider myself a beginner-intermediate mandolin player. I own an Ovation MCS 148. I'm trying to figure out if I want to sell it and put the money towards an Eastman MD305, The Loar LM400, or Kentucky KM505.

I don't mind the sound of the Ovation, but it sounds a little bit more like a high pitched guitar to me. I never play plugged in. I know I just need to play the different mandolins, but I don't know where to go to play them in order to compare.

So, I'd appreciate anyone's advice about the differences in tone between the Ovation and the other mandolins mentioned and why or why not I might want to either stick with the Ovation, or try to sell it and buy another mandolin.

Thanks in advance for the help

[Folkmusician.com]

I have compared all of these models and can say that the Ovation does not come close as an acoustic mandolin. It has its place and in certain situations (plugged in), may be the better choice.

Why to keep the ovation:
You already own it.
It is just fine to practice and jam on.
It has wider string spacing.
You can plug it in should the need arise.

[allenhopkins]

...I don't know where to go to play them in order to compare...

Where are you located?

[kmc]

I'm in Fullerton, CA

[allenhopkins]

You could try McCabe's in Santa Monica, Westwood Music Ctr. in West LA, Fretted Frog on North Alvarado in LA, Boulevard Music in Culver City, and the Loar website lists CA Guitar Centers as having Loar instruments, though GC's not noted for its mandolin selection.

[Eddie Sheehy]

Personally I like Ovations - I have two MM68's and an MCS148. The MCS is unbeatable in its price range - has nice action, plays good unplugged and great plugged. It should keep you until you move into the mid/upper range. I'm in Irvine and I buy/sell/trade/catch/release mandolins. You are welcome to stop by and check out some mid and higher end mandolins for comparison. PM me.