Where else should I look?

[Jordan S.]

Hi everyone! I'm planning to purchase a high-end Gibson or Collings in the near future and I'm starting a list of stores to consider. Generally speaking, I'm not looking for vintage instruments - rather I'm looking for something new or within 5 years old, maybe 10.

So far, I've got Carter's, Gruhns, Elderly and The Mandolin Store on my list. Anywhere else I should be looking? I'm willing to travel, particularly if I can sit in front of several fine instruments in one place.

Also, where are all the new Gibson's going!?

Thanks!

[jmkatcher]

The Music Emporium (Lexington, MA)
Acoustic Music Works (Pittsburgh, PA)

[TEvans]

Fiddler's green always has a nice selection of Collings instruments, and Hill Country Guitars is not too far away. Hill Country Guitars is Collings' "flagship" store, so I have heard. Half their inventory is callings instruments.

Both these stores are in Austin area. (Hill country guitars is in Dripping Springs now, which is a beautiful area outside of town.)

[UsuallyPickin]

Intermountain Guitar and Banjo Salt Lake City, UT
Morgan Music , Lebanon, Missouri

[Charles E.]

Jordan, I would take a drive down to Colorado Springs and pay a visit to Tejon Street Music.......http://www.tejonstreetmusic.com/

I played some very nice Collings (A and F style) mandolins last time I was there.

Owner, John Ramsey and son, Sean were very nice to talk to.

[Br1ck]

You'll have to luck out to find a store with a bunch of lightly used mandolins in your range. A lot of people are looking for the same thing.

WhEn you settle on a make and model,, scour the net.

If you must be play before pay, I'd head to Nashville.

[Mandobar]

Hill Country is divesting themselves of mandolins. Not interested in selling them anymore. They have downsized due to the slow market