Hello Mandolincafe people!
I am mainly a violinist and I am new to this site but I would love some advice about starting my search to find a mandolin.
I grew up playing fiddle tunes and classical music and went to school for violin performance at Oberlin but I have always loved playing my dad’s f5 that was made for him by his late friend, Bob Schneider.
I am looking to obtain an instrument of my own but I’m a bit bamboozled by all of the different makers, types, vintage vs. new, etc... I am based in the Bay Area now and have tried one Gibson A model from around 1915-20 but it was a bit too twangy sounding as opposed to the fullness that I remember getting from my father’s instrument.
I don’t love mandolin’s that are really bright or heavy on the treble and am looking for something with balance, good tone/resonance, a lovely lower range, and easy LH playability. What vintage makers should I look into (and which Gibson models/years are known to be the best) and what newer models should I also check out?
Looking for something at or under 10,000. Thanks so much!
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