Re: Hypothetically, which would you consider the best deal?
I'd say the Gibson A is the "better deal," but that's only if you like the way it sounds and feels.
Older Gibsons have a pretty established market history, and although I'd gulp at paying $1.4K for what was near the bottom of the Gibson mandolin line, it appears to be in the "great unmodified condition" the seller claims. Original case, too.
Strad-O-Lins are very nice "cheap" mandolins, and have recently been "discovered" by mandolin players, with resulting increased demand and market presence. However, their prices are all over the place; my current Strad cost me less than half of what is asked for this one, and although it's not as fancy a model, and I bought in here where prices aren't as inflated as the Bay area, I find this one a bit overpriced.
Any chance you could play both of them? That would make a lot of sense, if sellers would cooperate.
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
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