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Thread: DO I need a better mandolin?

  1. #51
    Registered User DougC's Avatar
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    Default Re: DO I need a better mandolin?

    Anyone in this situation like the original poster is doing the right thing by asking experienced folks. And just having this question, do I need a better instrument, indicates that there is an awareness some inadequacy.

    Too often however, the advice goes straight to money matters. As a practical matter learning about how a mandolin is made more playable is as valuable as in knowing how much money it will take to get the 'next' instrument. And in the long run, set up and play-ability are issues in all levels of pricing. Just on a smaller degree. And yes, you can hear and feel the difference by playing other mandolins.

    The other aspect, aside from the constant 'drum-beat' of money and price levels, is in your own ability to play the instrument. That can cost nothing by the way. So consider what to do about that. Take lessons? Watch videos. Ask a friend? (I borrowed a nice Gibson when I started.) Maybe buy a book? Yes!

    Learning here is a step in the right direction. However, you have to do the walking. (You don't want to suck, when you finally, can audition that killer mandolin.) So exercise your fingers as well as the brain. O.K.
    Decipit exemplar vitiis imitabile

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  3. #52
    Innocent Bystander JeffD's Avatar
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    Default Re: DO I need a better mandolin?

    It is easier to get a great mandolin than to get great at the mandolin.
    A talent for trivializin' the momentous and complicatin' the obvious.

    The entire staff
    funny....

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  5. #53
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    Default Re: DO I need a better mandolin?

    I don't generally think it's a good idea to buy an instrument without trying it.

    I would stick with what you have for now, until maybe one day you get a chance to try some others somewhere and then you will see the difference, both from what you have now and that there is actually a big range out there, some of which you will probably like more than others. Then you should decide what to do.
    David A. Gordon

  6. #54
    Registered User Sue Rieter's Avatar
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    Default Re: DO I need a better mandolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by Dagger Gordon View Post
    I don't generally think it's a good idea to buy an instrument without trying it.

    I would stick with what you have for now, until maybe one day you get a chance to try some others somewhere and then you will see the difference, both from what you have now and that there is actually a big range out there, some of which you will probably like more than others. Then you should decide what to do.
    I have two that I bought without trying. If I were inclined to let any go, it would be those two.
    "To be obsessed with the destination is to remove the focus from where you are." Philip Toshio Sudo, Zen Guitar

  7. #55
    Resident Hack
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    Default Re: DO I need a better mandolin?

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  9. #56
    Registered User Simon DS's Avatar
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    Default Re: DO I need a better mandolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by Dagger Gordon View Post
    I don't generally think it's a good idea to buy an instrument without trying it...
    Try it if you like, I generally wont buy an instrument unless i love it.

  10. #57
    small instrument, big fun Dan in NH's Avatar
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    Default Re: DO I need a better mandolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Sheets View Post
    try to get that stage around $2k-$3k where you can find potential lifetime instruments
    Man, I was hoping my next mandolin would be my last mandolin, and I was thinking more in the $1200 neighborhood.

    Don't compare yourself to other people, playing ability OR wallet size....
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    And still saving my nickels & dimes & bottle caps & breakfast cereal box tops for my lifetime mandolin.

  11. #58
    mandolin slinger Steve Ostrander's Avatar
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    Default Re: DO I need a better mandolin?

    If you haven’t played any others and have nothing to compare to, enjoy the ignorance. When you live five miles from Elderly Instruments like I do, the temptation is always there.

    An honest answer: there are lots of mandolins that would sound better than your Dragonfly. How much are you willing to spend?
    Living’ in the Mitten

  12. #59
    harvester of clams Bill McCall's Avatar
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    Default Re: DO I need a better mandolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by Dan in NH View Post
    Man, I was hoping my next mandolin would be my last mandolin, and I was thinking more in the $1200 neighborhood.....
    I have a great $1200 mandolin. Didn't stop me from getting others
    Not all the clams are at the beach

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  13. #60

    Default Re: DO I need a better mandolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by Dan in NH View Post
    Man, I was hoping my next mandolin would be my last mandolin, and I was thinking more in the $1200 neighborhood.

    Don't compare yourself to other people, playing ability OR wallet size....
    There are some really good instruments in that price range that could be a "last" instrument; Mid-Missouri, Kentucky, Eastman all make really nice models around that price range. You might even be able to find a nice, no-frills, used A style or flat-top from solo American builders for that.

    If you're touring professionally, they might not quite cut it but they'd be more than enough for playing by yourself or in jams.

  14. #61

    Default Re: DO I need a better mandolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by milli857 View Post
    There are some really good instruments in that price range that could be a "last" instrument; Mid-Missouri, Kentucky, Eastman all make really nice models around that price range. You might even be able to find a nice, no-frills, used A style or flat-top from solo American builders for that.

    If you're touring professionally, they might not quite cut it but they'd be more than enough for playing by yourself or in jams.
    This is that "second mandolin" level that many advocate to skip, and go for the next level ~$1500 and up.

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  16. #62
    Registered User tjmangum's Avatar
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    Default Re: DO I need a better mandolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by JeffD View Post
    It is easier to get a great mandolin than to get great at the mandolin.
    Yes, and I prove that adage every day.
    " Give me some words I can dance to and a melody that rhymes" - Steve Goodman

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  18. #63
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    Default Re: DO I need a better mandolin?

    What the heck is a last mandolin? I figure when they bury me I will have had my last mandolin, not before

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