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hypothetical comparison vintage Kalamazoo vs Stradolin
This question crossed my mind for some reason. I know both Kalamazoo and Stradolin prices have been going up for a while, but is there a clear winner between the two?
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Re: hypothetical comparison vintage Kalamazoo vs Stradolin
I think it looks like Kalamazoo is in the lead but it is worth mentioning that Stradolins came in multiple price points over about three decades whereas Kalamazoo mandolins were pretty much at one price for just a decade so that makes a direct comparison more difficult.
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Re: hypothetical comparison vintage Kalamazoo vs Stradolin
For some reason, Kalamazoo archtops seem more prone to sinkage than Stradolins. Especially noticable on the inside of the F holes.
The other differences include the Kalamazoo generally having a mahogany back and sides as opposed to maple seeming to be standard on SOL instruments. The Kalamazoo body might also be slighly deeper. But I never compared the two side to side. That's based on memory of my last Kalamazoo. Also, Kalamazoo necks are more "v" shaped as opposed to the "D" shape on every Stradolin I've tried.
Mostly I think it comes down to what one likes. Kalamazoo was made by Gibson employees. So for some that makes it a clear winner. The Stradolin has a cult like following. Especially here. OTOH, I know at least two vintage instrument dealers who hate, hate, hate Stradolins and would never consider taking one in, even as a freebie on a trade.
If I were offered a Stradolin Artist model at about the same cost as a Kalamazoo KM-21, I would probably go with Stradolin. But that's me and what I like.
Nothing wrong with either, just personal taste.
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