Re: Embarassing Question - Which Mandolin to Bring to Jam?
I used to struggle with this myself. Should I bring my 100-year-old Gibson that sounds really good but risk worrying about damaging it, or bring my beater that will survive just about anything and plays OK but maybe not look very impressive? Should I be more concerned about the sound or the look, the playability or the durability? Then it dawned on me - they were the same instrument, so I went with it.
Anyway ...
Yes, you're probably overthinking it. Overall, being able to play well and sound good is the main thing. That doesn't necessarily mean "bring your best one," because you might spend too much time worrying about its safety and not be able to focusing on your playing - which is how you really want to present yourself. It occurs to me that your $800 one is still probably a pretty decent instrument. It's not a $100 Johnson or $60 Rogue. I suggest bringing this to the jam, at least for the first time, and see how well-behaved people are. If people act respectful and considerate, and there isn't a whole lot of drunk or sloppy behavior, then you might feel more confident to bring the $2K one next time. Generally speaking, you'll impress people better with good playing than a good instrument. And I wouldn't worry about people judging you as being somehow unworthy of owning an expensive instrument. Anyone with that attitude isn't worth paying attention to.
But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller
Furthering Mandolin Consciousness
Finders Keepers, my duo with the astoundingly talented and versatile Patti Rothberg. Our EP is finally done, and available! PM me, while they last!
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