(preface: I'm new to all this, so if my terminology is vague and inaccurate, forgive me) So my budget has increased. When I first bought a mandolin I thought I could get a great sounding one for about 150-300 dollars (because it's smaller, right?). And no disrespect towards the cheaper ones. Then I increased my standards a bit and aimed for about 300-400.
To get to the point, I figured out most of the mandolins that I think sound like what I want are in the 500 and above range. I want a mandolin that can play chords resonantly, basically the opposite of "chop". To put a price cap on it, the most I want to spend is no more than 900 dollars. Here's an example of what I'm going for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50uaDkE_NDo (The luthier of this mandolin haunts this place, I'm pretty sure.)
Examples of Mandolins I like:
Martin A style 1920 Mandolin (I'm aware some of these aren't deep bodied but it's an example of a sound I like)
Kalamazoo KM-11 (has "chop" but like the sound of the notes)
Eastman 404 (kind of)
Basically any Bandolims, so something close to a Bandolim without buying a Bandolim.
Basically, I want a sweet, deep and resonant sound. Aim aiming for something that's not meant for bluegrass. I've gotten recommendations for oval holes and flat tops, like Big Muddies, Eastman 404's and Kentuckies (specifically the 272).
So if any of those are it, then feel free to recommend them again.
Hope that's enough info.
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