As the builders and players here have mentioned, there is a lot of subjectivity in this, which is why people generally advise against buying an instrument that you haven't played unless you're willing to shell out the shipping costs if it doesn't work out. What's better: Eastman or Kentucky? Collings or Weber? Gilchrist or Heiden? Good luck getting over 70% agreement on any of those questions. However, I think you'll get 99% agreement on any comparison involving a pairing of two of those instruments from different pairs.
For me, mandolin or guitar tone is like dealing with chocolate or red wine or stereo systems. With the really good stuff, there's just a richness that is absolutely stunning and makes me wish that the room was empty and my checkbook was full. My hands can't stop playing, while I stop my brain from heading down the path of Meg Ryan at the deli.
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