Re: Need advice on mandolin purchase
You can pretty much play classical on ANY mandolin, bowlback, flat back/cant topped (old Martin or new Big Muddy), arch topped/backed mandolins with oval or FF holes. In fact the Ff holed arch top mandolin was developed for classical music (bluegrass came later). Even with bluegrass, you CAN play it on just about any mandolin even though the sound of a non archtop/back ff instrument is not ideal. Anyone who looks askance at you for NOT using the traditional ff hole archtop/back is just being a clown, in my opinion.
As stated above, used will make your money travel farther. Be sure you can return it if you don't like it. Used mandolins will likely benefit from a set up (adjust the action, neck, bridge placement, etc) and fresh strings.
If you can try an old Martin or old Gibson oval hole instrument (likely a player not an all original one) you may get find one for 1500. Eastman makes nice instruments to my ear as does Big Muddy. Different brands have different build characteistics. Eastmans have narrower feeling V shaped necks. If you can try some at a jam to see what fits your hands, that's best. If not, you gotta buy unseen and unheld. Our cafe sponsors usually allow for returns as do sellers on our classifieds if they mention it (if they don't ask first). You'll likely have to pay the shipping both ways if you return.
Jamie
There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946
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