The thing slowing me down is that if I get a new Big Muddy mandolin, the one I like is $765, add $50 for a hard case, add $40 for the 1/8in wider neck, then they can install a K&K mandolin pickup for $130. That's $985 before tax. Not chump change! But way cheaper than a lot of the nice models I've seen on Reverb. The off shore Breedlove is $600 with a nice padded case. Also approaching my comfort limit on a guitar purchase, and I know how to play one of those. But, I'm sure if I buy a low end one, I won't like the sound or the playability and it will be a waste. Buy a good one and you only buy it once.
These are the thoughts bouncing around inside my head.
Aha!
These thoughts might help:
- Mando necks are not played like guitar necks. You probably won't notice a difference between the wider and narrower neck. Makers just offer wide to attract guitarists. Likewise radiused necks. (On the other hand, if the wider neck really appeals to you, have at it! It's your axe.)
- If the Breedlove is a Crossover, it's not worth what they're asking. They're just trying to unload it without paying the cost of making a bad choice.
- JJB pickups cost less than K&Ks. (Both are good.)
- If you get an external clamp-on pickup, you won't have to pay for installation. (They look kind of gaumy, but it you want to save some money, that'll do it.)
- It's a sad fact of life: Mandos cost more than guitars for comparable instruments. Why? Even though mandos use less wood, fewer get made, so there's less economy of scale.
- On the other hand, although they can be pricey, buying a used mando online isn't as risky as buying a guitar. The bridges and necks are much more stable than a guitar's — maybe because the distance from nut to bridge is so much shorter. Whatev. If the photos look good and the seller says there are no issues, you'll probably receive a good instrument. Mine is almost a hundred years old, and the neck is still fine.
- Low-end isn't necessarily bad. My first mando was a $50 used Fender. Playing it for a year or so convinced me that I like the darn things enough to get something better. (My next was a Big Muddy.)
- Again (and I'll stop saying it after this, I promise): You'll get tons of great information at
www.mandolincafe.com. It's a very friendly forum, and the folks there know mandos inside out and seven ways from Sunday. And its
classifieds are the best around. If you're patient, great scores turn up.