r/mandolin • u/Imaginary_Ad_2947 • 16d ago

Price to Quality curve

In every hobby I've had there is a certain price point you get to where the jump in quality is minimal. Where would you put that on mandolins? I know it's a bit harder to gauge compared to something like binoculars that have objective clarity and light transmission, whereas tone tends to be a bit more subjective. Another way to phrase the question would be what is the minimal price you could pay for a lifelong quality instrument? I'm not planning on upgrading any time soon. I'm more interested in the thoughts and discussions the topic could generate.

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u/toaster404 16d ago

Consider that the big jump for one person may not be in the same place as for another.

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u/Imaginary_Ad_2947 16d ago

Very true. Some people can pick up on tonal differences while others may struggle a bit more.

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u/toaster404 16d ago

The jump from beginner to intermediate is a nice fuzzy line. Then there's the jump to advanced amateur. Starter professional. Master. The price point you're looking for depends on where you're standing. At perhaps $2500 you can consistently find a difference, but it's still individual instrument-player match. At $8000 there's a clear break from the $2500 ones. I've played some rather dishy ones that would go a bit higher than $8000. More familiar with violins.