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Jethro Aberdeen - Posted - 11/16/2019: 04:13:42
Well I will be in Spring Texas just north of Houston visiting family and will be looking for a mandolin to replace my Epiphone mm50, which looks great but some how lacks serious punch. So I know of the usual music stores in the area, but I'm looking for that intermediate priced one that makes the most sense. I play with a bg band occasionally in the Niagara region and use my mandolin for a third of the time, but can't justify a seriously high end instrument. I would love a hand made instrument but understand the time and skill and material involved to build one. As I can only bring back something worth 800$CAN without duty and taxes, it leaves me wondering if I should just settle for something North of the border. Any thoughts?
kevin
Robert - Posted - 11/16/2019: 07:22:28
If you bring one instrument into the States and leave with one, do you really think that the custom people will know they are different? You could perhaps trade the current toward an Eastman so you only have one going back and that would be an improvement. Just a thought. You may not get the best deal that way but you could step up your mandolin. Also, be open to what comes your way on your journey.
Edited by - Robert on 11/16/2019 07:23:43
MandoTom2 - Posted - 11/16/2019: 16:13:36
Kevin,
Welcome to the states! (When you get here, that is)...
For 2+ decades, I have been hearing stories from friends of "THE WAY" to bring a new gun (pistol or rifle) home WITHOUT getting caught...
1. When you leave your house (with an EMPTY case in your hand), make sure to kiss the wife and tell her you're going to visit a friend (best not to name the friend) so she sees the case in your hand.
2. When you come back home, the case is no longer empty.
You walked out with one case. You walked in with one case.
You have your back up plan...
'Just in case!'... 
MandoTom
