It has been my experience that once you get an all solid mandolin like the KM 150, they all sound very similar until the 900. What you get is cosmetic. I could say the same for Eastman. In fact I think the matte finish on the 300s sound better that the others.
I would say, depending on where you buy, money should go towards a good setup. If buying new, buying from Elderly, the Mandolin Store, and a few others will get you a good setup. A box store buy will need $75 worth of setup work. I've played a KM 150 at a generic music store, and at Gryphon, and there was no comparison. The KM 150 is where you get a real well made mandolin, so good for you not going lower.
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2007 Martin D 35 Custom
1970 Guild D 35
1965 Epiphone Texan
2011 Santa Cruz D P/W
Pono OP 30 D parlor
Pono OP12-30
Pono MT uke
Goldtone Paul Beard squareneck resophonic
Fluke tenor ukulele
Boatload of home rolled telecasters
"Shut up and play ur guitar" Frank Zappa
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