there are only TWO things to be aware of with stringed instruments - playability and sound.
playability is Most Important - if it can't be reasonably played, then the instrument is useless no matter how wonderful it sounds.
sound belongs to the ears of the beholder. there has been, and will continue to be, wonderful music created with what most would call junker instruments. an example of that is some of the stellar blues players of the 30's to 50's.
sound emanates from yer brain and fingers, first and foremost. it really doesn't much matter if the mandolin or guitar yer picking on has a solid or laminated top if YOU can make it WORK to produce good music. got chops?
the rest is pure bullsh1t and elitism. ymmv, but it shouldn't.
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