A little over a year ago I bought a solid-body electric mandolin. At the time I was thinking I would still mostly play my acoustic or bring both to gigs, but instead I've ended up switching entirely. I compared recordings and amplification options, and it turns out that the cleaner sound works much better in the chaos of a dance hall. I also really like that it works with a talk box and that I don't need to worry about feedback on stage anymore.

I still play the acoustic when I'm jamming with friends or family, but it now spends most months without getting out of its case. Which does make me sad; it's a good mandolin and I enjoy playing it.