John, the thing is to play lots of them. Come to

Hobgoblin Music

Johnny Roadhouse

Oxford Road

Republic of Manchester

This shop has hundreds and hundreds of acoustic instruments including anything fro around the world with strings on. Mandolins by the score, and lots of other instruments like mandolins. Consider a flatback Mandola. Longer neck, easy to handle, a bit loader.

I bought a Korean 'Vintage' Mandola after being encouraged by Ken to play anything I wanted. £300! I have never spent that much on almost anything, but I have to say it is a joy to play and I enjoy playing it nearly everyday. Even tunes I have played badly for 30 years sound born again.

Go with that oft given advice 'buy the best you can possibly afford'. Sod that get into debt, we are a long time dead!

Cheers