Sharon - Yes you deserve a really fine mandolin. Thank goodness we aren't forced to buy instruments that are equal to our abilities. If that were true I wouldn't have any of the instruments I own now. Go for if you think it's an instrument you will love and enjoy.

Do check out the classified ads at the Mandolin Cafe. If you think the price they are asking is a little high for the Holoubek it might be because they feel it was owned by a "star" and it's worth more because of it. I'm not sure I go along with that thinking myself. Good luck and let us know what you end up with.