Does anybody on the 'Cat play a Paris Swing mandolin? Has anyone tried one and thought it was not worth purchasing? I'm eyeing the Samois MS-130 model with the large "D" hole, but I haven't heard one or played one yet so I don't know whether to believe the company's hype about its sound and playability. Also wondering if there are structural issues associated with that big soundhole.

Is there a better option in the moderate-price range for a mando to be used in a jazz/swing trio (with a guitarist and a keyboardist)? Your comments, please!

Thanks,
Sharon