Choosing a musical instrument seems to me to be a tricky thing. For years I owned two cellos. After playing one for a few months I would switch and really like the "new" one. A few months later and I would rediscover the things I likes about the other one. In a way, it was a remedy for any boredom that might be creeping into my daily practice routine - a different sound and feel to the revisited instrument. Ultimately I sold what I actually had concluded was the 'better' instrument - those I played with thought so and it did project better than the other - simply because the top string was brighter than I could quite get used to. So, yes, as David says, it's how the instrument sounds under your own ear that ends up being the most important issue.
Now I'm finding a similar situation with two lutes. One is a more expensive instrument than the other; finer craftsmanship and lighter construction, and more responsive to the slightest changes in touch. But the other has it's own good points that make it enjoyable to play also. Perhaps as I progress in skill and experience, the choice will become clearer. Right now i wouldn't want to sell either one. Ned -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
