I chose this mandolin because I have had a number of Ibanez instruments over the years and I always found them to be good quality. I am very pleased with it, at this price point it is obviously not professional quality but it is a decent instrument for the price. It needed only slight adjustment of the bridge position, easily done if you know how. the pickup is good, gives an even response across all strings. I use it for home recording and for that it is perfect. For stage use it would also be ok but if you are a professional maybe you should spend a bit more. I'm happy with it.