What is the difference between a model and f model mandolins

Til thats done the A will do. If you can comfortably afford something that you really want you should get it. And you will pay alot more for an F instrument of similar quality. I prefer an A style myself. But there are plenty of pros who use an A:. Life is short man, get what your heart desires. Great link! Saved me a lot of typing. I like that you said that. It IS Sunday though. I devote nearly all of my time to guitar.

I had a really nice Breedlove A-model mandolin but had always wanted an F model. So I bought a pretty high end, very Bluegrassy mandolin and yes, at first I played it a lot. I can only relate to you what happened to me personally. I would add that if you play a mandolin sitting down without a strap, an F model is much more comfortable to hold because of the way the lower body scroll or spur as Dani called it rests on your leg.

And the upper body scroll makes it much easier to install a strap, which I believe was mentioned. Is it worth paying the extra amount for something that makes a better visual impact and nothing more?

These differences are more perceived than real. You can find some sound differences when comparing the A-style vs. F-style mandolins based on specific modifications that have become standard over the years. When the scroll and points from the Florentine style get extended, you might notice some dampening in some areas of the instrument.

You also have the option to have a flat or carved top with your A-style mandolin. They look more like a pancake, designed to be closer to the older Gibson models instead of the traditional format. These tend to sound brighter than the others while delivering a consistent result. The Flatiron mandolins typically sell for around the same price as a high-quality F-style instrument today. If you want to start playing a stringed instrument for the first time, the mandolin is one of your best choices.

Not only is it unusual enough to grab the attention of others around you, but it also compact and lightweight. You can play the A-style or F-style mandolin with almost any musical genre. Musicians from Jethro Burns to Eric Clapton have all used this instrument to record some fantastic songs.

Although mandolins often sound similar to the average person, you will want to consider the style and material composition based on your musical style. When you want to play bluegrass or something upbeat, the instrument will perform better with the improved attack.

If you play blues or rock, something warmer and softer tends to work better for the harmonies you prefer. Many A-style instruments tend to provide this result. And contact us or come into the store and let us help you choose one. Skip Navigation Website Accessibility. Monday-Friday: Saturday: Sunday: Differences in Sound There are passionate players and fans on both sides of the argument regarding sound differences.

Wood Choice Depending on the wood chosen in the creation of the mandolin, the tone of the instrument can be different. Professional Setup Whether a player is a beginner or a professional musician, having their mandolin professionally setup in the beginning and throughout the life of the instrument can make all the difference.

Jul, am 2. Re: A Vs F style This topic has been covered so thoroughly and often that others may not chime in, so I'll outline the basics as I've learned them here:. Collings MT Weber Gallatin Mandocello Language is the armory of the human mind, and at once contains the trophies of its past and the weapons of its future conquests.

Jul, am 3. There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second.

Jul, am 4. Re: A Vs F style. Jul, am 5. I'll just add that because of market demand , the high-end or "flagship" mandolins built by most producers and builders are F-Style mandolins. Gear: The Current Cast of Characters. Jul, am 6. Re: A Vs F style Wow thank you so much. That completely answered my question!!! Great place this mandolincafe. Jul, am 7. It is not so much the shape of the holes as the position of the holes. Oval holes are normally on the center line of the body near the neck, f-holes are normally in pairs, one to each side of the bridge.

With holes in those general positions, the mandolin will sound about the same regardless of the shape of the holes. John Hamlett www. Jul, am 8. Re: A Vs F style F model mandolins seem to be a status symbol with bluegrass pickers mainly because thats what Monroe played Body shape means very little if any at all