Emory Lester

[MOP]

I am unable to think anything about the port in the side of his A model.Do you know if they are others mandos with port? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[WoodyMcKenzie]

Seems like I read somewhere that Lawrence Smart has built side ported mandolins, maybe like the "bearclaw" sound holed one shown on this page:

http://smart-instruments.com/mandolins.html

I could be wrong though!

Woody

[Tom C]

I was wondering what that was when I saw the pic on Bluegrass Unlimited mag cover. The web site explains it now. I like the idea and I doubt if affects the tone.

[Dale Ludewig]

The port barely affects the tone out front. No more so than making the "f" holes slightly larger. But it does direct the sound up toward the player so he can hear the instrument better. And that it does significantly.
Dale

[Jim M.]

Alan Beardsell also makes guitars and mandos with side ports. You can see one at:

http://www.12fret.com/new/beardsellMandoPage.html

Dale, that Lester sure is beautiful, as are your other instruments.

[Fretbear]

Canadian master luthier Linda Manzer has used them on at least some of her experimental arch-top guitars.They also have a closable cover hatch.