Numb3rs

[Sitka]

I've been around mandolins for a couple of years now, but there are still some things that puzzle me.

What do all the numbers mean in the models numbers? I know what f4,f5 and f9 means, but what about f2, f3, f12, etc...

Thanks
Micah

[Tom C]

F2 is same as F4 but no binding on headstock and back. later F4s had maple backs I believe. Some people call 3-pointer (1902-1910?) F3s -but they are still F2 or F4s.
F-7 and F12 came along in late 40's or during 50s. I do not know specifics but one had the fretboad joined to the body and one/same had the shorter scale where the neck joint was at 12th fret. F-9 is just another f-5 given a different designation for their lower end mando.

[DryBones]

isn't an F12 with a scroll that is really a solid knob,Mickey Mouse ear?

[MandoSquirrel]

Only later ones, '70's, maybe some '60's.
And the fretboard resides on instead of raised above the top, but same length as F5. No extension.