Mahogany backs

[Barry Platnick]

I am looking at a mohagany backed F style Krishot from 1997. I just played it a little for the first time today and it sounded pretty good to me.

In general can anyone say what the tonal differences between mahogany and maple backed mandolins are?

thanks

[JEStanek]

Warmer not as bright. While they are oval holed flatbacks you can hear the differences in these Mid Mos from the Folk of the Wood video sampler here (http://www.folkofthewood.com/page2518.htm#midmissouri). Listen to the differences between the M-0 (mahog back) and M-2 (maple back. My favorite mid mo is the all mahog M-11.

Jamie

[Richard Russell]

Mahogany tends to be warmer, as Jamie said. #It also tends to give a slightly deeper sound, in my experience. #Compared to maple backed mandos, mahogany backed ones may not have as much projection. #Most of the bluegrass mandolins will feature maple because it's bright, projecting tone will cut through loud ensembles very effectively. #All that said, I have been impressed by the mahogany backed Weber Gallatan and Hyalite models. #They hold their own well in jam sessions, and also have a sweet, rich tone.

[mandroid]

My Djangolin, like its Selmer guitar predecessor is of 2 veneers,
mahogany on the inside , rosewood on the outside.

But I suppose, a unique instrument the relevant analogy difficult to assemble.

David Hodson Offered a variety of outer veneers perhaps mahogany was in the inside on all.

quite liked my A40 that had mahogany back and sides

mahogany necks on both A 40 and 50 FWIW.

[Snakebeard Jackson]

I pick a mahogany back Weber. I agree its a deeper/earthyer/warmer tone. However I don't agree that it has any less projection. I've picked it in many a group and it rings out loud and fine. What tends to happen is the bluegrass old school clan believes in the maple back. And in many ways they are right. That maple tone is the traditional sound we all know and love. However with the mahogany back one can pick just as much bluegrass and stand out a little bit in tone.