Preparing to buy 1st - oval hole vs f question

[CharlesMoman]

I am a long time acoustic rhythm guitar player - Martin D-35 and a Martin 000C-16GTE. I am also a composer - primarily children's musicals, but also praise music.

I am going to buy a first mandolin soon. I like the look of the F style, but understand that the A style will suit me just fine. I am looking to spend $500 - $1000 - I want a decent instrument from the get go. I will be adding some mandolin to some of my musical soundtracks. I would also use it at school as well - I am an elementary music teacher - 37th year this year!

I will not be playing much bluegrass at all - more of a folk style - maybe a little Celtic. So I guess I am looking for a more mellow sound, as opposed to the bark of a bluegrass lead style.

What will get me that sound? From what little I have read - the oval hole models might suit me better. Is that true?

Opinions?

Like this : http://www.folkmusician.com/Eastman-Mandolin-A-style-Oval-Hole-Classic/productinfo/MD504/

Thanks!

Charles Moman
Seymour, IN

[Eric F.]

Hello, Charles. This is a fairly common question and a search of the archives is likely to produce some good answers. That said, here's mine:

In short, yes, an oval hole is likely to get you that sound. Each mandolin is an individual, so at some point generalizations fall apart. But ... you can think of oval holes as having a more diffuse sound than f holes. F holes sound more linear. It's note-decay, note-decay. Ovals tend to have more sustain. The note does not decay as quickly. Ovals are often perceived as louder by the player, but f holes tend to "cut through" a mix of instruments better. That does not mean that you won't be heard with an oval, but if you are battling to be heard over banjos, f holes will help you more. Further, strings, picks and player technique will make a big difference as well.

At this point in my path, I prefer an oval hole. But it's always nice to have (at least) one of each.

The Eastman 504, which you linked to, is often well spoken of as an oval hole instrument. Also in the price range you mention would be a used Breedlove Quartz OO or (possibly) KO. These can be quite fine instruments and seem to be undervalued in the used market. Howard Morris, a builder in Oregon, posts his instruments in the classifieds here. They tend to be in your price range. I've never played one (I've owned Breedloves and Eastmans) but many people on the board have bought them and speak well of them. You might also luck into an old Gibson A that's cosmetically imperfect but plays and sounds fine for around a grand.

Good luck.

[Mike Scott]

Hi Charles,

Welcome to the Cafe. I recently purchased an Eastman 504 used here on the classifieds. I also own two more expensive ff holes. Each is different in its own way. I play mainly "old time" at present. To be somewhat general, the oval hole plays a warmer tone than the other two. My F style is the "barkiest" and the two point is somewhere between. The two point is my overall favorite for tone for melodies, but the oval hole is better for warm toned chords. I haven't been playing all that long, but that's my $.02.

As was mentioned above this has been discussed a lot here so a search will generate a lot of opinions. I am sure there will be more to follow too.

Good luck with your search.

[Mark Richardson]

Hey neighbor,

I think that Eastman will do you just fine. I have an Oval F Eastman, MD814. I have had it three or so years and really enjoy it. I bought it down in Louisville at First Quality Music and had it set up in Indy at Frank's Fiddle Shop in Broad Ripple Village. I also have a very nice San Juan F5, ff hole, F style. I play mostly folky stuff at home. The Oval Hole has a nice (what can I say) "folky" sound. If I were to buy it again, I would go with the A style, like what you are looking at, and save some money.

[chasray]

I would vote "A" style with oval hole for your situation. I would add that you should buy from someone that will give you a good "setup". Be sure to check out www.themandolinstore.com (I have no financial interest in you doing so). They also have used ones.

[JEStanek]

You will get more mando for your dollar in an A style than an F because there is more labor in the carving and binding an F than an A... They won't sound any different based on body style than any other 2 individual instruments.

I also agree the oval hole may be a way to go... unless you're playing in a larger cafeteria or auditorium unplugged/unamplified then the cutting power of an F hole mandolin may be superior.

The Eastman 504 is a nice mandolin. People really like their Kentucky 172s ($300). You may also want to consider the Red Line Traveller, Gypsy, or Big Muddy Brands as well from a flat top mandolin side. Vintage flat tops Martins can be found in your price range with very sweet (non-bluegrass voices) too. A Breedlove OO may also serve you well.

If possible get your hands on a bunch of different instruments in and out of your range and see what feels good and what sounds good when you play it and when it is played at you. Good Luck with your hunt.

Jamie

[mandroid]

A hybrid which has an oval sound-hole but a 12-15 fret more commonly associated with an A5,
is I'd say, the best of both worlds. 10 fret to the body and 12 th fret instruments can be spotted because the sound hole looks closer to the bridge, the bridge does shift when the finger board does likewise.