Looking for an F with an oval hole!

[wmarkt]

Hello all - I'm new to this board, live in Northern Ireland, and am looking for a new mando to add to the collection. I'm looking for a modern version of the classic F4 Gibson - ideally in black, F style, with an oval hole. The closest I can find are Eastmans but they tend to have a sunburst and are also high gloss. I suppose I'm looking for something that might not exist, but would appreciate any help y'all can offer!

Mark

[MikeEdgerton]

Take a look at this (http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56366) thread. Three new Gibson F models with oval holes at the Mandolin Store.

[GRW3]

Weber (http://www.soundtoearth.com/) will make either an oval or 'D' hole mandolin version of their f-style mandolins. They will make a black version but only in gloss.

[Jill McAuley]

You might want to check out either the Weber "Gallatin" or "SE" F oval mandolins. I recently got a Gallatin oval and I think it's the business - mine has gloss finish but that was an upgrade - they usually do them in low gloss satin finish. You could special order a black top I'm sure - here's a link from The Mandolin Store of an SE, and then a photo of my Gallatin:

http://www.themandolinstore.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=8028

Cheers,
Jill

[Jean Fugal]

I just ordered one of these kits from I.V. Ken assures me that even a dummy like myself can do a build. You may want to check it out in the classifieds

Ad Number: 37945
Date Posted: 11/24/2009
Ad Owner: Ken Wise
1421 Clarkview Road
Baltimore, MD 21209
usa
Telephone:
410-832-2525

[Rick Schmidlin]

Collings and Weber are make some great ones.

[mandroid]

I'll suggest, Mark, :
http://www.theacousticmusicco.co.uk/index.php/mandolin-luithers.html

Likely is worth a visit , .. OK, Brighton and N.I. are a ways apart.
extensive stocklist, so may be worth the trip. or at least a distance chat.


Peter Mix makes the Carbon fiber F5 with Oval soundholes. :whistling:

may 'the Schwartz' be with you. ;)

[GTG]

Without a price figure, it's hard to nail down any one choice. Everyone has their personal pet favorite builder or brand.

I haven't tried many O-holed F's, but I'll bet one of these would be hot! (Collings MF5O, photo from their website)

http://www.collingsguitars.com/gallery/images/mf5_o_quilt/3_L.jpg

[woodwizard]

That MF5O certainly looks special. I bet it has a special price on it as well.

[Omer]

One of these days I will own this:
47889

[majorbanjo]

I think this MF-O blackface looks really nice.....came close to getting it for myself not too long ago.....

http://www.acousticvibesmusic.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_29&products_id=935

http://www.acousticvibesmusic.com/catalog/images/collings1077.jpg

[wmarkt]

I'll suggest, Mark, :
http://www.theacousticmusicco.co.uk/index.php/mandolin-luithers.html

Likely is worth a visit , .. OK, Brighton and N.I. are a ways apart.
extensive stocklist, so may be worth the trip. or at least a distance chat.


Peter Mix makes the Carbon fiber F5 with Oval soundholes. :whistling:

may 'the Schwartz' be with you. ;)

Thanks for this - I got my Eastman there about two years ago (my wife's brother lives in Brighton!)

[wmarkt]

Take a look at this (http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56366) thread. Three new Gibson F models with oval holes at the Mandolin Store.

Mike - these are beautiful! Time to email local Gibson stockists for a price!

[Dr. Jazz]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Weber "Vintage" series. The "Vintage A" has become one of my best selling mandolins. I have an old Snakehead Gibson and the Weber has some of the character of this classic. They really nailed it. Though I've never played a Collings Oval hole and I'm sure it's fantastic, I must say that the Webers that have quite wonderful instruments.

[Pete Martin]

All the Weber Vintage ovals I've played have been top notch if you are looking for that hybrid sound.

For the vintage oval sound, can't beat the Old Waves.

[Bill Johnson]

Have you looked at any of these Phrench models?
Some of the few Fs that I truly admire. And not terrible expe$ive, as such things go.
http://www.parisswing.com/Products.1136.0.html

bill

[JoeD]

That MF5O certainly looks special. I bet it has a special price on it as well.

Yup. Collings is releasing O's in its MT, MT2, and MF lines as well. I think a MFO would be groovy.

[BBarton]

I have an F with oval hole made by Peter Sawchyn in Regina, Saskatchewan. Basically patterned from a Gibson F4 but with a longer neck joining at 15th instead of 12th fret (headstock on the right in the avatar). It's not black, but "french violin" finish - basically natural to show off the woods. Soundhole rosette is same as an F4. The workmanship is impeccable -- it's a beaut! I don't have a pic but you can see similar ones on his website on the "Custom" link (www.sawchyn.com). I have a blackface A oval of his too that I use mostly because it's absolutely perfect for the celtic stuff I like to play.

[billkilpatrick]

don't think they extend to a black model but the oval-hole "F" "hudson" i bought on-line from these people is an absolute jewel (scroll down the menu on the left-hand side; click on "mandolins"):

http://www.cranesmusicstore.com/

... seems they're currently out of stock - pity. they're re-ordered on a regular basis but don't stay long in the shop. here's what it sounded like, right out of the box - cheap strings and all:

http://www.youtube.com/user/billkilpatrick#p/u/134/1cmrUh2n_C8

(sorry, regular youtube transfer didn't work - they're doing maintenance - i screwed-up the cut and paste)

[mandroid]

Given You are in Ireland .. rather than shopping off the peg , and a trip to Brighton,
.. 'Bene Sugg', offered earlier ..

I'd Contact some of the fine Czech Mandolin builders, and order what you want Made for you..

I have a Lebeda , It is a fine quality Mandolin. { I got it Used, over Here }

Maybe when it's done you can take a trip To Prague to pick it up ,

.. and have a few Pints [or Liters] with the builder, that evening.. ;)

[Nelson Peddycoart]

I have a Weber Vintage F Oval on the classifies as of yesterday.

[Nelson Peddycoart]

I have a Weber Vintage F Oval on the classifieds.

[Nelson Peddycoart]

Look in the classifieds for my Weber Vintage F Oval hole Honey Tortoise.

[mandroid]

3 posts in a row, referring to your classified add , [ not 'Sposta do that:disbelief: (point out own Ebay ads is worse)
see: in guidelines .."posting personal transactions for self-promotion is prohibited."] ..

Better .. off list, Could PM the original Poster , in Ireland, who said he wanted a black top ,
see if that is un sunburst & good enough, or he wants to hold out for a black one..
:popcorn: