Long Neck vs. Short Neck Ovals

[John Flynn]

I have noticed that arch-top oval hole mandos tend to mostly fall into the long neck (15 frets to the cross-piece) and short neck (12 frets to the cross-peice) categories. Obviously, the long neck version gives you access to more frets. But I wondered if there was an advantage or a diffence in the sound with the short neck. In guitars, a shorter neck tends to put the bridge closer to the tailpiece and the tendency (certainly not true in every case) is that results in a mellower, sweeter sound.

I notice that on short neck mandos, the bridge tends to sit back father also. I am wondering if people have had a chance to compare tone between similar long neck and short neck mandos and if they have any observations about it.

[John Flynn]

I hope no one is offended, but I just wanted to keep this in "New Posts" one more day, hoping to get a reply. Anyone out there have any input? Thanks.

[atetone]

Well, the only input that I can add is that I would like to hear some opinions on this also. I have been wondering about this myself.

[BBarton]

I have "short-neck" and two "long-neck" A models with f holes and a short-neck with oval hole (Gibson A4), but no "long-neck" A oval hole for comparison, but it would be hard to compare among brands, makers, age, etc. anyway. However, I do find my short-neck A, which really has a larger body (hence the shorter neck) does seem to have more power and volume than the "long-necks", but is not as sweet sounding, if that makes any sense to you. It's a fabulous instrument for Celtic and old time fiddle music, but probably wouldn't be popular with hard core bluegrassers. IMHO.

[Lee]

Hello Acetone, nice talking with you yesterday. Figured I'd chime in here with mostly useless information. Oval holes are such a rare breed and in the Philly area any quality mandolin is rare to begin with. So, I really have very little to compare my Sucek oval hole with. It's a long-neck. I've played a vintage Gibson A now and again but not back to back with it. I must say though the Sucek is the deepest voiced mandolin I've ever played. The F-hole, tone bar, punch is not there, nor do I expect it. Strummed chords are amazingly rich. It's a completely different sort of beast. Can't say tho how it would compare to a short neck.