I am really enjoying playing a Collings MTO, Engelmann over Maple, oval hole.
It's great at home or in a lesson played against an f hole.
Played out at a little pure acoustic gathering last night and it really crystallized my thinking about what I am seeking in a second mandolin. Seems when playing against some powerful singers, dreadnaughts and the like, the sweet sounding Collings oval gets pushed out of the mix. If I play it harder, my playing gets slightly tense and less clean...and the oval does not seem to project even with the addn effort on my end.
So, I am seeking some ideas about builders who make a quality A style, f hole I suppose, that has an energetic purposeful sound that might do a better job of being heard when the chord bangers get going on the guitar, etc.
Since I have Engelmann on the oval hole, I should ask also the wisdom of having a second mandolin along these lines with some other material for the top.
I'm not in any super rush but wanted to pose these questions to others who have played more instruments than I have. I'll add that Thanks in advance.
David
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