F-Hole Mandolas?

[Palomorado]

I've had plenty of experience playing flat top and oval hole carved top but really was curious to get some opinions on mandolas with F-Holes.

i heard Mike Marshall play one in Carnigie Hall a month or so ago and have been curious since.


please...any info would be great!

[JEStanek]

Look at the CBOM thread on the Eastman Mandola... link to thread. (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=16;t=34772;hl=eastman+mando la)

You could also sarch in that area for info on Weber Dolas too... There's probably more info re: other makers/builders as well.

Jamie

[sunburst]

I once repaired an older Gibson F-hole mandola (1940s, I think). It wasn't a particularly well made instrument, and the sound was un-inspiring. With the right choice of woods, arching, and graduation, I don't see why a great sounding F-hole 'dola couldn't be made, though.

[SternART]

Mike Marshall was playing a Lawrence Smart mandola. John Reischmann & Chris Thile, among others also have them.
I've played a few Gilchrist dolas that were also outstanding, one rocked my world & after my encounter with it,
I decided I needed a dola.

[mandroid]

I have one {small non premium builder] that is nicely made, Black Walnut for the neck, back and sides, spruce for the top ...pretty high arch in the top, so the bridge is kind of short, but seems good in the tone department.
16" scale ,snake head , monte style straphanger. the walnut is a nice tonewood it seems..

[Stephen Perry]

After initial reluctance, I found the sustain and focus nicely balanced. I've only had F versions, would prefer an "A" or lighter model. Still, was tempted to keep an F model!

[Big Joe]

I used to have a Gilchrist Mandola. I was talked out of it about ten years ago. I have been very sorry ever since. It was an incredible instrument in every way. Plenty of power but the tone was incredible! I will have a good mandola again someday. I have played others but none to compare to that one.

[Palomorado]

So does the F-Hole mandola have the same sort of difference from the oval hole version that normal mandos have or is there a difference?

i'm just a bit curious.

[mandopete]

Fletcher Brock (http://www.fletcherbrock.com) is building Florentine mandolas. #I had a chance to play one of the first ones he built (a blondie) and it's really sweet!

[TeleMark]

Buffalo Brothers has a Weber `dola that I used to mess around with a lot when I still lived in Carlsbad. Here's a link (http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/images18000-18999/nmc18379-weberbitterrootmandola/index.html) to some images. Nice hunk of wood.

[Darryl Wolfe]

f-hole Gibson Mandola (http://www.vintageinstruments.com/photos/inst25/39h0ful.jpg)

[sunburst]

That looks very much like the POS..er... one that I put back together...

[Professor PT]

Buffalo Brothers has a Weber `dola that I used to mess around with a lot when I still lived in Carlsbad. Here's a link (http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/images18000-18999/nmc18379-weberbitterrootmandola/index.html) to some images. Nice hunk of wood.
I played that one last time I was up there. It sounded good to me. They also had a vintage oval Gibson too. The f-holes seem to add volume and more punch, just as they do on a mandolin.