A style vs F style -- substantive difference?

[craichead]

I imagine this subject has been broached here before, but I hope you'll indulge me anyway;

Is there any real difference in sound between an F and an A?

For bluegrass musicians, is it really just a matter of style or is there a real difference?

And if no difference, who besides Tim O'Brien plays an A style?

[Keith Erickson]

Is there any real difference in sound between an F and an A?
You'll probably get a whole bunch of opinions but from what I've learned the difference is the $$$$ price. The making of that scroll may add to the cost. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[arbarnhart]

Do a search; it has been beat to death. General consensus seems to be that with F holes, there is very little difference between an A and an F except that F models are usually the "premium" model from most builders, and may get a little more attention to detail and possibly have a better grade of materials. That's a bit vague at the end, but I think you get my drift.

[farmerjones]

in other words it ain't the scroll it's F holes vs. Oval hole, like archtop guitars vs. flat top guitars. Two differnt critters. That's why i'll always be an F4 guy. Oval hole with a strap hook, unbeatable IMHO. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif


a feller should probably have an F5 too maybe? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[fatt-dad]

Sound hole, bracing and wood choice are bigger variables than whether the mandolin has a scroll. All matters equal, there is no real difference between A- or F-style mandolins.

fatt not-that-I'm-an-expert dad

[Tom Smart]

Some top-notch luthiers will say there's no difference, and others will say there is a significant difference. My brother, Lawrence Smart, is in the latter camp, and he discusses the difference (at least in terms of his own building style) here: GAL Article (http://smart-instruments.com/gal95.html)

I've played a number of Lawrence's instruments, both F and A styles, and the difference is obvious and striking. I own one of his F models, and I wish I could also afford an A...but that would be just a little too decadent. So there's a contrasting point of view for you.

Tom

[cooper4205]

i know there isn't much difference btwn. A & F styles with f-holes, but what about F4 and A4(3,2,jr.) bodies? are there noticeable difference in tone with these, i know that vague but are the F-styles tubbier or more bell like or is there any increase or decrease of volume. i have really started to become interested in oval hole mandos as get sucked in farther to the mando world. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[chuck.naill]

For bluegrass musicians, is it really just a matter of style or is there a real difference?



Go to YouTube.com and search on Don Reno or Doyle Lawson and tell me what style he was playing in 1974.

chuck

[mythicfish]

Opinions on A vs. F ?
Ask five people and you'll get 8 opinions.

Curt

Opinions on A vs. F ?
Ask five people and you'll get 8 opinions.
A truer statement was never made. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Michael Lewis]

The original Givens A models are generally accepted as better sounding that the F models. There will be exceptions from time to time but the generality holds up.

That being said, keep in mind that each instrument is at least somewhat unique in tone. What would make you feel better when playing, an A or F model?

[mandroid]

some know theres also a difference between style of A5 and A9 with shifted longer neck elevated fretboard, and the A40 and 50, shorter neck and no elevated fingerboard. all with F hole .. parralell bracing.

then we have the difference of F4 and F5 and that short and long and different bracing with the soundhole ..

generalizations are not useful, in complex sets of variables http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif