Eastman 914 vs. 915; or f-hole vs. oval hole

[edcohl]

can anyone describe the difference in sound between the Eastman 914 and 915? or simply, the difference between the f-hole and the oval-hole on similar mandolins? i'm assuming it's more than looks...thanks.

[Terry Allan Hall]

F-hole instruments tend to bark and cut through the ensemble. Not the best choice for solo work.

Oval hole instruments tend to have a fuller tone and blend better, and sound sweeter for solo work.

[Jeff Budz]

A bigger difference between these is the neck length; the 914 has a much shorter neck. This also contributes a great deal to the sound. Some companies make "hybrid" instruments (oval hole with long neck) which are a nice compromise. I had a 504 for a while, and liked the sound but found the short neck to be limiting.

[TheMandoShop]

F holes tend to have a more focused sound, strong and forceful, crisp and clear. Oval holes have a more round tone, what is often described as a warm tone from the rich lower overtones. Of course the particular mandolin must be considered as each mandolin has its own unique characteristics to add to the general characteristics.

[edcohl]

thanks so much for the speedy and well thought-out answers. this is my first post and i'm impressed with the quality of this website! jam on!

[Ben Milne]

It intrigues me a little regarding the neck length. I see that Eastman have followed an oval hole/12fth fret, ff hole/15th fret formula IE same scale, but short neck/ long neck.
Looking at specs online however both models neck lengths are listed at 6"15/16 measurement.
Here (http://www.themandoshop.com/pages-eastman/E-815-C-13861-1560.html) and here (http://mandostore.com/pages-eastman/E-915-B-2035-1799.html) is what I am talking about.


And it turns out I'm not the first to notice it (http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?51327-Reading-Mandolin-Specifications)

[FloridaCracker]

I want an oval hole A style. My A has f's and I play mostly alone in my home. So I really think the oval would be better. Plus I always am down a mandolin ( girlfriend loves my Loar) . When folkmusician gets some burgundy K174's, Im getting one.

[Dave Greenspoon]

Beyond the neck lengths, just consider physics. F-holes: dedicated bass and treble (hence, "focused sound"). Oval: decidedly midrange (hence, "fuller tone").

One famous mandolinist I know mentioned that shifting form an oval to f-holes meant needing to learn how to hear his mandolin all over again.