GAS torture: decked out A-style or low-end F-style?

[geter_phd]

I know this question/dilemma almost qualifies as a FAQ, but I'm considering buying a nice mando for my 50th birthday, something I'll want to keep for several years, maybe even until I croak. I have the opportunity to buy a new old stock 2004 Weber Beartooth A-style for ~$2200 locally or get an F-style online since there are none available anywhere near me. For my budget (low $2000s) I could only get something like a used Weber Gallatin or Gibson F9. I want US made. I've had two A-styles: a Breedlove Oregon and a Gibson A9. I've always thought I wanted an F-style, but when I look at prices of Fs... yikes! I've had the luxury of borrowing the Beartooth for a couple of days and I frikkin' love it! So I know exactly what I'm getting there as opposed to a sight-unseen online purchase of a used F. I occasionally go to BG and folk festivals and try to keep up in group jams, but mainly just play at home and GarageBand record with myself on banjo and guitar.

So... question: would you get a high-end (basically top of the line) A-style, or low end F, given my situation. Thanks!

P.S. I recently got a little burnt with an online purchase of a used Breedlove Cascade: it had some major problems that weren't in the description. The seller made good in the end, but it was a waste of my time, so I'm a little leery of buying sight-unseen.

[Al Trujillo]

Top-end A. I'd spend some time on Reverb/Folk/Mandolin ....and the Classifieds here. After a couple years of playing, and seeking, I'm pretty much convinced there are some incredible A-style mando's up for sale from reputable dealers. I lust over an F-style but, IMO, given your budget, the smart money is on an A-style.

[Luna Pick]

You're right, this is a pretty common question. I recommend buying the best A within your budget, new (if you prefer that) or used. You may be able to get a decent used F in that price range if you wait and look around, but you'll have a lot more choice of really good A's, right away.

[pops1]

I love the look of an F, but I play and own several A's. The A's have a look all they're own, and to me are more comfortable to play and sound great if you get a good one. This is a question that only you can answer, but you have the ability to buy an A that you love the sound of and an F you haven't heard. For me I would jump on the mandolin you like the sound of as that is what playing is really all about. I play mine mostly because I love the sound of it and want to hear it.

[colorado_al]

A style, especially if there is one locally that you love.
Just buy it and play it and don't look back!

PS- That is a good price on a new/like new Weber Beartooth A. Likely built in the Weber Logan, MT shop which was in operation beginning in 2004.

[UsuallyPickin]

http://https://reverb.com/item/67421...-1994-sunburst

1994 Gibson A 5L I have a 90' it is an excellent mandolin tone playability fit and finish are all top flight... R/

[geter_phd]

Yep, it's a Logan, MT "Sound to Earth" Weber. Its a little shop-worn, but just a few minor surface scratches. It is a beautiful thing to behold and hear. The Weber lifetime warranty is a plus too.

I'm glad the advice so far reinforces the way I'm leaning. I think I'd kick myself if I passed on the Beartooth. I like playing slower old-timey fiddle tunes and do clawhammer banjo versions of the same, so I really don't need a barn-burner F-style. I'm also toying with the idea of GarageBand dueting some classical pieces with my classical guitar, and I think an A-style is better suited for that, although Chris Thile does some nice Bach on his manky old Gibson F.

[dhergert]

In my case both of the F-style mandolins that I have and play came to me somewhat accidentally. Had they not become available at the right time for the right prices, I probably would have gotten A-style mandolins.

From everything I've read and from what I've heard personally by being in front of our band's various mandolin players over the years, on average a good A-style mandolin will sound just as good as a good F-style mandolin. Variation exists among all hand made and hand tuned mandolins and with either style the chances are just as good for getting a great instrument.

So then it becomes personal preference and the resources in the pocketbook that decide about which direction to go. The best advice is always try before you buy, but when that isn't possible, get something that you can return if it doesn't meet your expectations.

Now that I have F-style mandolins, would I trade them for A-style mandolins of equal value? Probably not. I admit it, I'm fickle. They are eye candy.

That said, I wouldn't hesitate to get a boutique builder's A-style mandolin if I had to replace either of these F-style mandolins.

[Mike Arakelian]

If you’ve had the Beartooth for a couple of days and”frikkin love it”, it’s a no brainer to me. Buy the Beartooth and continue enjoying it.

[Mark Wilson]

Best sounding and playing mandolin. The rest you can't enjoy when you're busy playing it.

[Mandoplumb]

I always think first of the sound. Eye candy is fine but if I wanted to look at a mandolin I would buy the best looking F I cpuld find and hang it on the wall. I definitely think they are better looking, however I own A’s because I can afford a much better A than a F.

[ccravens]

I think you've answered your own question.

If you just want reassurance then here goes: get the Beartooth that you love!!

[Brian B]

1994 Gibson A 5L I have a 90' it is an excellent mandolin tone playability fit and finish are all top flight...

I second this — I've got a '90 A5-L, too, and though it wasn't great to start with, it is now one of the best mandos I've ever played. It is a superb instrument.

What's the serial number on your A%? Mine's 0114129

[Alex Orr]

Top of the line A. Buy based on your ears and what feels best to play, with the understanding that things like action can be lowered. The scroll adds nothing to the sound. If it did then a $350 MK with a scroll wouldn't sound like dead plywood most of the time. Hell, I don't even like using the scroll as a strap hanger since it leads to the headstock feeling unbalanced.

[stevedenver]

An A will, generally speaking, provide more for less, compared to an [I]equivalent[I] f style.



In your price range, id strongly suggest
Playing pac rims and domestics, and, used.

A pac rim f may be close or better than a domestic a, given labor.

Smaller builders may also offer more than recognized names.

Fwiw, i have seen plain jane weber f gallatins, yellowstones, bitterroots etc. in your range, or close, which play and sound very nice.

Pavas strike me as most likely to make you happy. Collings too, for domestic As.

I didnt appreciate spruce vs adirondack for years. Now that i have guitars and mandos with addy, i think its a plus. In terms of guitar amplifiers, addy has more headroom and seemingly, for me, treble clarity. Spruce is great too, but addy is my preference.

Let me say this. As are great. However, if you really desire a F, you might give this more thought, as in the long run, you may decide you must have one. I did. I simply love the aesthetics. Nothing like an F in the musical world.

So, the difference in a higher outlay for an F's price at the outset might be a long term saving. A name brand may have greater value if you later decide to sell. Fwiw, it took me decades to accept what a good F was going to cost, especially with a perspective of guitar pricing. It tough pill to swallow, i think.

One look at the cafe's classifieds tells me selling a used mando has a lot of competition.

Folks seem to love thier eastmans and northfileds among many pac rim offerings.
I have heard a couple of eastman fs at jams, and they are very good, imho.

Take your time and play. Buy and return if you have to, provided this is ok.

Sadly, youll get what you pay for. Mandos are not inexpensive, nor are they commonly stocked with many choices.

However, a fine mando rings, sounds sweet, musical, full, and plays beautifully. My first go was a gibson fern, used, and when it arrived, i was in heaven for seven years. Then, well, my ear had developed and i wanted more.

More, btw, is subjective, and often only slightly different. Theres a dimishing return as cost rises, but, imho, it is real.

I agree As and Fs other than shape, are equivalents, generally.

I noticed in the classifieds, theres a triggs a at elderly. As close as youre gonna get to a gibson A5L. Jim was the mando dude at gibson pre derrington, as i understand. Fwiw, I have triggs L5 archtop. Its top notch, and way better fit and finish. Dont think you could go wrong, but resale will be tough.

[MontanaMatt]

If you still need suggestions, Ratliff CountryBoy is an awesome value from an awesome builder.

[Br1ck]

If you are like me you will want one of each. I'd buy the best used A I could first. Then save for a F with a sonic footprint different from your A. The wait while you save for an F is much easier once you have a mandolin you really like.

[JEStanek]

Go with the High end A in my opinion. That one should have what you're looking (listening) for.

Jamie

[Charles E.]

This Weber Yellowstone just showed up in the classifieds for less then the Beartooth.........

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/117010#117010

[MediumMando5722]

If you really want an F, don't buy an A because it's a better value. If you found an A that knocks your socks off and you can't live without it, buy it.

[Don Grieser]

I'm scroll-free after having some good F5s. You pay a lot for those fancy doo-dads.

[THart]

This Weber Yellowstone just showed up in the classifieds for less then the Beartooth.........

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/117010#117010

I paid almost $1400 for an F Gallatin a couple years ago & thought I did alright (I am very happy with it). So, after watching lots of fine looking instruments in the classifieds & thinking "Great looking but, the $$!" Do you see this and think, "Great deal!" or "I wonder what's wrong with it?"

[Ivan Kelsall]

If you've got a good sounding Weber "A" style style that you really like - stick with it !. I like "F" styles as well,i have two of 'em - but,"A" styles are revelation in a way.You can get the same 'sound' from a far more simple looking instrument & one which usually costs far less. My Ellis "A" style is superb.I've considered trading it & another mandolin in against an Ellis "F" style,but i'd miss 'em both,plus the fact that i can get the Ellis sound from my "A" style - so why change ?,
Ivan

[mgap]

I paid almost $1400 for an F Gallatin a couple years ago & thought I did alright (I am very happy with it). So, after watching lots of fine looking instruments in the classifieds & thinking "Great looking but, the $$!" Do you see this and think, "Great deal!" or "I wonder what's wrong with it?"

Pictures can tell a thousand words but can leave you with a lot of questions. Looking at this Yellowstone it looks as though the f-holes have been altered, they look large to me. But then pictures can be deceiving.

[mandroid]

F is 3 blocks of wood and a lot more labor time to do all the extra finishing binding etc.

But they do look pretty, when all finished..






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