Re: Mandolin Design Question! Help
You really need to try these various mandolins yourself. Oval hole mandolins are often characterized as having a broader, sweeter, more mellow sound, while the f-holed mandolins are often characterized as more penetrating, with better ability to cut through other instruments.
You'll actually find a lot of differences in volume and sound characteristics among oval hole mandolins from different manufacturers and different model lines. The wood used, the wood thickness (and how well it might have been carved, if it was carved), bracing, and the type and thickness of finish are all details that affect the final sound and volume.
Even strings, pick used, and playing style are factors for the final sound. And some instruments handle harder playing better than others, so just playing harder won't necessarily give you the volume you need with a pleasing result.
(Are you planning on playing amplified? You mentioned volume, so my thought was that you were planning to play without amplification. Amplification of mandolins is a whole other discussion!)
Doug Brock
2018 Kimble 2 point (#259), Eastman MD315, Eastman MDA315, some guitars, banjos, and fiddles
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