F2/F4 style mandolins?

[Jack Roberts]

As I sit here watching the smoke from the wildfires upwind of me, and see the wind getting stronger, I think of what I need to take with me if I should have to flee.
In no particular order: my wife, the dogs, my F4, the family Bible, the photo albums, and the hard disk with my computer backup.

[NursingDaBlues]

As I sit here watching the smoke from the wildfires upwind of me, and see the wind getting stronger, I think of what I need to take with me if I should have to flee.
In no particular order: my wife, the dogs, my F4, the family Bible, the photo albums, and the hard disk with my computer backup.

Prayers for your safety and that you won't find it necessary to flee.

[Timbofood]

I’d be loading if I were there!
Be safe David!

[pheffernan]

Sonny Morris can build you one.

He may already have: https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/146244#146244

[mandroid]

Image in 5 is a hybrid an F5 neck on an oval hole F body ... because the bridge is shifted closer to the sound hole ,
with the neck being 12th fret out , on the neck, not over the body..

compare with 20 & earlier.. F4 by Gibson ..

[yankees1]

Max Girouard makes a beautiful F4 !

[pheffernan]

Gretsch made the G9350 Park Avenue that occupied this end of the market for several years.

This one is what I had in mind: https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/150538#150538

[Ranger Bob]

Eddie Blevins makes an F4 in the $3000 range.

[Marty Jacobson]

Eastmans are generally good values. But their oval-hole instruments don't sound nearly as good as the comparable f-hole models in their lineup. I would stay away from Eastman for any oval-hole mandolin-family instrument.

[yankees1]

For high quality workmanship and a wonderful oval sound, a Girouard is tops !

[rcc56]

I'm going to suggest that you put away a bit more money, and then make a weekend trip to Nashville. There are plenty of old Gibson F-4's up there, ranging in price from $4500 to $7500 [the imaginary 1924 pixie dust costs a lot extra]. Odds are that at least one of the 15 or so for sale will be a really good mandolin.

[Cary Fagan]

Perhaps you need to be clearer in your mind whether you want a hybrid or a true F4/2 style. Northfield's are hybrids of course. If you want a true one I'd really consider getting a vintage Gibson F2. You do have to find one that is in good shape, plays well, and sounds good.

For what it's worth, I've owned two Eastman oval holes and didn't love either of them. (But I get a bit tired of the sound of the F hole Eastmans, too, although they are very good for the money and nicely made.)