2018 Ratliff R5 "Country Boy"
Mid-MO Model OO
2002 Gibson F9 with radius fretboard.
In most cases the only thing an F-style will do for you that an A-style won't is give you somewhere handy to attach a strap.
That said, if you think you're only going to buy one mandolin it might be worth it to buy the one with all the features that you want.
Guessing you are gonna say this is a good buy:
https://reverb.com/item/30081731-rat...ndolin-f-style
I am partial to F style like most, but I can tell you sound wise there is no difference. I have had F9 & A9 Gibson from the same year that sounded exactly alike. You can actually get a better Mandolin cheaper in an A with the same sound as the higher end F. As for an A style Ratliff. They are great Mandolins with a solid sound and great value already. Its all preference to that point and MAS will quickly take hold anyway.
2018 Ratliff R5 "Country Boy"
Mid-MO Model OO
2002 Gibson F9 with radius fretboard.
I’m truly appreciating my 1999 Ratliff R-5. Mr. Ratliff is very approachable and has many videos that a buyer can watch in order to get an idea of his process as he builds. Great flame, fit and finish, and tone for days.
2014 BRW F5 #114
2022 Kentucky KM 950 Master Model
YouTube Original Recording of My composition "Closer Walk"
I think the problem of too little interest comes from the fact that it's on eBay. Seller ratings notwithstanding, I'd be a little leery about buying a mandolin from a stranger without having hands on at least once. There are, however, some members of this forum whose judgement I would trust. We all pretty much know who they are.
I realize eBay and PayPal offer some protections but that doesn't mean it's not a hassle to avail yourself of them. When the OP posted the link, I looked at the mandolin but it never crossed my mind to try to buy it. That same mandolin from TMS? I might consider it. Otherwise, I'll pass.
David Hopkins
2001 Gibson F-5L mandolin
Breedlove Legacy FF mandolin; Breedlove Quartz FF mandolin
Gibson F-4 mandolin (1916); Blevins f-style Octave mandolin, 2018
McCormick Oval Sound Hole "Reinhardt" Mandolin
McCormick Solid Body F-Style Electric Mandolin; Slingerland Songster Guitar (c. 1939)
The older I get, the less tolerant I am of political correctness, incompetence and stupidity.
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