Re: Violinist to Mandolin Questions
Do you have a mandolinist or two whose sound you really like? That could help you know what type of mandolin sound you prefer. The sound difference between and oval and f hole is pretty noticeable, so I would listen to some high-quality recorded examples to see what sound you like. In my opinion you can play any style on either, but there are some genre conventions that will likely inform the advice some people give you.
Same goes for strings and picks; tons of options and different opinions, it just depends on what sound you want. I use D'Addario strings (again, lots of options even within the brand) and play an F-hole mandolin for a variety of styles, because that is what I like. Some people would advise me to get a bowlback or different instrument to play classical, some will like an oval hole better for folk, etc. But that is the sound I like.
I'm not a violinist so I can't say for certain, but for an American F or oval hole mandolin I would think you might prefer standard nut width (1 1/8" generally) rather than a "wide nut" (1 3/16" generally), since you are used to a smaller neck. The scale of these mandolins is still bigger in general, but I would think that would help keep one of the differences from being as big as it can be. Here is a basically new Eastman in the classifieds for a decent price, if you are stateside. They are good mandolins.
"Yeah, well, you know, that’s just, like, your opinion, man."
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