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Thread: F-Style vs A-style ergonomics...

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    Registered Muser dang's Avatar
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    Default F-Style vs A-style ergonomics...

    I recently got an F-style mando again after several years with just A-styles.
    My initial impression was yeah, it plays essentially the same, just plug in and go.

    But after a couple socially-distanced 3-4 hr gigs each of the last 2 weekends I feel there is something different to the way the strap hangs off the instrument and the way it sits across me... I wouldn’t have noticed it seated, or for shorter periods of time. But after a long gig those small details really seem to matter.

    Anyone else have a similar experience?
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    Default Re: F-Style vs A-style ergonomics...

    Are you saying the F-style is more, or less comfortable?
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    Default Re: F-Style vs A-style ergonomics...

    I play A's, I have had an F, but sold it. I didn't notice any difference standing with either at a gig. Then I tie to the headstock, even with the F. I like the way the strap weight, even tho it isn't much, comes across your back as opposed to down from the shoulder. Way more noticeable with a guitar, but still I notice with the mandolin. I don't tie right behind the nut as it gets in the way, but behind the first tuner.
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    Default Re: F-Style vs A-style ergonomics...

    The F-style body point is a plus for me. I nearly always play sitting down, and it aids stability.

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    Registered Muser dang's Avatar
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    Default Re: F-Style vs A-style ergonomics...

    Quote Originally Posted by Bill Cameron View Post
    Are you saying the F-style is more, or less comfortable?
    Neither really, just slightly different. Acclimation was required!

    Like millimeters difference here and there in hanging position, and a touch heavier...

    Nothing extreme, just more then I expected
    I should be pickin' rather than postin'

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    Default Re: F-Style vs A-style ergonomics...

    I started out playing mandolin with a preference for f styles as many newbies do (and many seasoned pros). It didn’t take long for me to discover I could get a much better A style for the same money and that I found them more comfortable. Afterward I found I also liked the look of an A style more appealing and also having less pieces subject to damage.
    But looks and tastes are individual so try out some A styles and see what is right for you.
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    Default Re: F-Style vs A-style ergonomics...

    My '22 A4 got a tone-gard , sitting, holding it seems to work well, better than without .
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    Default Re: F-Style vs A-style ergonomics...

    Quote Originally Posted by dang View Post
    Neither really, just slightly different. Acclimation was required!

    Like millimeters difference here and there in hanging position, and a touch heavier...

    Nothing extreme, just more then I expected
    Acclimation ? what does that mean ?

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    Default Re: F-Style vs A-style ergonomics...

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Hanson View Post
    Acclimation ? what does that mean ?
    According to google:
    What is the difference between acclimation and acclimatization?

    Acclimation is the coordinated phenotypic response developed by the animal to a specific stressor in the environment while acclimatization refers to the coordinated response to several individual stressors simultaneously (e.g., temperature, humidity, and photoperiod).

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    Registered Muser dang's Avatar
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    Default Re: F-Style vs A-style ergonomics...

    I just meant that it took me a little time to adjust to the different feel. I was dialed in to it by the end of each night but it wasn’t initially as comfortable as my played in MT2 that has seen hundreds of gigs. I know how my MT2 feels and reacts but the F style is a slightly different animal....
    I should be pickin' rather than postin'

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    Registered Muser dang's Avatar
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    Default Re: F-Style vs A-style ergonomics...

    Still been thinking of this... noticed at band practice today that the F style seems to favor hanging in a horizontal position, whereas my A styles seem to naturally favor a little more neck up position?

    I thought it was strap position or something but no matter my adjustments the F seems to want to float about horizontal...
    I should be pickin' rather than postin'

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    Default Re: F-Style vs A-style ergonomics...

    Can't say I have a whole lot of experience in this, but I did have a couple of ideas.

    I played mostly A-model mandolins for years and then bought an old F4, thinking it was the "pinnacle" of the style. Nothing wrong, but as I got to playing it, I really didn't care for all the "business" of the body scroll, points, broken and repaired headstock scroll etc. I guess i like simpler and more straightforward.

    The other thought goes to the strap. Not a common method, but I like to place the top end of my strap around the headstock. It does get in the way of the tuners a bit, but it also provides an excellent platform so that I always have the same neck position, and I can actually kinda rest my hand on the neck when I'm not actively playing and free up my hand to move up and down the fretboard without having to support the neck. So the scroll as a "strap hangar" argument isn't relevant to me.
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    Default Re: F-Style vs A-style ergonomics...

    I play sitting down, and typically without a strap. I haven't noticed much of a difference if any between A and F. The treble side body point seems to hold the instrument on my lap in the position I want a little more sturdily.

    For other reasons entirely, my go to is a two pointer, which does the same thing.
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    Default Re: F-Style vs A-style ergonomics...

    Beautiful but heavy headstock design was what sold way back then and now. In my eyes there is a fine line between just right and too much when it comes to instrument decorative design and bling.
    I’ll never forget when I was first infected with F4 Awe opening that old scrappy case and breathing in the virus like pride and accomplishment of 1923. I had never been quite so impressed with
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    Default Re: F-Style vs A-style ergonomics...

    an instruments response and balance compared to modern builds.
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