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Thread: A or F

  1. #1

    Default A or F

    I'm sure that they're have been many threads about this at certain price points or brands. but just total preference, regardless of price, let the debate rage: A or F?

  2. #2
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: A or F

    Quote Originally Posted by clintross View Post
    I'm sure that they're have been many threads about this at certain price points or brands. but just total preference, regardless of price, let the debate rage: A or F?
    Yes. The answer is yes.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
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  3. #3

    Default Re: A or F

    Perhps you should practice some scales.

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    Moderator JEStanek's Avatar
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    Default Re: A or F

    Bowlback.
    There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946

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  5. #5

    Default Re: A or F

    Q style.
    -1

  6. #6
    Moderator JEStanek's Avatar
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    Default Re: A or F

    Two of points, symmetrical or asymmetrical...

    Flat top, cant top, pancake

    rezzzzzzzzzzzonator

    banjolin

    There's more than two fish in the sea.


    Is my point.

    I say, buy the best sounding one you can afford.

    Jamie
    There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946

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  7. #7

    Default Re: A or F

    I usually pulled B's in school. No A's or F's.

    Jillian

  8. #8
    Registered User red7flag's Avatar
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    Default Re: A or F

    If you have a limited budget, you will get more sound and playability from the same $ from an A. You will also get more from a classified instrument. There are a number that say there is no difference in sound. I disagree, but the difference to me is minor and more in the the fullness of the sound. I love the F look and if I had unlimited funds, I would take the F version. I know I have approached that with grass instruments. I know you will hear about T.O. (not with the Bills), but honestly, he does not even strive for a hard edged grass sound. This is no knock as I love his music. He can bring it, just not hard edged grass, for the most part. For me I love playing an A instrument playing Celtic. It just has that simple lovely sound. The Vintage A just fits that bill to a T. Which is better? Depends on what you are playing. Oval vs f hole. Maker, and so much more. Get an instrument that sings to you. If it sings you will forget the design.
    Tony Huber
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    Default Re: A or F

    I heard Gilchrist explain to his then importer ( Dexter Johnson) that he considered there to be no difference in the tone or playability of the F and A . He said concentrated on F models for economic reasons.
    That convinced me that my personal choice of A models had been correct if not logical.

    I still much prefer A styles. Been playing them for .. well, many many years.
    I have owned F models and don't seem to enjoy the added devices.

  10. #10
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: A or F

    .. Djangolins ..
    writing about music
    is like dancing,
    about architecture

  11. #11

    Default Re: A or F

    You could sit around obsessing over what your ideal partner should be like or you could just go fall in love.

  12. #12
    Registered User man dough nollij's Avatar
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    Default Re: A or F

    I don't get a thing out of As or Fs. I just never felt fulfilled until I got my scroll-less three point solid body bowlback banjolin. Woo Hoo!

  13. #13
    Registered User Chris Biorkman's Avatar
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    Default Re: A or F

    Price being no consideration, I like Fs. I don't think they sound any different. I just like the look and feel of them.
    Heiden F-5 #110
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    Registered User Douglas McMullin's Avatar
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    Default Re: A or F

    Even with an endless budget I would stick with either an A or two point. I guess I am a bit boring in that I prefer symmetry when it comes to mandolins, and I have always considered F's to be odd ducks. I don't mind F's, and if my endless budget allowed for multiple instruments there are certainly some F's I would love to have after I fill my A and two point quota.

  15. #15
    Registered User John Flynn's Avatar
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    Default Re: A or F

    I have owned an F, but I prefer A's. Clean, simple lines. The beauty of form following function. Also, they are about 30-50% less expensive than comparable F's. No contest for me.

  16. #16
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    Default Re: A or F

    Purely on looks? Three-point F style. My very favourite mandolin shape. I'd love to get one.

  17. #17
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    Default Re: A or F

    To the tune of My Favorite Things

    A style or F style
    it's really no matter
    I pick as poorly
    on the first or the latter

    This thread comes up every once in a while
    rather boring, and raises the bile.



    Play what you wish, pick it purty.

  18. #18
    Moderator JEStanek's Avatar
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    Default Re: A or F

    Cylinder back.
    There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946

    + Give Blood, Save a Life +

  19. #19
    Registered User Dan Hoover's Avatar
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    Default Re: A or F

    there's all way's this???

    "Enjoy every sandwich." Warren Zevon

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    Registered User Barry Platnick's Avatar
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    Default Re: A or F

    I ahve an F5G and a collings MT2,

    I am lusting after an F that sounds as good or better than my A because I want one, period. But currently I play the A becasue its a better, louder sweeter easier to play mandolin. its called MAS no matter how you wrap it.
    Barry

  21. #21
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    Default Re: A or F

    I agree with Jamie, and notice he didn't waffle.

  22. #22
    Mandolin Botherer Shelagh Moore's Avatar
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    Default Re: A or F

    I prefer the aesthetics of an A myself but, basically whatever style you prefer and many prefer the F. No real difference in sound between a good carved top A and an F. A hole of F holes (that sounds somewhat rude!) makes more difference to the sound.

    I have a two-point Lyon and Healy style flat top on order... where would that fit in!

  23. #23
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: A or F

    I played an A style once and ended up in the hospital. After that I would only play an F style. It's a safety issue for me and has nothing to do with the way they look or sound.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  24. #24

    Default Re: A or F

    How exactly did you end up in the hospitla from playing an A?

  25. #25

    Default Re: A or F

    Good Lord, wasn't this just debated until the cows came home? Guess there's a fine line between devotion and insanity.
    2004 Apitius F-5 Classic

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