Re: Looking for F-style Mandocellos
Aside from the horrible sound quality in that video, that Gallatin looks nice and seems to have the "Weber tone" for these big instruments. The smaller peghead shape might actually be an advantage in the way it balances. The big Weber F-style instruments with traditional scroll pegheads are a little neck-heavy, since the body size isn't that large as a counterweight. I always use my F-style OM on a strap, for balance.
If you're leaning towards a Weber, I should mention that the Weber OM's (and I presume 'Cellos also) have fairly substantial neck profiles. The neck on my Yellowstone Traditional F OM is a fat U-shape, not the shallow arched neck some guitar players prefer. I don't know if it's structurally important or just Bruce Weber's personal preference.
It doesn't bother me at all, but I shift around to a lot of different instruments and I'm not too picky about neck profiles. A few people have posted comments here saying that they don't like the "clubby" necks on Weber OM's, so it's just something to be aware of. Especially if you're buying an instrument without trying it first.
Lebeda F-5 mandolin, redwood top
Weber Yellowstone F-5 octave mandolin
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