Mandolin Glossary

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Florentine

Florentine shape

F-style ("Florentine") mandolins applies almost exclusively to arched or rarely to flat instruments. F-style generally describes an instrument sporting a curlicue ("scroll"), lobe, or prominent horn on the bass side of the body near the neck joint.

The classic Gibson style, the one most frequently emulated, features a scroll on the bass side of the body and two points on the treble side; very early Gibson F styles also had a point at the base of the scroll.

Because well-made F-style mandolins with carved scrolls tend to be more expensive, they are generally less popular with beginners and more casual enthusiasts.

Additional florentine or F style mandolin examples.

Authored by: Mandolin Cafe