Mandolin: A-Style versus F-Style
Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:49:39 -0600
Subject: Re: Folk of the Wood Contact Form: Mandolin for beginnerI've been playing guitar for a while now and have decided I'd like to learn mandolin as well. Upon researching instruments I really like the aesthetics of the f-style mandolins and it seems most folks seem to think f-styles have a sweeter sound. The drawback is that they are a little more pricey then the a-styles. Upon looking at the instruments featured here they all seem a little in the high-end category for me, esp. not knowing if playing the mando is something I will wish to stick with. Could you recommend an affordable yet nice mandolin for a beginner?
I'd much appreciate it.Thanks,
Radhapriya,
Austin,TXGreetings Radhapriya,
Sorry I haven't been able to get back to you sooner. I've been playing gigs all weekend.
F-style mandolins do not have a sweeter tone than A-styles. Really, there are many variables in determining which mandolin of the two would be sweeter. There may be instances where an F-style could sound sweeter than an A-style ... however, in my opinion, I'd have to say, I've heard many more A-style mandolins that are sweeter in tone than F-styles ... especially those with oval soundholes as opposed to F soundholes.
Some nice affordable mandolins of which may work for you include: Morgan Monroe, Kentucky and Michael Kelly. All of them offer both A-Style and F-Style models.
Make sure that whomever you do decide to purchase through does perform the proper set-up for ease of playability and perfect intonation.
We do have free online lessons of which may assist you in getting started at:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/Mandolin_Lessons.htmlWe also have an introductory video covering all aspects of playing mandolin at:
https://www.mysticwestproducts.com/proddetail.php?prod=DVD001
Mickey Cochran
Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:15:41 -0500
Subject: Re: Folk of the Wood Contact Form: Mandolin for beginner
Hi Mickey,
Thanks for the reply. After going to a bunch of stores in town this weekend and actually playing instruments I've found what you said is true. I got an Epi mandolin today that turned out to be pretty horrible. I will be returning it on Monday. Doesn't seem like we have any decent mandolins in town unless they are of the custom built variety...luthiers are a plenty here.
Do you all still have an on-line store or can you recommend some place to purchase one of the mandolins you have recommended that will do a first class set up? Can you recommend any specific model #s?
I'd like to spend somewhere between $200 --500 preferably closer to $200-300 to get me started. I've been considering http://themandolinhut.com/>http://themandolinhut.com/, as they seem to have some good deals and say they set up the instruments prior to shipment. I'm just a little leary about buying an instrument on-line as it's hard to tell what you're getting w/o playing it first. Any advice you could offer would be much appreciated. Thanks for the links, I've already been poking around on the lessons page.
Thanks again,
Radhapriya
Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2004 13:41:26 -0800 (PST)
I was just wondering if there was any difference in the sound produced by the A style mandolins and the F styke mandolins.Thanks so much for your help thus far.
Lance
It depends on the models being compared...most all models have variations in construction such as the bracing...or the thickness of the top...in the case of comparing two models, that are the same brand, and offer the very same bracing, (such as the Gibson F-9 vs. the Gibson A-9) you'll find only a subtle difference in tone...there is a slightly larger sound chamber in the F-style where the sound may seem to have a slightly larger voice...the F seems to work very well in bluegrass settings...this may be due to the extra cavity sound has to travel in with the F-style scrolls and points...notwithstanding, some A's also carry well in bluegrass such as the A-5 or A-9..or the Weber Absaroka with tone bars...only, the A-style doesn't have the traditional F silhouette that seems to complete the traditional bluegrass band...
Hope this helps, Mickey
Subject: Pricing and Performance Question
Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2003 20:01:27 -0500
Greetings,
Glad to assist if I can:
I've recently started playing mandolin and am wanting to upgrade to a good model. Since I'm not a professional and don't ever plan on being one, I just want a good solid mandolin that will last me many years. After talking to various people, I've come to believe that I can get more mandolin for my money if I stick with an A shape, as opposed to an F.
The F-style body is quite a bit more expensive, or taxing, to make...due to the scrolls and carving of the reliefs...and, hence, you get more for the money when purchasing an A-style since the construction is far more simple.
I prefer playing bluegrass type music, which would lead more to the F, but I want to get the most mandolin for my money.
I understand where you're coming from...anything reasonably priced, made in the states, would be in A-Style form...any F-style made in the states is usually cost prohibitive. For a beginner on a budget, there are still many choices available of good value made within the US. And, of course, these would be A-styles such as the Rigel A Natural, Weber Bridger or Breedlove Quartz models...All having carved tops and choices between f soundhole or oval soundholes.
I was mainly interested in the Rigel A Natural and Gibson A-9 and what their prices are? What do you think of these two mandolins and how do they compare?
I love them both...both offer their own unique voicing. The Rigel A Natural has a very responsive sweet round voice...maybe slightly mellower than the Gibson A-9, yet somewhat seasoned in tone with that classic Rigel tone. The Gibson A-9 may work better for bluegrass settings and has a responsive bright voicing...with good bottom end. I'm basing this opinion on my experience with the F-9 which has the same finish and relative construction.
Do you think this is a good route to go, or should I look at an F-shape such as a Michael Kelly, Morgan Monroe, or Washburn "Jethro Burns" model?
Yes, I believe you're on track with the Rigel or the Gibson...
Yes, the F-styles offered by Michael Kelly and Morgan Monroe are a tremendous value...all of the classic features you'd expect to find in a high-end mandolin only at an import price...of course, there are some compromises in aesthetics...finish flaws, etc. Even so, they're still a tremendous value...and remember, you'll always have your 100% trade-up value which can be used for as long as you own your mandolin.
Mickey
Thanks for your help,
Brian Gelb
Date: Mon, 2 Sep 2002 18:24:03 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: sounds holes & genres
Mickey-
Thanks so much for your timely response to my mandolin question. A few more I
thought of that perhaps you could help me with.
From some other FAQ's I read on your site, i gathered that an F-style mandolin
is better than an A-model for versatility across music genres. Is this true?
Are f-holes or a-holes better suited for versatility across genres?
My current mando is an Ovation MCS 148. If I were to trade this in toward one
from your site, do you have an idea what I could expect from it?
Thanks again.
karl
Sure Karl,
Glad to assist...
From some other FAQ's I read on your site, i gathered that an F-style mandolin
is better than an A-model for versatility across music genres. Is this true?
Nope...not necessarily...there are certain A models, such as the Weber Absaroka, that perform effectively within most any style; in fact, due to the cross bracing that the Absaroka comes with standard, this mando will crossover very well...so, essentially there's always an exception depending on the model and what type of bracing, or woods are used in the construction. There is not one mandolin that plays every style of music without some compromise. An archtop F-style mandolin will never have a flat style oval hole mandolin sound.
Are f-holes or a-holes better suited for versatility across genres?
I believe that the F soundhole models cross over more effectively than oval soundhole models.
Hope this helps, Mickey
Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 04:33:20 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Tone Quality
Does tone quality vary much between f-style mandolins and a-style mandolins, assuming both have f-holes? I would assume that an A-style produces more sound. Is this correct?
MAWylie'00
Greetings,
In answer to your questions:
Does tone quality vary much between f-style mandolins and a-style mandolins, assuming both have f-holes?
Tone quality will vary depending on the brand and the bracing. For instance, Kentucky has the 300 Artist Series A-Style which has the exact same bracing as the F styles...therefore, the sound is very similar. The only difference would be in how much the weight and cavity of the scroll will contribute to tonal variances.
Overall, an F-style compared to an A-style, with different bracing, will sound different. If both are the exact same brand and possess the same bracing, and have the exact same wood construction, the only contributing differences would be the scroll and points (whether they're solid or have a cavity) it would have a definite influence on the tone; albeit, a subtle one that would be difficult for the average listener to discern.
I would assume that an A-style produces more sound. Is this correct?
Not necessarily...however, on average, I have seen many more A Styles that are responsive and resonant and only a few Fs having as much responsiveness...especially, the matte finish models. If you're looking for a highly responsive F-style, the Weber Bitterroot would be the choice...it also has a matte finish.
Now the question of "more sound" in relation to projection:
If you're talking about projection, any archtop, f soundhole model will work well...if you're talking about more overall volume for competing with other instruments...this would also apply...for an open resonant tone with more fullness, which also may apply to "more sound", an oval soundhole would serve best...
All of this is somewhat subjective and would still ultimately be determined by the style of music you want to achieve on your mando of choice.
Let us know if you have further questions:
Mickey
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 01:33:54 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Mandolin Info
Hello,
I would like to take a couple of minutes to ask you some questions on the mandolin. I am very new to this subject and I am wanting to learn for the first time how to play a mandolin, heck the first instrument ever for that matter. What is the difference between a "style A" & "style F". Also I saw this movie over the weekend with Nicholas Cage and Penelope Cruz called, "Captain Corelli's Mandolin", I hope you have seen it too by some chance so you know what I am talking about. Can you tell me what style of music he plays in that movie and which style of mandolin would I use to learn it. I am very excited about learning how to play the mandolin especially the style that I heard in that movie, it sounds very romantic and soothing. Thank you for your time
SSgt. Ambriz, J.G.
MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
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Greetings,
Glad to help if I can...
In answer to your questions:
1. What is the difference between a "style A" & "style F"?
There are many differences...body styles, bracing differences, tonal qualities, scale lengths can differ, and even how a strap is used will vary between the two body styles.2. Can you tell me what style of music he plays in that movie and which style of mandolin would I use to learn it?
I haven't seen the movie...even so, I have seen some previews. It appears to be what we call a vintage Italian mandolin and even the music played sounds like traditional Italian folk music. I hope to see the movie soon...by that time, I would have more specifics.
If you still have further questions, please get back with us. We'd be happy to assist you further...
Mickey
Date: Sat, 11 Aug 2001 23:56:11 -0600
Subject: Entry Level Mandolins FAQ
Hi,
I just want to tell you how much I have enjoyed your site.
I have never played the mandolin but have always loved it! Which of the
more inexpensive would you suggest for someone interested in dabbling?
What would one need to learn the basics?
Thank you, Lisa Dillingham
Greetings Lisa,
There's quite a few entry-level mandolins to choose from...the following factors would come into play:
1. Budget
This, of course, will be your first criteria...and will set the parameters of mandolin choices. Be aware, there are some fine quality mandolins being made for 300.00 and less...do not compromise by looking for a new mando under the 150.00 price range...it would be too much of a compromise...
2. Style of Music you hope to pursue.
If you're hoping to play bluegrass, you'll most definitely want an F Soundhole Mandolin either F-Style or A-Style...if you're hoping to play folk music or Celtic, you would want a flat style A mandolin (more than likely an Oval Soundhole...although an F Soundhole flat style will also work).
3. Playability
We solve this by adjusting every instrument that leaves our shop for ease of playability...no matter what level of mandolin ships, we put the same amount of effort for a qulaity set-up.
My suggestion to you, based on the 3 factors above, would be to look at the Kentuckys for bluegrass...and the Mid-Missouris for folk and Celtic music...Mickey
Date: Sat, 11 Aug 2001 19:09:38 -0600
Subject: F-Style Mandos
One last follow-up question. I understand the differences between A and F styles and flat tops versus archtop. What other types of music is the F-style/archtop used for besides bluegrass? I have an A style with F holes. I play Celtic, classical, and pop music with it, but I am trying to justify buying an archtop F like the Kentucky 620. Any comments??? Thanks again,
Aodhan Richardson
Greetings Aodhan,
The F-Style Archtop mandolin can really be used for any style of music...it just shines on bluegrass...such as flat style, oval soundhole mandolins shine on Celtic.
Now, many players have used the F-Style Archtop effectively for jazz, dawg music (such as David Grisman plays), country, folk, classical and rock.
Ultimately, it's desirable to have a variety of mandolin body styles such as an F-Style and an Oval Soundhole A-Style so that you can choose which mandolin best suits the music at hand; imagine an oil painter without a variety of colors to choose from...if you were into only 1 style of music, then it's only logical to own one type of mandolin. If you're looking for only one mandolin to apply within many styles, the archtop F-Style would be far more versatile than a Flat-Style mandolin or an A-Style with an Oval Soundhole.
Hope this helps...Mickey
Date: Mon, 29 May 2000 10:49:57 -0600
I just got done talking with a really great mandolin player at a bluegreass festival, and he told me that a f-style mandolin would have better tone than an A-style. And since I recently purchased a KM-250S Kentucky mandolin, I felt a bit distressed that maybe I should have gotten an F-style, but thought the difference was just in looks since they both have f-holes for sound. What's your opinion on this matter? brose
Greetings: I have been playing 25 years + both as a professional and a writer of mando technique books.
The Kentucky A-Style, with F-Holes, is as good as you can ask for most any bluegrass setting and certainly the best value. The F-Style has the edge because of the profile and does have a different bracing system giving it some punch...which is commonly seen in most all classic traditional bluegrass bands. The tonal difference can be imperceptible to most...although, many F's I've heard do have a cut-through tone, I've also heard many A's that sound better than some F's...what can you say?
Remember, your 250S has a solid spruce top and solid maple back and sides and the long scale F-style neck; to get into an F with these type of solid woods would cost substantially more than any comparable A model. Mickey
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