Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2003 13:42:50 -0600

Glad to assist if I can:

I have been thinking about getting back into playing my mandolin. I am concerned that with my present mandolin, I will never progress. It appears that other mandolins sound better than mine. But to be honest, I am not an expert. I own a 1986 Flatiron model 1 round hole-which is a copy of the "A" style pancake mandolins Gibson made a long time ago--the army-navy models. When I hear other mandolins the tone jumps out--ringing, full. Mine sounds fatter, fuller, less ringy, not as good. I wonder if it's me or my mandolin. Is there a difference in mandolins as far as carved top vs flat??

Most definitely...a flat style will not have the projection of a carved top...

There's a wide variety of models encompassing flat style mandolins...with both f-holes and oval soundholes...the main characteristic of flat styles is that they are highly resonant with lots of sustain and very little projection...some styles of music call for this characteristic such as Celtic genres.

I know Flatiron made good stuff but maybe I need a f holed arch top. Or can a expert player make it sound great? Any advice?
Thanks
Mark

The style of music you hope to achieve should dictate the style of mandolin you purchase/own...for instance, bluegrass demands a mandolin with maple back and sides, an archtop and f soundholes. This is the standard for this setting. Celtic music fares well with a flat style mandolin with lots of sustain...

Hope this helps, Mickey