Mandolin

[solutionbassist]

I am a bass player. I play a little acoustic guitar for fun, but I am really a bass player. I play in this bluegrass group and I am really interested in learning to play mandolin. However I know absolutely nothing about one. I've been looking at a few instruments and I would like to know what it means when they label one "F-style." Does anyone have any suggestions for good brands to look at or anything else I might need to know.

[nmiller]

"F" is short for "Florentine" and refers to a body with a scroll and points:

http://www.vintageinstruments.com/photos/museum/loar73723ful.jpg

The other common body style is an A-style (short for "Artist"), and it's just the basic teardrop shape. There are many builders of both styles, and either can have f-holes or a round soundhole (though bluegrass musicians stick entirely to f-holes). There are many variations on the two, and a few that aren't similar to either, but F and A bodies make up most mandolins out there. There's no consistent difference in sound between them; other factors such as wood, bracing and scale are far more important to an instrument's sound. The main difference is in the amount of extra work involved in creating an F-style mando, which is why they cost more.

I'd need to know your budget to make a really good suggestion, but Loar and Eastman both make really nice instruments for the price. Really cheap mandolins tend not to sound or play as well as really cheap acoustic guitars, although there are always exceptions out there.

[musicofanatic5]

Do a search in this catagory. Lotsa discussion has been done. Is there no mandolin player in your bluegrass band?

Purchased second-hand, Kentucky's low end, solid top A model is a good starter.

[facesfan]

A used Collings MT is one screamin deal if you can get it around $1,400-1,600. That may seem like a lot to get started but you'll almost always get that money back if you decide mandolin isn't your thing. It's Collings low end plain Jane but good enough to be a pro mando and the playability/sound will help learning by leaps and bounds. Costly in the beginning but payoff down the road.

[Rob Sharer]

Check out the Eastman stuff. It's made in the PRC, but all of them are built from solid woods and exhibit very good craftsmanship. I've got an F-hole A model (MD905) in the shop right now for a pickup installation; it's an absolute cannon. A used one would be mucho mando for nota lotta. They make the scroll models as well, of course.

Good luck,

Rob

[hank]

Try www.mandolincafe.com (http://www.mandolincafe.com)

Everything you'd ever need to know is there.

[PUCKBOY99]

Why are these little beasts so pricey ?

And why are they all made in friggin' China ???


Well, generalizations, I know, but it sure seems to be the case.

I've wanted one for a while & would love to learn to play, but even the "beginner" models seem to be in the $500.00 range & I try to stay away from all things Chinese (except the occassional eggroll !).

Any players out there in TGP land that could steer me towards a good beginning model that has room to grow ?

I was eyeballing a Loar LM-400 A-style, but they say "Imported from Asia"....I'm guessing that translates to China.

:beer

[Da5Id]

Any players out there in TGP land that could steer me towards a good beginning model that has room to grow ?

If you're interested in a quality instrument, made in the USA, solid wood, but not fancy at all; check out Big Muddy mandolins. http://www.bigmuddymandolin.com/

These instruments are Celtic style, so not really geared for bluegrass, but quite nice. Prices are approximately $600 street.

[musicofanatic5]

Why are these little beasts so pricey ?

And why are they all made in friggin' China ???


Well, generalizations, I know, but it sure seems to be the case.

I've wanted one for a while & would love to learn to play, but even the "beginner" models seem to be in the $500.00 range & I try to stay away from all things Chinese (except the occassional eggroll !).

Any players out there in TGP land that could steer me towards a good beginning model that has room to grow ?

I was eyeballing a Loar LM-400 A-style, but they say "Imported from Asia"....I'm guessing that translates to China.

:beer
Are you saying a smaller inst should be less expensive? Consider that the detail work is more difficult when building a smaller inst.

You've already been advised. See above: second-hand Kentucky solid top A model. $500 does not get anyone much these days. Your $500 will get you nearly twice the inst when purchased used. You will have some "room to grow", and your next move should be in the $ 1000- 2000 range. Let us know when you're too good for the used $500 model!

[5cent]

Mandolins and banjos seem to be in the same boat in the sense that, unlike guitars, there are very few good cheap ones. If you do go cheap, you're suffering from a severe lack of tone and playability.

My recommendation? An Eastman A model.

[PUCKBOY99]

If you're interested in a quality instrument, made in the USA, solid wood, but not fancy at all; check out Big Muddy mandolins. http://www.bigmuddymandolin.com/ (http://www.bigmuddymandolin.com/)

These instruments are Celtic style, so not really geared for bluegrass, but quite nice. Prices are approximately $600 street.
Thanks for the tip ! Celtic style is my primary interest anyway, so they might be a nice fit. :aok


Mandolins and banjos seem to be in the same boat in the sense that, unlike guitars, there are very few good cheap ones. If you do go cheap, you're suffering from a severe lack of tone and playability.

My recommendation? An Eastman A model.

I've done a lot of reading since posting above & this certainly seems to be the case.

Thanks all for the info :beer


Are you saying a smaller inst should be less expensive? Consider that the detail work is more difficult when building a smaller inst.

You've already been advised. See above: second-hand Kentucky solid top A model. $500 does not get anyone much these days. Your $500 will get you nearly twice the inst when purchased used. You will have some "room to grow", and your next move should be in the $ 1000- 2000 range. Let us know when you're too good for the used $500 model!

Thanks for your tactful addition to the thread.

In return for your insight, I have a suggestion for you too:

Switch to boxers....not as tight as the knotted panties you're currently experiencing.

[musicofanatic5]

Thanks for your tactful addition to the thread.

In return for your insight, I have a suggestion for you too:

Switch to boxers....not as tight as the knotted panties you're currently experiencing.
Is this a Montessori school or a forum for adults? Once a week there's a thread that says, "I am utterly helpless when it comes to archival searching and my reading comprehension skills are low. Will someone please repeat what has been posted here a thousand times already?" I think I have been generously helpful.

[PUCKBOY99]

Again, your tact is greatly appreciated....thanks for your shared wisdom. :wave

[frquent flyer]

I agree with info already posted although all other things being equal I believe the "F" style will give a better sound and project better. This is one of the oldest questions in the mando world,Which is better A or F style.The suggestion of the Collings Mt which is an A style would be a great start. Know that if you buy a quality instrument which plays easily and sounds pleasing to the earYou will always get your money back when you sell or dam close .{providing its cared for}And the more recognized the name is and respected is another way to ensure a good resale. Basic begginer,a Kentucky$150 -$350};a good beginner an Eastman{$500 to $1000},better a Collings{$1500 to $2200} which are quite good from what I have seen.The best mandos can get 20 to 30 thousand.Welcome to the mandolin world. I think you will find it quite different and endearing when compared to the guitar.The Mandolin Cafe is your best site for learning about mandolins and they have an extensive classified section for your viewing pleasure.By the way in handmade mandolins the "F" style costs nearly twice the price of an "A" style because there is so much more work needed to construct the Florintine style. So for the begginner its makes sense to buy the "BEST" A style you can afford.Maybe some day you will want and find a F style.