Jimmy Russell That's a mater of taste, if you want to play midieval music dressed with medieval clothes, then the tear drop shape has the better look, the other one looks too modern.
@@Heimrik01 I have a different opinion, the F-Style Mando has a Medieval Tale looking thing, I guess it is because of its scroll near the neck, I guess if you want something more realistic you should by an A-Style or a Italian model
Wow, you really can hear a different sounds between them, and it is a pretty stark difference! I hadn't heard it demonstrated as well as you do here. I currently play an A-style but am looking into getting an F-style, and so it's very good to hear the two styles in side-by-side comparison. Thank you!
Wesley Wagner, earlier in the thread, pointed out why the probably sound different. He's playing them at different places - the F closer to the bridge than the A. If you want an F so you will be welcome in a bluegrass band, then by all means do so, but don't expect it to really sound different. It's just looks. That is assuming your decision is between an A and an F with the same specs. Some manufacturers build their As to lower specs so they can be even cheaper starter instruments. You gotta do your homework in that and hopefully play the thing before you buy.
Keep in mind that he is comparing TWO individual mandolins that one happens to be an A and one an F. Regardless of what you think or he is implying he IS NOT comparing A style to F, there are just too many variables to compare one A and one F and reach any difference is how the styles sound
Very useful. So many say As and Fs sound the same, but after listening to dozens of demos, I do think they generally sound different enough to warrant sonic considerations when deciding which type to get, if not both.
Thanks for the comparison video. The A style seems to have a slightly softer sound or, as you said, the F style has a bit more bite. I picked up an A style at a good price. I like the look of an A a little more than I do the F.
Both nice but even though I'm an F guy ( got 2) I sure prefer the sound of that A. I think this is more a statement that no two mandolins sound alike than that A styles sound different than F styles.
I had to subscribe after this very informative demonstration, which was well produced with excellent sound. I love both models but actually prefer the noticeable sustain attributed to the A model. But the headstock of the F is so sexy. Hey, can I ask you what mics you used here?! Thanks man!
The F seems to have more treble and mids than the A. I've never played mandolin but I can only assume that the A is more for Rythmn while F is for lead.
I recently ordered an A-style mandolin that im picking up on they 25th with out knowing that there was a sound diffrence. Happy i chose A-Style but i wish it looked like the F style :P
what mic was been used ?...what do you recomend?...I´ve thought of geting a "Rode M3 - condenser microphone with cardioid polar pattern, frequency response: 40Hz-20kHz, 130dB SPL, 21dBA self noise, 200ohm thomann impedance, status LED, high pass filter, includes windshield and stand mount. Suitable for recording strings, choirs and acoustic guitars. Requires 48V phantom power or 9V battery." - to use for recording & LIVE DUO celtic music etcc...thanks.
I just bought a mandolin last week .. waiting for it to arrive. I bought an A because it was cheaper. I'm glad to know there is no difference in sound quality.
I know not what I am saying, but here is my take on the A vs F: The A would be the mando I would pick to play on my patio. The F is the mando I would pick to play in a band. I think the extra bark of the F blends with other instruments better than the A style does/would. Anyway, great explanation and much thanks.
I thought what you are saying has now to do with the f-holes vs. oval hole, than A vs. F... But I do think there is very much a difference in tone between an A and an F... From what I have heard in demos so far - most of the time I have liked the F better than the A when comparing them. However, this demo test was one of the exceptions. I actually like the A better than the F, in this case.
Marianne Rasmussen I'm more of a folk/Rock/Klesmer/Arabic style. I write my own songs. I would like to learn Celtic though. I love Classical....not much for bluegrass. My mandolin sounds really deep with the oval hole and F body style. Not bluegrassy at all :)
i may prefer an a style but oval wil allllways sound so much more beautiful than f holes to me. ugh. your mandolin actually sounds like a dream, especially with you saying you play klesmer and arabic jams. i would love to play filipino folk songs when i get my mandolin, and especially italian songs for my nono. enjoy your mandolin!
I've got an F style mandolin made for me by a friend. What no one tells you is how those scrolls really mess with the weight distribution, and the points stick into your legs if you sit and play!
Mandolinic That hasn't been my experience. another possibility is that your friend is a shit craftsman, doesn't work with mandolins. Or his own unique design is flawed in that way. You could also be handling it incorrectly. Try a Gibson or Washburn or loar, any mandolin made by a distinguished company and you will have (I'm sure) a good experience.
Possibly you're right - it was his first mandolin! Still, it is what it is. Where and how do YOU attach the straps for best support, sitting and standing?
It's just a little mandolin. It's not like your playing an upright bass on your lap. I attach the strap thru the scroll and the other end to the end pin. Never had any issue with F style or A style. Some people attach the strap to the head stock on A style mandolins.
popoaggie well I have an F and it's bugging the F out of my right leg lately since I had a blood clot after arthroscopic surgery...and that was in my left leg. hopefully it'll resolve..can't imagine playing the bass
Just wanted to point out that on the A model, most of the time, he is picking further down the neck. That is likely the biggest reason for a difference in sound.
This might sound kinda dumb, but do you have to plug these into an amp or do you just play em without anything?? Cause theres no hole in the middle like the accoustic for self amplification, so thats why I was wonderin :p
For a guitar/mandolin/upright bass I'd use an A. For a full blown bluegrass band the F has more punch and better bark. It would fit into a mix better. My 2c cnts.
Surprised to notice the A was bassier with less bark. Usually I've found my A style Mandos to be louder and more barks. Most Fs I've played seem dull, I always thot due to the florentine (extra wood). I'm finding that all this depends on the make and the mindset philosophy of the builder. I've played high dollar mandos that sound terrible and import pos that that sound great.
I have found the exact opposite as you... To me, I have found the extra wood on the F-style to make it sound warmer (in general) - and I tend to like the sound better. However, I actually prefer the sound of the A-style, in this particular case.
Could you elaborate a little more? I'm interested in getting a mandolin, but definitely more interested in playing more Celtic style music as opposed to blue-grass. But I was leaning more towards the F style (I'll be honest, because they look cooler). Are there more technical reasons the A is better than the F for Celtic-like music?
Jake C Steven is correct in terms of what you typically see. With that said, in my opinion, if you really like an F and don't mind what others think, get an F. Both styles of mando can play whatever type of music you like. Style A or F is (imho) a relatively small player in tone and I notice more difference in tone from material selection and features such as oval vs f holes or flat top vs carved. I will say that as far as tone and materials you can typically get much more for the dollar with an A. I have only A styles and so far I haven't gotten as much as a funny look for playing in bluegrass picking circles on my A style mandos.
It seems to me that, at least in this case, the A style is "sweeter", but you'd have to imagine the F style being more useful in ensemble settings with its more focused and punchy output.
What's the difference between a Weber A style mandolin vs a Weber F style mandolin ?..... About 2 or 3 grand...depending upon which models you choose...I'd much rather have an A style... Because you get the same sound quality of an F style without the unreal price tag....Just my humble opinion...
I like the sound the A style produces, but the F style is easier to handle with a shoulder strap, which goes on the scroll. On an A style, you have to tie it on the neck, which feels a little funny at first, but after a while you'll get used to it.
seems pretty subjective to me. both sounded nearly the same and any difference could likely be accounted for by slight differences in the individual pieces of wood used in their construction. the sound chambers are really pretty close when you account for the blocks in the points and scroll, though i've heard the weber bighorn has the largest sound chamber of the weber mandolins.
Nit-picky question: Why are the fret markers different on a mandolin than a guitar? Looks as if the 12th fret is still an octave but the 10th fret is marked instead of the 9th like on a guitar. Curious if anyone may know.
because the mandolin scales like a violin instead of a guitar. for instance, you tune on the guitar by matching the 5th fret to the open note of the next string, the mandolin tunes on the 7th. :).
Seems like a lot of mandolin knowledge going around in the comment section so I have a question. What can I do to a mandolin to increase sustain? Are there particular strings that will help? I have an A but it's a cheapy and the sustain is just awful, almost non existent when fretting past 5 or so.
Play different mandolins and buy the one with more sustain ;) . Generally speaking, one with an oval hole will have more sustain than one with F holes, like both of the instruments in the video have. However, this depends heavily on other factors as well.
cheapie mando`s cant sustain b/c top and back are made out of steamed and pressed junk instead of carved spruce/maple....a new set of phosphorous bronze strings and a "bone" nut can help a little bit.....maybe.....best thing is to stay away from cheap junk....
Don't be a snob.... The "cheap junk" as you call it is a more reasonable cost for someone just starting to play.. And I have heard a lot of laminate topped instruments lately that have an unbelievable sound.. I don't have a clue how they have improved the sound of the lower cost laminated topped instruments in the last several years but they have... I've also played a few instruments in the last few years that cost several hundred dollars that sound like crap... I'm sure I'm not alone on that one.....The name or cost doesn't make a nice mandolin...
c`mon buck.... i`m anything but a snob....i`m just being real....i had at least18 cheapo mando`s in about 25 years....they were not worth a shit.....so in the last 6 yrs i bought 4 used mando`s.....none costed more $400. ....except the loar....the other three are a epiphone, wasburn and a kentucky.....all 4 sound and play insuperablepoint i`m getting to is the 4 cost one hell of a lot less than the 18 firewood cheapos
Honestly as long as they both have f-holes it’s all down to appearance. Oval hole mandolins do sound markedly different but in this case two different Webber Gallatin mandolins could sound exactly the opposite of this. They all sound slightly different. Lucky you if you prefer the looks of an A-style because they are way less expensive for the same quality. Unfortunately my image of mandolin is from Bluegrasss so I much prefer the looks of the F-style. Lots of bluegrass guys playing A’s these days though. I actually love the look of an Oval hole F-style, but it just doesn’t sound right to me.
The internal air volume would not be different. Both are f hole mandolins. The scroll isn't hollow and neiher are the points. The difference we are hearing would be the difference any two mandolins would have. So, I agree with you.
Rawrley oh man, it's like a mixture of folk instruments and punk/diy topics and ethics, look up these bands: The Wild Ghost Mice Andrew Jackson Jihad Ramshackle Glory Rail Yard Ghosts Profane Sass
My grandpa used to play the F style Mandolin and was teaching me how to play before he got sick. I never learned how to play because soon after he died. I'm 33 now and have always wanted to learn how to play the Mandolin. Is it possible for a person of my age to be able to learn how to play an instrument? I would really love to learn how to play the Mandolin but I'm not sure if I can at my age.
Yes! definitley! Geez your acting like your about to be on your death bed lol. Your 33 not 63. I just started learning myself a year ago im 25. Ive gotten good enough to go out to a bluegrass jam and have fun. The biggest obstacle you have when learning at a later age is time. when your 12 years old, you can practice all day every day. after you get out of highschool time becomes more scarce. I still find time to play everyday though even as a single father
MrHistorymakers Yah thanks for responding. The funny thing is my Grandma told me my Granddad learned how to play at the age of 30, so I'm only 3 years older than what he was when he learned how to play the Mandolin. It's funny how that worked out. I've already learned the C, G, A, and F Chord so I think I'm doing pretty good for only playing for like a week. :)
Heck, I took up the mandolin at 50+ years! We'll never be able to play like someone who started at age 6 like Chris Thile, but you will be able to play well enough to enjoy playing.
How's it going fireheartis ? Have you made the plunge on an instrument and gotten some callouses on your fingers yet? I hope so, I started pickin on my Weber Gallo more as of late and am really liking it, play every day for half hour my friend, you'll pick it up in no time . Good Luck and keep pickin.
Adding a couple of blocks of wood to the sides of a mandolin do not make a big difference in sound. Most mandolins sound different from other mandolins, even two of the same make and model. Most bluegrass musicians feel more comfortable playing an F style because that's what Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass, played. All other things being equal, the only difference between an A and F style will be the price and appearance. At a given price, you will almost always get a better mandolin for your money if you choose an A style. If money is no object, go for what you like. Now there is a difference in sound between the round/oval hole mandolins and the f hole mandolins, but that's not the topic here.
Many top players have said that the best sounding mandolin that they ever played was the Gibson Lloyd Loar A5 that once (still?) belonged to Tut Taylor. In the sixties and seventies, almost all bluegrass players played (or lusted after) a Gibson F5. These days you'll see many different brands on bluegrass stages.
Just checked out their website. Both sound great, but with the Gallatin A priced at $1999 US and the Gallatin F priced at @2999 US, there is no way in hell that you could convince me that the F is $1000 better sounding than the A. Before checking out their website, I had already preferred the A anyways, and in my opinion, you're paying $1000 extra for some fancy scroll work.
It looks like the A had phosphor bronze strings and the F had 80/20 bronze. That makes a big difference. The phosphor bronze will always be warmer and the 80/20 will always be brighter.
I have 2 A style and 2 F styles mandolins. One is an Eastman 305 (A style) and the other is an Eastman 615 (F style). I have a Washburn 118 (F style) and an Stradolin (A style). The A style mandolins sound better, but the F style is what Bill Monroe played, and so they are more popular but more expensive to make. You you get more for your money with the A style. In this video, the Weber A style sounds more mellow.
These are just acoustic. Most mandolins are archtops with f-holes. Mandolins are also considered by many to be in the viol family, so it is similar to the violin in a lot of ways. The two f-holes allow the top to vibrate more than a round hole would. This helps increase volume in the tone. It does hurt the sustain though. You can find electric versions, but most mandolin players will use a condenser microphone to pick up the sound. Hope this helps clear things up some.
I do own both styles, F holes do project the sound out further sometimes so much that it is hard for the player to really hear the true sound. I know players who have to bounce the sound off a wall or something just to hear them selves. Of course the audience or people in front of the instrument get the best of it. Round hole has a "fatter" sound and is more localized to the player, you do get a little more natural re-verb and phase modulation with an oval hole. It's hard to get the "bluegrass bark" with a round hole, F holes cut through a little more clearly. I prefer round hole, the only negative I have found is they can get a little muddy sounding at times, as the tones can clobber each other. Just my opinion and experience, no basis in scientific fact here. But you knew I would warm to the subject.
Hair Splitting Musicians imagine they hear differences no one else would...I have a used A shape "O" Hole I paid $325 for 20 years ago at a used Guitar Shop that sounds just like these. I have played on the Street for 3 years and get compliments on Tone and Projection every day. You already don't make money as a Musician so buying more expensive Mandos to gain a barely perceptible difference in tone or projection is a Fools Errand that will cost you plenty.
Im not gonna lie(im in no way a music expert) but i cant hear the difference. im getting a cheap a style mandolin tomorrow as my first mandolin. i have been playing guitar for a few years now and i can only tell the sound difference between an electric and acoustic guitar. maybe as the years go on i will be able to hear the difference. thanks for the video anyways. i just love the sound of the mandolin in general.
There is no difference that's measurable between a and f style mandolins. That scroll is not hollow, they have the same size sound chamber. It's all only appearance Yes these two mandolins sound different, pick up two weber gallatin a style mandos and they will sound different as well
The relative sizes of sound-chambers should not be acriterion of musical value: the SHAPE of that chamber is critically importand: otherwise the masters of Italian violin construction woujld not have settled on the shape upon which they depended for 100's of years....
There is almost no difference in sound chamber size or tone or volume between F hole mandolins. The scroll contributes nothing sonically to the instrument. Know your facts please.
Sam Lyman I have never touched a mandolin in my life but after watching this video, how can you say there is no difference in sound? I feel like you don’t know your facts when they are right here for you. That, or you have hearing problems.
