IV F4 kit?

[Phil1580]

Does anyone know if International Violin still offers an F4 kit? It's never been on their website, but it is on the catalog despite the catalog being marked 2011-2012. I've never built anything so this probably won't be where I start, but I'd really like an F4 and this would be by far the cheapest route.

[Bill Snyder]

I looked at their site. They have the MK2 Mandolin Kit, F5 Flamed with no holes. I am pretty sure this is the only one they have ever offered up to be used as an F4. Since it has no f-holes cut you have the option of building it as an oval hole. Of course this would be what is commonly called a hybrid F4, meaning that it has an elevated fretboard and joins the body further down the neck like an F5.
Many modern builders that offer an F4 style instrument are actually using this configuration. The tonal characteristics are said to be somewhere between an F5 and the traditional F4's.