Re: Does style "bias" go in both directions?
Well, you tend to see more A-model, oval-hole mandolins at old-timey and Celtic jams, but F-models aren't unwelcome. David has a good comment; we mandolinists worry a lot more about getting the "right style" of mandolin than other musicians do -- more than we need to, IMHO.
Remember, the F-model vs. A-model discussion has very little to do with sound, playability, or quality; it's about appearance, and most of us would rather hear good playing on a Rogue A-model, than stumbling and bumbling on a Gibson F-5. There is a certain expectation that someone with an ornate, name-brand, expensive instrument is a more expert player than someone with a "beginner" model, but not necessarily. All it takes to own a $10K mandolin, is to have $10K in discretionary funds.
Get the mandolin that you like to play, regardless of make or model. If you like to play it, you'll play it more, and as you get familiar with the instrument, you'll learn what your mandolin preferences are -- in terms of repertoire, playing style, and (probably least important) appearance.
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
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