Oval Hole Resale

[Gary Chastine]

Hi Folks,
My question is are the oval hole mandolins hard to sell? Any experience trying? I'm looking to move up from my starter instrument (budget is $2500-$5500) and seem to like the oval hole sound best (I know not great for Bluegrass and that's OK.) Settling in on Collins MTO (used ~$2200), MF-O (used ~3600) or Weber Yellowstone A-O (used ~$3200).
Since I'm pretty new at this I'd like the flexibility to trade off down the road. I'll probably end up with a nice f-hole too, so if I end up stuck with the oval that's probably OK...just want to know what to expect.
Thanks!
Gary C. in Kentucky

[Paul Busman]

If an oval hole is what you like the sound of, I'd say go for that without regard to the resale value. There are lots of other people out there who prefer them too, and if you ever decide to get rid of it, a decent oval hole should sell pretty easily.

[UsuallyPickin]

Hmmmm …. with that budget I recommend you play some Gibson A models from the 1920's with the snakehead shaped headstock before you make your final decision. Ultimately as a mandolinist you will want to include both F and oval hole instruments in your stable. From Kentucky a day trip to Nashville to play as many different oval hole instruments as you are able will be both an education and a treat …. that is if you already have not done that. While it is true that oval hole mandolins are not as prevalent as F hole mandolins a quality instrument will usually find a buyer with patience. R/

[CES]

Agree. Can’t imagine you’d have trouble reselling any of the mandolins you mention. That budget may get you into a used Kimble A style oval, and any number of other independent luthiers, for that matter. Of course, the three you listed are awesome mandolins, just throwing other options out there.

[Gary Chastine]

Thanks for the reply. Yes I did the Nashville trip last week and that helped settle the f vs oval whole question. Not many ovals to try even there but liked the few they had. Ruled out the Gibsons not for sound but asthma concerns with old wood, plus one radiused fingerboard.
So sounds like I would be able to sell it just may take longer.
Thanks again!

[yankees1]

Within that budget I would definitely take a look at a Girouard oval ! Wonderful sound and impeccable workmanship !

[Gary Chastine]

Thanks for tip on Girouard...didnt' know about them. No ovals for sale in U.S. that I can find though. Will add it to my radar screen.

[Doug Brock]

Ruled out the Gibsons not for sound but asthma concerns with old wood...

Is that a real issue? Is there a real issue with asthma and old wood in mandolins?

[Bob Buckingham]

Is that a real issue? Is there a real issue with asthma and old wood in mandolins?

Yes there is. For me not so much mandolins but vintage guitars have a profound effect on me, runny nose, water eyes and an overall uncomfortable feeling. I don't have asthma but do have a reaction to the mold/mildew in old guitars.

[pops1]

I think you'll find that in a few old instruments, my daughter reacts to mold and mildew in very minor amounts, but has never reacted to my '22 Gibson mandolin. If it was played it is most likely OK.

[Marty Jacobson]

Yes there is. For me not so much mandolins but vintage guitars have a profound effect on me, runny nose, water eyes and an overall uncomfortable feeling. I don't have asthma but do have a reaction to the mold/mildew in old guitars.

Do you always keep your instruments in their cases? I am wondering if you're reacting to old offgassing from formaldehyde, etc used in the glues of the old cases. Might be worth keeping one out of its case for a few weeks to see if it still causes you issues.

[Joseph Baker]

Mr Busman hit the nail on the head in post # 2.
Buy a mandolin to play it.
Get the mandolin that you like and will enjoy.

"a decent oval hole should sell pretty easily."
Indeed. Many people, such as myself, prefer an oval hole mandolin.

Joseph Baker

[Randi Gormley]

when it comes to resale, I like to think that if it appealed to one person, it'll appeal to other people. A lot of people look for ovals -- if not as a primary instrument, than as a secondary. And then it becomes about price, luthier and sound (not necessarily in that order). So if you want an oval, don't worry about it being a drag on the market.

[Br1ck]

If an oval is what I wanted I'd buy one. If you walk into a large retailer like Carter's, Elderly, or Gryphon, you will find f holes to outnumber ovals 3 to 1 or so. So that would indicate to me the overall preferences of buyers.

That still leaves a bunch of oval hole fans. But playing something you don't like as much because of a maybe harder resale path is far more odious.

[Gary Chastine]

Thanks to all you great folks! Quick, helpful replies that gave me confidence to go ahead and pull the trigger on the used Collings MF oval. Shipping out today!

[pheffernan]

My question is are the oval hole mandolins hard to sell? Any experience trying? I'm looking to move up from my starter instrument (budget is $2500-$5500) and seem to like the oval hole sound best (I know not great for Bluegrass and that's OK.)

I have had no problem buying into and selling out of oval hole mandolins. My advice would be to buy used so that you don’t lose out on the depreciation. If you’re serious about the top end of your budget, you could do worse than this one!

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/136720#136720

[Gary Chastine]

Regarding the asthma and old mandolin question, I can't say for certain if an old mandolin would trigger an asthma attack, but I don't want to risk it. Many of the old Gibsons I played had the musty smell that usually indicates mold. It could be in the wood or may just be the label. Asthma patients are super sensitive to this.

[Gary Chastine]

I have had no problem buying into and selling out of oval hole mandolins. My advice would be to buy used so that you don’t lose out on the depreciation. If you’re serious about the top end of your budget, you could do worse than this one!

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/136720#136720

Thanks for that reference...missed that one. I know Ellis's have a great reputation...I did play an f-hole Ellis "A" at Carter last week but haven't played an oval. They did have a Collings MT oval and MF5 oval and I liked those, so the used MF oval that came up was in the comfort zone. Wonder if the Ellis could be much better...guess I could order it on trial just risking a little $ on shipping and find out.

[pheffernan]

Thanks for that reference...missed that one. I know Ellis's have a great reputation...I did play an f-hole Ellis "A" at Carter last week but haven't played an oval. They did have a Collings MT oval and MF5 oval and I liked those, so the used MF oval that came up was in the comfort zone. Wonder if the Ellis could be much better...guess I could order it on trial just risking a little $ on shipping and find out.

My take is that Collings MT’s are more parallel to the Pava line. I would expect the Ellis to be better.

[Bob Clark]

I have had and easily sold two oval hole mandolins. Both were good instruments (one really very good) and both sold very quickly. I wouldn't hesitate out of concern for the ability to resell.

As for the mold issue, I had a 1918 grand piano that ended up being a terrible trigger for my wife's asthma. She was much better once it was gone. Replaced it with a new one (the piano, that is). No problems at all after that.

[Gary Chastine]

I have had and easily sold two oval hole mandolins. Both were good instruments (one really very good) and both sold very quickly. I wouldn't hesitate out of concern for the ability to resell.

As for the mold issue, I had a 1918 grand piano that ended up being a terrible trigger for my wife's asthma. She was much better once it was gone. Replaced it with a new one (the piano, that is). No problems at all after that.

Thanks, Bob for sharing your buy/sell experience...that's reassuring so will proceed without worrying about it.
Regarding the old pianos - yes they are giant mold farms. Full of mold-harboring felt throughout the action and under the keyboard. I rebuilt a half dozen of those when I was young.

[LadysSolo]

My take is that Collings MT’s are more parallel to the Pava line. I would expect the Ellis to be better.

I've never played an Ellis, but my Collings MT and my Pava are definitely equal in quality and playability. I enjoy both equally! And I love my Weber Bitterroot oval hole also. I am a happy mandolinist .

[seankeegan]

I've an Ellis A4 special and can attest to them being fantastic instruments. I bought mine second hand in TAMCO, and had to get a small bank loan to buy it, so again can attest to ovals holding their value!

I also own a Girouard oval, which is a superb instrument as well.

[BoxCarJoe]

Is that a real issue? Is there a real issue with asthma and old wood in mandolins?

Anything old and organic gets me sick.
I'm guessing mold.
Antique stores and comic book conventions get me every time.

[Dave Kirkpatrick]

I recently took delivery of a new Girouard oval hole and couldn't be more pleased with its sound. I have no doubt that if I ever wanted to sell it (a doubtful proposition) it would move very quickly.