Has anybody analysed why the early Gibson A oval holes sound so mellow, compared to F style F holed mandolins more dominant but also more thrill sound?
Or is just a coincidence that some sound like that and others don't?
Has anybody analysed why the early Gibson A oval holes sound so mellow, compared to F style F holed mandolins more dominant but also more thrill sound?
Or is just a coincidence that some sound like that and others don't?
Last edited by poul hansen; May-15-2021 at 12:51pm.
Kentucky KM-805..........2 Hora M1086 Portuguese II(1 in car)
Hora M1088 Mandola.....
Richmond RMA-110..... .Noname Bearclaw
Pochette Franz Janisch...5 Pocket............Alfredo Privitera pocket
Puglisi Pocket 1908........Puglisi 1912.......Puglisi 1917
3 Mandolinetto ..............C.Garozzo
1 Mandriola...................Cannelo G. Mandriola...Böhm Waldzither 1921
Johs Møller 1945............Luigi Embergher Studio 1933
Marma Seashell back......Luigi Embergher 5bis 1909
If you read Dave Cohen's research work then you will get some clues. Basically the normal modes of vibration (i.e. how the thing vibrates) are at different frequencies. An F hole mandolin has the modes of vibration at higher frequencies. Why that is, is related to how the instruments are constructed, and the F hole vs Oval soundhole has a lot to do with it.
One good reference to start with -
David J. Cohen and Thomas D. Rossing, Mandolin Family Instruments. In - The Science of Stringed Instruments, edited by Thomas D. Rossing. Published by Springer.
Peter Coombe - mandolins, mandolas and guitars
http://www.petercoombe.com
Well, slightly heavy construction and a very shallow neck angle.
Those are factors mainly affecting the power and response of the instrument. But what really makes ovalholes and f-holes sound and act like different families of instruments certainly is the difference in top geometry and ensuing difference in top and airchamber frequency (among other things). I used to own a modern ovalhole, with the longer neck and high bridge placement of, say, an F5; it was also about 10% lighter than my Collings MF5, and it was immedlately recognizable as an ovalhole (and superior to the F2's and F4's that I've tried).
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