Sound Comparison

[Picking Dick]

Do type F mandolins generally sound the same as type A? I know, of course, there are many different sounding mandolins. but can one usually tell the difference between the two.

[David L]

The scroll in modern mandolins is usually filled on the inside, so the sound is not really affected. F and A styles do sound generally the same. The shape of the soundhole (round vs. F) makes way more difference.

[Picking Dick]

Thanks, David, both of mine have round holes which I like best so far. However, I’m thinking of buying another mandolin, maybe an F type, but they seem kinda flimsy to me, and I don’t care for the looks of the ones with a hole.