Played a Joe Foley mandolin today with the circular hole in front, then played a Brian Lofthouse "F" hole type which seemed a good bit louder. Which one is the best to go for. What is the difference between the circular hole type and the "F" hole type.
The difference between a sound hole and F holes is that one is round, and the other is sort of 'F' shaped.
More seriously, there are differences in the internal bracing too, but it's nothing to worry about. Just go for the sound you like.
As a very, very sweeping generalisation, F holes tend to give bigger attack with less sustain, round holes tend to be quieter but with more sustain and more top end, which cuts through better. But there are many other variables that can negate that generalisation.
Still talking in sweeping generalisations, people who play us the mandolin as a melody instrument tend to gravitate towards round holes, those who strum chords tend to gravitate towards F holes.
I have both types, and I believe it to be the case that a top quality f-hole is louder, with more "attack" and carrying power and is also really good for pointing at a mic. The notes might tend to die away more quickly. When you think about it, the instrument is stuctured for lower notes to come out the top hole and treble notes out the bottom one like a fiddle (I'm not claiming to be describing this with much technical accuracy so shoot me down in flames if you like). Obviously it doesn't have a sound post, but the bracing is made to bring out the best of the instrument and the top should be tap-tuned by the luthier to get the ultimate response. A round-holed type could have more sustain and sound beautiful, but might not be best suited when there's a lot of competition from other instruments and background noise. There are very desirable examples of both types.
I was talking to a guitar tech over the weekend and he said that most people record with A style but play live with F style simply because it looks more impressive.
I don't think the curly scroll contributes to the acoustics - it's just an expensive strap-hanger, and Gibson just cuts that bit off the blanks when they make the A-style. So buy an A-style, and save money (however, Bluegrass players do warn about the inevitable onset of "scroll-envy"!)
Joe Foley versus Brian Lofthouse mandolin.
Joe Foley versus Brian Lofthouse mandolin.
Played a Joe Foley mandolin today with the circular hole in front, then played a Brian Lofthouse "F" hole type which seemed a good bit louder. Which one is the best to go for. What is the difference between the circular hole type and the "F" hole type.
# Posted on May 14th 2011 by jim.defish
Re: Joe Foley versus Brian Lofthouse mandolin.
The one to go for is the one you like.
The difference between a sound hole and F holes is that one is round, and the other is sort of 'F' shaped.
More seriously, there are differences in the internal bracing too, but it's nothing to worry about. Just go for the sound you like.
As a very, very sweeping generalisation, F holes tend to give bigger attack with less sustain, round holes tend to be quieter but with more sustain and more top end, which cuts through better. But there are many other variables that can negate that generalisation.
Still talking in sweeping generalisations, people who play us the mandolin as a melody instrument tend to gravitate towards round holes, those who strum chords tend to gravitate towards F holes.
# Posted on May 14th 2011 by skreech
Re: Joe Foley versus Brian Lofthouse mandolin.
Further generalisation.......
"F" mandolins are usually favoured more by bluegrass etc players while "round holes"A models etc are more common in trad Irish and Scottish music.
The latter usually have a more mellow sound too.
# Posted on May 14th 2011 by Johnny Jay
Re: Joe Foley versus Brian Lofthouse mandolin.
I have a Joe Foley and the only criticism i can say is that it could be slightly louder-other than that it's great
# Posted on May 14th 2011 by Celtic1234
Re: Joe Foley versus Brian Lofthouse mandolin.
I have both types, and I believe it to be the case that a top quality f-hole is louder, with more "attack" and carrying power and is also really good for pointing at a mic. The notes might tend to die away more quickly. When you think about it, the instrument is stuctured for lower notes to come out the top hole and treble notes out the bottom one like a fiddle (I'm not claiming to be describing this with much technical accuracy so shoot me down in flames if you like). Obviously it doesn't have a sound post, but the bracing is made to bring out the best of the instrument and the top should be tap-tuned by the luthier to get the ultimate response. A round-holed type could have more sustain and sound beautiful, but might not be best suited when there's a lot of competition from other instruments and background noise. There are very desirable examples of both types.
# Posted on May 15th 2011 by RichardB
Re: Joe Foley versus Brian Lofthouse mandolin.
I was talking to a guitar tech over the weekend and he said that most people record with A style but play live with F style simply because it looks more impressive.
# Posted on May 16th 2011 by MorganYYZ
Re: Joe Foley versus Brian Lofthouse mandolin.
I don't think the curly scroll contributes to the acoustics - it's just an expensive strap-hanger, and Gibson just cuts that bit off the blanks when they make the A-style. So buy an A-style, and save money (however, Bluegrass players do warn about the inevitable onset of "scroll-envy"!)
# Posted on May 19th 2011 by RichardB