A vs F Style Mandolin: Complete Guide

When it comes to mandolins, two of the most popular styles are the A vs F style mandolin. While both have their roots in traditional European mandolin design, they have distinct differences in terms of their appearance, construction, and sound. The A-style mandolin is characterized by its simple teardrop-shaped body and oval sound hole, while the F-style mandolin features a more elaborate design with a distinctive scroll-shaped body and two f-shaped sound holes.

In this blog, we will explore the differences between these two styles of mandolin and help you choose the one that’s right for you.

Table of Contents

What is A-Style Mandolin?

An A-style mandolin is a type of mandolin that has a distinctive teardrop-shaped body, with a flat or slightly arched top and back. The A-style mandolin typically has an oval sound hole, two F-holes, and a long, thin neck with 12 frets extending beyond the body. It usually has eight strings, which are typically paired in courses of two, with the outer courses tuned to the same pitch and the inner courses tuned an octave apart.

The A-style mandolin is often used in bluegrass, folk, and country music, and is known for its bright, crisp sound and its ability to cut through in an ensemble setting. It is typically played with a plectrum, or pick, and can be used for both lead and rhythm playing.

What is F-Style Mnadolin?

The F-style mandolin is a type of mandolin that is known for its distinctive scroll-shaped body and two f-shaped sound holes. It was developed in the early 20th century by the Gibson company and quickly became popular among mandolin players for its improved volume and tone. The F-style mandolin typically has a longer neck and more frets than the A-style mandolin, and its body is more elaborate, with a carved scroll on the upper bout and sometimes a carved back as well. The F-style mandolin is often used in bluegrass, country, and other styles of music where a loud and powerful sound is desired and is typically played with a plectrum, or pick.

A vs F style Mandolin

History and Origin

The A-Style mandolin is the more traditional of the two main types of mandolin and has a body shape that is somewhat reminiscent of a teardrop. It is thought to have originated in Italy in the 18th century and was brought to the United States by immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The A-Style mandolin is typically played with a pick and has a brighter, more piercing sound than its counterpart, the F-Style mandolin.

The F-Style mandolin, on the other hand, is thought to have originated in America in the late 19th or early 20th century. It gets its name from its unique body shape, which resembles the letter “F” when viewed from above. The F-Style mandolin is typically played with the fingers and has a mellower sound than the A-Style.

So, there you have it – a brief history of the two most common types of mandolin. Whether you prefer the bright sound of the A-Style or the mellower sound of the F-Style, there’s no doubt that these instruments are capable of producing some beautiful music

Difference

Body Shape: The A-style mandolin has a simple teardrop-shaped body, while the F-style mandolin has a more elaborate, scroll-shaped body.
Sound Holes: The A-style mandolin typically has one oval-shaped sound hole, while the F-style mandolin has two f-shaped sound holes.
Neck: The F-style mandolin usually has a longer neck and more frets than the A-style mandolin.
Tone: The F-style mandolin is often considered to have a louder, more powerful sound than the A-style mandolin.
Appearance: The F-style mandolin is generally considered to be more ornate and decorative than the A-style mandolin.
Cost: The F-style mandolin is typically more expensive than the A-style mandolin, due to its more elaborate construction and decoration.

Overall, the choice between an A-style and an F-style mandolin often comes down to personal preference and the style of music you will be playing. The A-style mandolin is often favored by folk and traditional musicians, while the F-style mandolin is popular in bluegrass and other styles of music that require a louder, more powerful sound.

Similarities

Despite their differences, A vs F style mandolin also shares some similarities, including:

Tuning: Both A-style and F-style mandolins are typically tuned to the same pitch, with pairs of strings tuned to the same notes.
Playing Technique: Both types of the mandolin are played with a plectrum or pick and can be used for both lead and rhythm playing.
Construction: Both A-style and F-style mandolins are typically made of similar materials, such as spruce or maple for the top, back, and sides, and ebony for the fingerboard and bridge.
Versatility: Both A-style and F-style mandolins can be used in a variety of musical genres, including folk, country, and bluegrass.
Size: Both types of mandolins are generally of similar size and weight, making them easy to transport and play with.

Overall, while there are some key differences between A vs F-style mandolin, they are both versatile and popular instruments that can be used in a wide range of musical settings.

How to use A vs F style Mandolin?

To use an A vs F mandolin, follow these steps:

Hold the mandolin correctly: Sit in a comfortable position with the mandolin resting on your lap or held against your chest. Hold the neck of the mandolin with your left hand, and use your right hand to hold the pick.
Tune the mandolin: Make sure your mandolin is properly tuned before playing. The strings on an A-style mandolin are typically tuned G, D, A, and E, from low to high.
Position your hand on the pick: Hold the pick between your thumb and index finger, and position it so that it strikes the strings at an angle.
Start playing: Begin by playing simple melodies or chords, using a combination of upstrokes and downstrokes with the pick. Practice playing slowly and gradually increasing your speed as you become more comfortable.
Experiment with different techniques: Try using tremolo, which involves rapidly alternating between two notes, or playing arpeggios, which involves playing individual notes of a chord in succession.
Learn from others: Consider taking lessons from a mandolin teacher or watching instructional videos online to learn new techniques and improve your playing.

Remember that learning to play the mandolin takes time and practice, so be patient and persistent. With dedication and effort, you can master the A vs F style mandolin and enjoy playing a variety of musical genres.

Factors

When choosing between A-style and F-style mandolins, here are some factors to consider:

Sound:

A-style mandolins generally have a warmer and more rounded tone, while F-style mandolins have a brighter and more focused tone. Consider which tone you prefer and what style of music you will be playing.

Style:

F-style mandolins are more ornate and typically have a more decorative appearance with their scroll-shaped body and f-holes. A-style mandolins have a simpler, teardrop-shaped body and oval sound hole. Consider which style appeals to you more.

Cost:

F-style mandolins are typically more expensive than A-style mandolins due to their more intricate design and decoration. Consider your budget and how much you are willing to spend.

Playability:

Both A-style and F-style mandolins can be comfortable to play, but some players may find the scroll on the F-style mandolin to be uncomfortable or awkward to hold. Consider which design feels more comfortable and natural to play for you.

Purpose:

Consider why you want a mandolin and what you plan to do with it. If you are a beginner or just starting out, an A-style mandolin may be a more practical choice. If you are a professional musician or plan to use the mandolin for performances or recordings, an F-style mandolin may be a better fit.

Famous players and their preferences

Many famous mandolin players have their own preferences for A-style or F-style mandolins. Here are a few examples:

Chris Thile – Chris Thile, a Grammy-winning mandolin player, is known for playing an F-style mandolin. He has a signature model with the Gibson company.
David Grisman – David Grisman, another Grammy-winning mandolin player, is known for playing an oval-hole A-style mandolin. He has collaborated with many famous musicians, including Jerry Garcia.
Sam Bush – Sam Bush, a renowned bluegrass mandolin player, has played both A-style and F-style mandolins throughout his career. He is known for his high-energy performances and innovative playing style.
Doyle Lawson – Doyle Lawson, a bluegrass mandolin player and band leader, is known for playing an F-style mandolin. He has been a member of several prominent bluegrass bands over the years.
Mike Marshall – Mike Marshall, a versatile mandolin player who has collaborated with many different musicians and played many different styles of music, is known for playing both A-style and F-style mandolins.

Ultimately, the choice between A-style and F-style mandolins comes down to personal preference and the type of music you plan to play.

Care and Maintenance

Both A-style and F-style mandolins require regular care and maintenance to ensure that they sound their best and last for years to come. Here are some tips for caring for and maintaining each style:

A-style mandolins:

Keep the mandolin in its case when not in use to protect it from dust, humidity, and accidental damage.
Clean the mandolin after each use with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
Use a humidifier to maintain a consistent level of humidity, which can prevent cracking and warping of the wood.
Check the tuning pegs regularly to make sure they are tight and functioning properly.
Get the mandolin professionally set up and adjusted every year or so to ensure optimal playability.

F-style mandolins:

Use a soft cloth to clean the mandolin after each use, paying special attention to the intricate scrollwork and f-holes.
Polish the mandolin with a high-quality guitar polish to maintain its finish and protect it from scratches.
Use a humidifier to prevent the wood from cracking or warping due to changes in humidity.
Check the tuning pegs regularly to make sure they are tight and functioning properly.
Get the mandolin professionally set up and adjusted every year or so to ensure optimal playability.

In addition to these general tips, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for caring for your specific mandolin model. With proper care and maintenance, both A-style and F-style mandolins can last for many years and provide great enjoyment for their owners.

Tips and tricks

Here are some tips and tricks specific to A-style and F-style mandolins:

A-style mandolin:

A-style mandolins are often favored for playing folk and traditional music, as their warm and mellow tone is well-suited to these genres.
A-style mandolins typically have a wider fretboard than F-style mandolins, which can make them more comfortable for players with larger hands.
A-style mandolins with oval sound holes tend to have a slightly deeper, more resonant tone than those with F-holes.
A-style mandolins can be played with a pick or with fingers, allowing for a range of playing styles and techniques.

F-style mandolin:

F-style mandolins are often favored for playing bluegrass and other fast-paced styles of music, as their bright and focused tone cuts through the mix.
F-style mandolins typically have a narrower fretboard than A-style mandolins, which can make them more comfortable for players with smaller hands.
F-style mandolins with F-holes tend to have a brighter, more focused tone than those with oval sound holes.
F-style mandolins are often played with a pick, as this allows for greater speed and precision in playing.

Ultimately, the choice between A-style and F-style mandolins comes down to personal preference and the type of music you plan to play. Both styles have their own unique sound and feel, and both can be played with a range of techniques and styles. Experiment with different models and find the one that feels and sounds best for you.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between an A-style and an F-style mandolin?

A: The main difference between A-style and F-style mandolins is their shape and construction. A-style mandolins have a simple teardrop shape, while F-style mandolins have a more ornate design with a scroll on the upper bout. F-style mandolins also often have f-holes in the soundboard, while A-style mandolins may have either oval sound holes or f-holes.

Which style of mandolin is better for beginners?

A: Either style of mandolin can be a good choice for beginners. It’s more important to choose a mandolin that feels comfortable to play and has a good sound. That being said, A-style mandolins may be a better choice for beginners who are interested in playing folk and traditional music, while F-style mandolins may be better for those interested in playing bluegrass and other fast-paced styles.

Do A-style and F-style mandolins have different tones?

A: Yes, A-style and F-style mandolins have different tones. A-style mandolins tend to have a warm and mellow tone, while F-style mandolins have a brighter and more focused tone.

Are A-style or F-style mandolins more expensive?

A: The price of both A-style and F-style mandolins can vary greatly depending on the brand, model, and level of craftsmanship. Generally, F-style mandolins are more expensive than A-style mandolins due to their more ornate design and construction.

Q: Can I use the same strings on an A-style and an F-style mandolin?

A: Yes, you can use the same strings on both A-style and F-style mandolins as long as they are the appropriate gauge for the instrument. However, some players may prefer different types or brands of strings depending on their personal preferences

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between an A-style and an F-style mandolin ultimately comes down to personal preference and playing style. While A-style mandolins are typically more affordable and have a simpler, classic look, F-style mandolins offer a unique design and a slightly more complex tone. Both styles can produce beautiful music in the hands of a skilled player, so it’s important to try out both and see which one feels and sounds right for you. No matter which style you choose, a high-quality mandolin can bring joy and beauty to your music-making for years to come.