Mandolin Family Questions:

[rcoggin]

I love the mandolin, but my fingers are just too big for them. Still, I am looking at buying something from the mandolin family: A Cittern, a Bouzouki, a Mandocello, or something. My problem is: what to buy? I don't know the differences between the different varieties. I know that one has four courses in unison & one has four octave courses, but I don't know which has which. Can anyone break this down for me or give me a link to a good page w/this info? Thanks

[Plankspanker]

If you have large hands like myself you might be comfortable with a Mandola or Octave Mandolin for starters. A Mandocello might be intimidating. Try this link.

http://www.mandolincafe.com

[rcoggin]

Thank you! That site looks good.

[hank]

I have large hands and have no problem with the mandolin. It's all about "rolling" the fingers of the left hand in order to get proper attack.

Don't miss out on mando over the large hand issue, you'll miss a lot of fun. hank

[rcoggin]

http://www.carmelmusic.com/stocklist/scanned%20photos/Wood_trio.jpg

[Plankspanker]

I had the same trio of Randy Wood instruments; just sold my Mandocello to Paul Binkley with the Modern Mandolin Quartet a couple weeks ago. I've held on to my Gibson H5 Mandola tho.

[rcoggin]

Here's a pretty mandola. Never heard of Krishot, though. For $4.5K it aughta be good!
http://www.mandolincafe.com/classifieds/upload/7718.jpg

[rcoggin]

Another nice one (Weber)... & here's a Gibson F2 for $2.5K
http://www.soundtoearth.com/inst_ma_bridgerF1.JPGhttp://www.mandolincafe.com/classifieds/upload/7669.jpg
Any idea what tonal differences one might expect from a mandolin w/a round hole as opposed to f-holes?

[Lily]

Any idea what tonal differences one might expect from a mandolin w/a round hole as opposed to f-holes?
That's what I was wondering, too. I really don't know much about mandolins - except I love how they sound.

These ones looked nice when I was cruising the internet for photos - but I really don't know (Dart Instruments)...I guessed by the price tag of $5 - 6K that they can't be junk?!?! :wow

http://www.luthier.com/mandofamily.jpghttp://www.luthier.com/f_5mandolin.jpg

[hank]

Round hole mandos have a bell-like tone, sort of round and hollow in projection. F-hole mandos typically have more projection and punch.

When playing rhythm and lead in a bluegrass setting you want a punch to cut through the banjo. That's where, for me, that f-holed instruments get my vote. However, round holed mandos can be very nice in duet situations and Celtic-style presentations.

These are my thoughts only. Test drive to determine your own needs. hank