Mandolins From A to F
Today when you go to a music store specializing in stringed instruments, you will see a variety mandolins by different instrument makers. They may come in different wood finishes and colors, yet the styles have remained the same for many decades.
F-5 Master Model Mandolin
The two modern standards include the A Style and the F Style mandolins. These two styles can be credited to Orville Gibson, who as early as 1898, came up with different styles of mandolins from their predecessors. It is quite amazing, actually, that Mr. Gibson had the foresight to create styles for mandolins that are still in demand over 100 years later.
A Style Mandolin
Patent number 598,245, dated February 1898, diagrams the A style mandolin. Today, the A Style mandolin is quite popular and is the most affordable of the two styles. My original mandolin was an A style mandolin. It wasn’t a Gibson but it was a nice mandolin for a beginner to get started on. This mandolin sadly is hanging on my wall after accidentally falling from a shelf that at the time, I felt was a safe place for it to be stored. The lesson learned, a little too late, was to protect your instruments in a hard shell case whenever possible.
Today, I play an F-5L Fern Gibson mandolin. It is a beautiful instrument with a wonderful tone. The early vintage F Style mandolins are highly collectible and quite valuable. You will often see many professional mandolin players performing with the F Style mandolins.
Mandolin players have a common love of their instrument. If you are proud of playing your mandolin, I am certain that others would have an interest in hearing your comments and sharing their own stories of their favorite mandolin. Did you buy a mandolin recently? What style did you choose? Do you dream of one day having one of those vintage mandolins in your collection. Let us know!
I’ve had my F-5G Gibson a little over a month. I chose the F style simply because of “looks”. Love the shape! I don’t really dream of owning a vintage one….I’m so tickled with this one that I’m perfectly satisfied however this may change with time….who knows. With regards to keeping it in a safe case, I find that I practice a lot more when the mandolin is within my reach. If I had to open the case each time, I don’t think I would practice as much. However, I did invest in a good Hercules stand for it….hope this doesn’t end up teaching me a lesson.
My first mandolin was also an A-style. I found l just liked the look of an F-style. So right now I have an Eastman 515 and a Micheal Kelly Firefly. I am not too interested in a vintage mando as much as a custom made one. When my playing skills improve, I will order that custom made mandolin, and whoever sees it, will know it’s one of a kind!
I also keep both my mandos on stands in my office for easy reachability!
I appreciated this blog on mandolins. I recognized there were 2 different body shapes, but I didn’t know how they were classified. I’m with pinky, I like the detail that is put into the design. They really are works of art, and it is a shame to keep it in a case.
Pinky, I’ve seen the price tag on that instrument, I would keep it in a case for sure! Something stupid always seems to happen to an instrument. I used to keep my guitar (my old one, not the Martin!) on a guitar stand in the living room, cuz it looked cool, until my cats were going crazy chasing each other around and knocked it over. Luckily, no damage. They stay in their cases now! I’ll find an old beater to put on display! But don’t let that F-5 become a beater!
Great article! When I read a good book, I like to know the whole book…so I read the contents, the preface, the introduction, information about the writer, etc. ….everything before I start the book….and I feel that way about my mandolin….which I bought last November…every little bit of history is so cool…the knowledge adds depth to the whole experience of learning how to play
Thanks for the very informative article, I just read another blog that stated mandolins were at their height in popularity in 1908-09. Neat stuff.
I am in search of my first F style Mandolin, thanks for this article.
I have my first mandolin. It is a small A style from Big Muddy Mandolins in MO. I asked the builder about a pickguard and I am still undecided if I should have one or not. There are ways to attach one without it touching the body. It has been suggested I put some clear plastic on it. Has anyone done that? I think it might decrease the value of it.