Mandolin Buying Guide A-Style vs F-Style
Mandolins come in two main body shapes, and the difference is smaller than the price tags suggest.
A-style
The A-style has a simple teardrop body. It is easier to build, so at any given price you get more instrument for the money: better wood and better workmanship.
F-style
The F-style has the carved scroll and points. It is the look most people picture when they think of bluegrass. The scroll takes a lot of hand work, which is why an F-style costs more than an A-style of the same quality.
Does the shape change the sound
Much less than the top does. What matters most is whether the top is solid and carved, and whether it has f-holes or an oval hole. F-holes give the punchy, cutting sound used in bluegrass. An oval hole is rounder and suits folk and Celtic music.
A sensible first mandolin
For a first mandolin, an all-solid A-style with f-holes is the usual advice. The Kentucky KM-150 is the one teachers recommend most often, and the Eastman MD305 is a step up.
Setup is half the instrument
A mandolin has eight strings under high tension on a short neck. If the bridge and nut are not fitted well, it is hard to fret and will not play in tune. Ours are set up by hand before they leave the shop.
See all of our mandolins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an A-style or F-style mandolin better for beginners?
An A-style gives you more instrument for the money because the simple body is easier to build.
Do F-style mandolins sound better?
The body shape changes the sound much less than the top does. A solid carved top matters more than the scroll.
Why are F-style mandolins more expensive?
The carved scroll and points take a lot of hand work.
