The Loar mandolins

[Wade Hampton]

Originally Posted by varmonter

Like said above the scroll costs
money. It does not add any discernable tonal
difference. They are solid blocks and are strictly ornamental. Desirable because
It's what "Bill" played.

Well, there’s a bit more to it than that, actually. While I agree that there’s not much discernible tonal difference with an F-5 body shape, what the extra weight of the solid chunk of mahogany inside the scroll does is increase the projection of the mandolin; F-5’s cut through the cacophony of a loud bluegrass band better than an A model mandolin will.

Personally, from a musical standpoint I prefer A models with oval soundholes over F-5’s any day. They’re just sweeter and more musical-sounding to my ears. But they don’t cut through the mix as powerfully as an F-5 will. Even A models with F holes don’t project as well as an F-5.

Hope that makes sense.


Wade Hampton Miller

[Br1ck]

Well, a scroll is a dandy place to hang a strap from. Probably one of the best looking instruments too. But I'm well into the disease and should not be trusted. I do enjoy my old teens Gibson though.