phil, the ovals are all x-braced. i used to think there was no difference between the F and the A, but there is. mass, the inner cavity, whatever.......

i played several varnished oval hole collings mandolins this weekend. the one from Namm is superb. the oval hole mt2O impressed me to the point that i have to say varnish is the way to go. and yes, it does make that much of a difference.

i feel like Bobby Fisher poised to make my next move...........

I have an MT2V and the varnish is worth the pain/$$$$ but I think Iam gonna hold out for an MF50, blonde of course, with Varnish and the wide neck, which I think is standard for an Oval. I have always loved the Gibson F4's . Which brings me to another Mando Wish List from Bill and the Boys..... What about a 2-pointer? phil

Phil, Not to hijack or anything but if you really like a 2 point style you should check out the Mandos made by Ken Miller. He is in Tallahassee Fla, and he and his wife Virginia make some really nice guitars and Mandos.

His 2 point style is a little different, but I have played the two on his website and they aere REALLY nice mandos.

And at least the Aztec is "wide" nut. I think the other one is also but can't remember. I have been thinking about one myself, but with retiement and few $$ around it ain't gonna happen now.

version 1

version 2

Very, very nice!! I have in mind the symetrical "ole-style" 2 POINTER something more aka Jethro Burns . MaryMary this is not a retorical question, How do they sound? Knowing all along that if they were NOT Great you wouldn't allow them to follow you home. phil

if someone said "you can only have one mandolin"- it would be this one. hands down.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: marymary,

wow wee!!!! Coming from a lady with more than a few mando's....It has to be a Goodie!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Hey RickS, I just took a look at the Miller Mando!!! Very unique design. The work looks great! tHANKS,PHIL

Phil, Alex recommended a hard maple back on my MF. I love the slight shift to the midrange-bass side, easing up on the trebs a little. For my personal preference, it is right on and I think it would rock on an oval.

Tom, I had a new ( standard issue ) oval that I loved and played until my Englemann with hard maple arrived; Needless to say I sold the original and kept the Englemann. All of this was per Alex suggestion and IMHO it's the best combo period. phil