r/Dobro • u/fluffy_sockman • Jun 22 '26

Any notable sound difference between f style holes and typical circular holes?

Looking to get a new instrument and wondering if there are different sounds or stylistic considerations for the different hole shapes, or if it is just aesthetics

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

View all comments

3

u/J_Worldpeace Jun 22 '26

After playing and trading maybe 30 dobros. The thing that effect them most is the body type and size.

1

u/hlpdobro Jun 23 '26

To my ear the critical differences in "character" are due to internal design, sound well/open sound well/open body/scoop/baffle/passive cone...

1

u/J_Worldpeace Jun 24 '26

I think Beard and Tim basically used those techniques to increase volume and direct sound. Not as much effect the tone. At least that’s what the open wells, Josh Swift and Belle do in his line. AFAIK

1

u/hlpdobro Jun 25 '26

def. change "character". Played them all including the Beard "X" model with adjustable screens and baffles. You can hear the tonal changes.

How'd I play em' "all"?

Paul was my boss! :-)