Greetings-

I have casually played the mandolin for years, but recently thought I would devote some time to really learn it. I found a Fullerton Hammonton F-style mandolin for $189 (list $599) with a solid spruce top, carved scroll, solid maple back & sides that was made by Daewon of Korea. Anyway, here’s my question - the solid top is slightly curled at the bottom edge of the lower F-hole so that the “point” is raised a little higher than the other side of the f-hole. Is this any cause for concern? I love the mandolin - nice workmanship, nice tone, and after an hour of setting up, it plays great. I can return it for replacement, but I’m afraid that I may end up with one that has other issues. I just wanted to see if you think that this will be trouble down the line, or is it just me trying to over inspect the new purchase.

I’ve enclosed a stock photo of the mandolin to show the area I’m talking about.

Thanks for any advice.

I suspect that what you see is normal for a mando that, although it has a solid wood top, it is pressed vs. carved.  This and the top of the “F” curve being flat, not having a peak, are the clues of a pressed top.