The look may be retro,  but the sound on this is a much more modern take on the traditional oval hole A-style mandolin.  For starters,  the full 14" scale length with suspended fingerboard extension gives this mandolin more power and a crisper overall tonality.  Don't get me wrong,  there is still plenty of evidence of that appealing full midrange chunk that a lot of us love about these instruments ... but there is an absence of any tubby-tonality that can sometimes impart a nasal quality.  These models are loud, with a satisfying warmth that doesn't overwhelm a nice crisp attack transient and a strong, clear treble register!