I want to know the answer to the following question:
Which mandolin was preferred for formal performances and recordings?
All the background I'm provided with is that "Greatly preferred for formal performance and recording are flat-topped "Irish-style" mandolins (reminiscent of the WWI-era Martin Army-Navy mandolin) and carved (arch) top mandolins with oval soundholes, such as the Gibson A-style of the 1920s.". Is that enough to answer the question?