This Octave Mandola model is mighty. It has loads of midrange clout and treble cut which is great for melody work in a session and it has a wonderful sustain and harmonic content for slow aires . It is exciting and to play and has the dynamics and headroom to deal with whatever you throw at it. There are several approaches to building Octave Mandolas taken by various makers and I find that my carved top with arched flat plate back design gives a good mix between sweetness and something that will cut through alongside other instruments. The carved back brings in that mellow bark synonymous with old Gibsons.
Please note that different tone wood combinations will affect the response and tonal characterisics of the instrument within the framework of my build style. I will of course always advise in this area.
Some of the more standard specs. For all options and prices see price list
- Scale 570mm
- Top Alpine/Sitka Spruce
- Back & Sides Indian Rosewood, Walnut for flat back and Maple for carved
- Neck Carbon fibre reinforced mahogany or Flamed Maple/Sycamore with sound hole adjustable truss rod
- Bindings Ebony, Indian Rosewood, Flamed Maple
- Rosette bound soundhole
- Bridge Ebony
- Fingerboard Bound Ebony 44mm nut
- Head Veneer Rosewood or ebony with mother of pearl logo inlay
- Tailpiece Ebony
- Nut and saddle Bone
- Machine Heads Gotoh wood button
- Finish Hand rubbed satin or (high gloss lacquer at extra cost).