Well, it's almost Christmastime, and it seems that I tend to buy myself new instruments around this time of year... Or at least it has been the tradition the last couple of years.
I started out as a guitar player, and was introduced to ITM by Zina. After a while, I found that I really wanted to play the tunes, as opposed to accompanying them. So two years ago, I bought myself a Trinity College Bouzouki, which I enjoy playing. Last year, I swallowed my pride, gave up on my prejudice against the sound of the banjo, and bought a Gold Tone Irish Tenor banjo. I love the playing both of these instruments, although as I get better at playing tunes, I am noticing that I have a hard time playing certain things on the 'zouk because of the reach.
So that got me thinking about getting a shorter scale CBOM type instrument. (I refuse to ruin pretty waltzes and such by playing them on a banjo). I am hoping to spend less than $500, and I've been looking at several of the standard teardrop Octaves out there. Trinity College, Johnson, Gold Tone, and Fender all make ones that are priced similarly. I like both of my Trinity College and Gold Tone instruments, but I'm currently leaning toward the Fender Octave Mandolin, because it has a built-in pickup, which could come in handy from time to time.
Unfortunately, none of the stores around here seem to carry these instruments. So far, I think I've been fairly lucky buying instruments without having played them first.
Does anyone have any recommendations or advice about any of these instruments - or others that might be in the price range?
I'm playing a 20 inch scale Johnson/Trinity college octave mando currently. It is nice but I wanted something better. Most small makers get at least $2000. Dave Freshwater makes his for around $1000. I've got one coming in a few weeks. I'll report then.
I've got a Petersen Level II which has extremely nice tone and is beautifully built to boot. A little over your budget, but not too much. Give it a thought, everybody really likes the sound and playability of mine.
Hi Pete - your choice might be influenced by scale length. Is there any difference in scale length among the brands you're considering? And consider how they compare to your banjo.
Yeah, I have seen that one, Will. It might be the choice for the Fender, since it comes with some extra goodies - and is the same price that everybody else charges for it.
I worry a bit about the depth of that instrument, it is only 1.85 inches deep, where the Trinity/Johnson ones are more like 3 inches. My guess is that the tone might not be as deep, etc.
And I can get a Trinity with a hard case for about that price (but no pickup).
Scott, I am not familiar with the Petersen models. I will give it a look. I'm guessing that it's probably a good idea to save up and buy a better instrument if I can contain myself. Although, I don't have much of a track record with being patient
Hi Pete,
I am not sure of the waiting list but I would seriously consider talking to Paddy Burgin in NZ. The NZ dollar is very attractive when you convert us dollars. It is worth the extra buck or two ! http://www.burginguitars.co.nz/
I bought mine a few years back now and it worked out the same price almost as the off the shelf stuff. Well worth looking in to ! Here is mine by the way, and it is the best sound around for the dollar ! http://www.chinatogalway.com/Toys%20Shanghai%20Bouzouki.htm
KS
Pete,
I have a Mid Missouri standard size mandolin and love it for ITM. I have played the "Mid-Mo" Octave and have been equally impressed. Depending on the budget at the time, I will be purchasing either the Mid-Mo or a Weber when I make my Octave purchase.
IMHO it would be worth the extra jingle to spring for a Mid-Mo, which (if you must) can be configured with a pick-up.
Their Web Site is http://www.midmomandolin.com
Ralph
I have the mid-mo M-3 mandolin. It's a great sounding mando. Don't believe the prices on their site. I bought mine in a shop for about $200 less than they list.
KS - that Shanghai is one nice looking bouzouki. How's it play?
I have been looking into an OM for a while but have pretty much decided to forget about string instruments for a while just because I don't feel like playing them that much. There is a maker I heard of threough Mandolin Cafe who will make you a custom made OM for around $700 for the extra $250 or wahtever you get a quality hand made instrumetn here is a link http://mywebpage.netscape.com/kawalekd/homepage/kitpage.htm
Robbie B,
the Shanghai Bouzouki plays beautiful ! I played Fylde for years but this thing cream the lot, and it was conciderably cheaper too.
It has a hard wood top and the tone is very very impressive. I will try to get some sound clips up soon. I have been playing bouzouki's and mandolin's for more 10 years now and this is by far the best thing I have played to date !Can't sing his praises high enough.
Regarding the Fender OM, the picture in the link above looks suspiciuosly like a Trinity College OM, which is make by Saga sold sold under different names by various resellers. There's a minor difference in the headstock, and the bridge is different; understandable because of the onboard pickup. Otherwise, it's indistinquishable from my TCOM, and the scale length is the same. Could Fender be buying these from Saga and rebadging them?
That said, if the body depth listed is correct, then Saga has customised the instrument for Fender (if it *is* a Saga). Without hearing it first, I'd be concerned about the loudness of the instrument due to that narrow depth. The width at the nut is also a concern you should be aware of. My TCOM neck is 1 1/4" at the nut. My David Freshwater Octave Mandolin is 1 7/16" and is easier to play because of that extra 3/16". The Fender is only 1 1/8" wide at the nut. You fingers could get very cramped with that narrow of a neck. Again, if possible, try before you buy.
Many octave mandolins, particularly in the US, have a scale length of 23" or more. The TCOM is about 20 1/2" and my Freshwater is 21 1/8". (Technically, my Freshwater is an Octave Mandola; his Octave Mandolin has a longer scale length.) I find this to be perfect for melody playing. The 23" models require a bit more of a stretch than I like.
As far a pickups go, I installed a B-Band under-saddle pickup in my TCOM. It required a new bridge, but total cost for the bridge, pickup and preamp was about $125. The B-Band sounds incredible and at some point I plan to swap the pickup that came in my Freshwater for one.
I'd avoid the Johnsons. I've heard that their quality can be eratic. Also, a friend that had one of their bouzoukis ended up returning it to the factory for that reason.
I'd highly reccommend the Morgan Monroe octave mandolin over the Trinity College. Around $100 more expensive, for an instrument that's just about twice as good! Check it out at folkofthewood.com along with other octave mandolins.
Be careful who you buy from: I received mu octave mandola 12 months late with cheap maple fretboard rather than the ebony which was advertised. I was informed that it had to transported in a hard shell case because insurance company would not cover the instrument against damages. My Octave mandola arrived in a cardboard box packed with news papers to protect it. I was lucky as it was a mid priced instrument and music is a hobby.
NB: Maple isn't as durable as ebony or rosewood when using the round-wound strings.. Flat wound strings are mostly used with maple fingerboad electric guitars.......Fender, for example.
Which Octave Mandolin?
Which Octave Mandolin?
Well, it's almost Christmastime, and it seems that I tend to buy myself new instruments around this time of year... Or at least it has been the tradition the last couple of years.
I started out as a guitar player, and was introduced to ITM by Zina. After a while, I found that I really wanted to play the tunes, as opposed to accompanying them. So two years ago, I bought myself a Trinity College Bouzouki, which I enjoy playing. Last year, I swallowed my pride, gave up on my prejudice against the sound of the banjo, and bought a Gold Tone Irish Tenor banjo. I love the playing both of these instruments, although as I get better at playing tunes, I am noticing that I have a hard time playing certain things on the 'zouk because of the reach.
So that got me thinking about getting a shorter scale CBOM type instrument. (I refuse to ruin pretty waltzes and such by playing them on a banjo). I am hoping to spend less than $500, and I've been looking at several of the standard teardrop Octaves out there. Trinity College, Johnson, Gold Tone, and Fender all make ones that are priced similarly. I like both of my Trinity College and Gold Tone instruments, but I'm currently leaning toward the Fender Octave Mandolin, because it has a built-in pickup, which could come in handy from time to time.
Unfortunately, none of the stores around here seem to carry these instruments. So far, I think I've been fairly lucky buying instruments without having played them first.
Does anyone have any recommendations or advice about any of these instruments - or others that might be in the price range?
Thanks!
Pete
# Posted on November 29th 2004 by Reverend
Re: Which Octave Mandolin?
I'm playing a 20 inch scale Johnson/Trinity college octave mando currently. It is nice but I wanted something better. Most small makers get at least $2000. Dave Freshwater makes his for around $1000. I've got one coming in a few weeks. I'll report then.
# Posted on November 29th 2004 by Carrmuse
Re: Which Octave Mandolin?
I've got a Petersen Level II which has extremely nice tone and is beautifully built to boot. A little over your budget, but not too much. Give it a thought, everybody really likes the sound and playability of mine.
# Posted on November 29th 2004 by ScottC
Re: Which Octave Mandolin?
Hi Pete - your choice might be influenced by scale length. Is there any difference in scale length among the brands you're considering? And consider how they compare to your banjo.
The Fender's not a bad looking mando. Decent price here: http://www.musiciansbuy.com/Fender_Octave_Mandolin_with_free_items_0956602-021KIT.html
# Posted on November 29th 2004 by Will Harmon
Re: Which Octave Mandolin?
Yeah, I have seen that one, Will. It might be the choice for the Fender, since it comes with some extra goodies - and is the same price that everybody else charges for it.
I worry a bit about the depth of that instrument, it is only 1.85 inches deep, where the Trinity/Johnson ones are more like 3 inches. My guess is that the tone might not be as deep, etc.
And I can get a Trinity with a hard case for about that price (but no pickup).
Scott, I am not familiar with the Petersen models. I will give it a look. I'm guessing that it's probably a good idea to save up and buy a better instrument if I can contain myself. Although, I don't have much of a track record with being patient
Pete
# Posted on November 29th 2004 by Reverend
Re: Which Octave Mandolin?
Or you could save your money, while mastering banjo, and get on the Sobell waiting list....
# Posted on November 29th 2004 by Will Harmon
Re: Which Octave Mandolin?
Hi Pete,
I am not sure of the waiting list but I would seriously consider talking to Paddy Burgin in NZ. The NZ dollar is very attractive when you convert us dollars. It is worth the extra buck or two !
http://www.burginguitars.co.nz/
I bought mine a few years back now and it worked out the same price almost as the off the shelf stuff. Well worth looking in to ! Here is mine by the way, and it is the best sound around for the dollar !
http://www.chinatogalway.com/Toys%20Shanghai%20Bouzouki.htm
KS
# Posted on November 29th 2004 by KS
Re: Which Octave Mandolin?
Two locals play Paul Shippey (Bristol, UK) instruments - mandolins and octave mandolas - and adore them.
# Posted on November 29th 2004 by geoffwright
Re: Which Octave Mandolin?
Pete,
I have a Mid Missouri standard size mandolin and love it for ITM. I have played the "Mid-Mo" Octave and have been equally impressed. Depending on the budget at the time, I will be purchasing either the Mid-Mo or a Weber when I make my Octave purchase.
IMHO it would be worth the extra jingle to spring for a Mid-Mo, which (if you must) can be configured with a pick-up.
Their Web Site is http://www.midmomandolin.com
Ralph
# Posted on November 29th 2004 by ralpheym
Re: Which Octave Mandolin?
I have the mid-mo M-3 mandolin. It's a great sounding mando. Don't believe the prices on their site. I bought mine in a shop for about $200 less than they list.
KS - that Shanghai is one nice looking bouzouki. How's it play?
# Posted on November 29th 2004 by Robby B.
Re: Which Octave Mandolin?
Oh god, you lot, stop encouraging him!
# Posted on November 29th 2004 by Zina Lee
Re: Which Octave Mandolin?
Hah, you hush over there, Zina... This is all good stuff to ponder
Thanks all!
Pete
# Posted on November 29th 2004 by Reverend
Re: Which Octave Mandolin?
Yeah? When do I get that new fiddle? ;)
# Posted on November 29th 2004 by Zina Lee
Re: Which Octave Mandolin?
I have been looking into an OM for a while but have pretty much decided to forget about string instruments for a while just because I don't feel like playing them that much. There is a maker I heard of threough Mandolin Cafe who will make you a custom made OM for around $700 for the extra $250 or wahtever you get a quality hand made instrumetn here is a link http://mywebpage.netscape.com/kawalekd/homepage/kitpage.htm
# Posted on November 29th 2004 by Why Bother?
Re: Which Octave Mandolin?
You might want to head over to the discussion boards at The Mandolin Cafe: http://www.mandolincafe.com/. Lots of good info there.
Jordan
# Posted on November 30th 2004 by jfsmith
Re: Which Octave Mandolin?
Robbie B,
the Shanghai Bouzouki plays beautiful ! I played Fylde for years but this thing cream the lot, and it was conciderably cheaper too.
It has a hard wood top and the tone is very very impressive. I will try to get some sound clips up soon. I have been playing bouzouki's and mandolin's for more 10 years now and this is by far the best thing I have played to date !Can't sing his praises high enough.
KS
# Posted on November 30th 2004 by KS
Re: Which Octave Mandolin?
Regarding the Fender OM, the picture in the link above looks suspiciuosly like a Trinity College OM, which is make by Saga sold sold under different names by various resellers. There's a minor difference in the headstock, and the bridge is different; understandable because of the onboard pickup. Otherwise, it's indistinquishable from my TCOM, and the scale length is the same. Could Fender be buying these from Saga and rebadging them?
That said, if the body depth listed is correct, then Saga has customised the instrument for Fender (if it *is* a Saga). Without hearing it first, I'd be concerned about the loudness of the instrument due to that narrow depth. The width at the nut is also a concern you should be aware of. My TCOM neck is 1 1/4" at the nut. My David Freshwater Octave Mandolin is 1 7/16" and is easier to play because of that extra 3/16". The Fender is only 1 1/8" wide at the nut. You fingers could get very cramped with that narrow of a neck. Again, if possible, try before you buy.
Many octave mandolins, particularly in the US, have a scale length of 23" or more. The TCOM is about 20 1/2" and my Freshwater is 21 1/8". (Technically, my Freshwater is an Octave Mandola; his Octave Mandolin has a longer scale length.) I find this to be perfect for melody playing. The 23" models require a bit more of a stretch than I like.
As far a pickups go, I installed a B-Band under-saddle pickup in my TCOM. It required a new bridge, but total cost for the bridge, pickup and preamp was about $125. The B-Band sounds incredible and at some point I plan to swap the pickup that came in my Freshwater for one.
I'd avoid the Johnsons. I've heard that their quality can be eratic. Also, a friend that had one of their bouzoukis ended up returning it to the factory for that reason.
Good luck,
Mick
# Posted on December 2nd 2004 by Craymcla
Re: Which Octave Mandolin?
I'd highly reccommend the Morgan Monroe octave mandolin over the Trinity College. Around $100 more expensive, for an instrument that's just about twice as good! Check it out at folkofthewood.com along with other octave mandolins.
# Posted on December 3rd 2004 by sifudave54
Re: Which Octave Mandolin?
Try this web site. www.moonguitars.co.uk
I've bought a mandolin and an OM from them. I couldn't be more pleased.
# Posted on December 3rd 2004 by lukegarry
Re: Which Octave Mandolin?
Be careful who you buy from: I received mu octave mandola 12 months late with cheap maple fretboard rather than the ebony which was advertised. I was informed that it had to transported in a hard shell case because insurance company would not cover the instrument against damages. My Octave mandola arrived in a cardboard box packed with news papers to protect it. I was lucky as it was a mid priced instrument and music is a hobby.
NB: Maple isn't as durable as ebony or rosewood when using the round-wound strings.. Flat wound strings are mostly used with maple fingerboad electric guitars.......Fender, for example.
# Posted on January 31st 2010 by O'Riabhaigh