What to buy?

[dudlebug23]

Help! I love the sound of a bouzouki, and have thought about purchasing one. After looking in Elderly, I saw some Octave Mandos that are nice too. What is the difference? Is it just the length/scale of the neck? Does an octave go as low as a bouzouki, or does the bouzouki just have more upper frets due to the longer scale? I've heard someone say an octave is more of a melody/lead instrument, but why? I want to make an informed decision before taking the plunge. I love instruments...need more.... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[Lee]

I have a Flatiron 3MB and the sticker inside the instrument uses both names; so which is it? #I am frequently wrong but the bouzouki are usually longer scale than octave mandolin. Scroll down to the CBOM forum. #They'll set you straight.