OCTAVE MANDOLIN- What do you suggest?

[Pacomax]

Now, i'm interested in trying an Octave Mandolin too. I got great advice here, that helped me end up with this great Mid-Mo M-4
What say ye about Octave Mandolins? Also, what are the differences in Octave mandolins, citerns, mandolas, and the other similar instruments?
I want something that plays with the same chord patterns as a mandolin. I'm not about to learn a whole new thing yet! Thanks, i'll be reading your suggestions!
I'd like to find a good quality O.M. for under $400.00 used.

[arbarnhart]

There is a forum further down - CBOM - that is all about this. Yes, same chord shapes, but they comein different sizes. Because the frets are further apart near the nut of a long neked OM, some chords that you use on the mando are a bit of a stretch on the OM. I have a similar itch, and my search is leading me toward a tenor guitar. They are 4 string instruments that can be tuned like mandolas or OMs.

[8ch(pl)]

You can look at Lark in the Morning's online catalogue. They have a $99 oneand several others.