Considering Octaves Mandolins....

**otterly2k** · Jul-06-2004, 10:12am

btw- the Stuart on 12fret.com is a bouzouki (long scale)... not a shorter scale instrument that I am looking for...

somebody should snatch it up, tho. It does seem like a mighty good deal.
KE

**Mandobar** · Jul-07-2004, 5:17am

otterly,

i thought you were buying that trillium? did the deal fall through?

**otterly2k** · Jul-07-2004, 9:30am

Re: the Trillium...I'm waiting to hear back from Mike. Apparently, I was 3rd in line to express interest. He said he is dealing with folks in order, so I'm waiting to hear if I will have the opportunity to buy the Trillium.

Meanwhile, I'm investigating other instruments in case it doesn't work out. I'm very interested in Lawrence Nyberg's instruments, and have had some nice correspondence with him. check out his website- beautiful instruments, both flattops and carved...MP3s of his instruments sound very good indeed.

Of course am also looking into Spira, Crump, Stuart, Darnton, Freshwater, Kennaquhair. The Sobells are just out of my league price-wise.

It is hard to compare without being able to play them. Aesthetically, I think the Trillium is my favorite, and clearly comes well recommended. But if that doesn't work out, I'm liking the idea of having an instrument made for me by one of these talented luthiers. My 40th b-day is coming up... I deserve to give myself something nice...

KE

**Mandobar** · Jul-07-2004, 4:04pm

the trillium at acoustic outfitters is still there last i looked.

www.aomusicshop.com

nice folks. i believe it is on consignment.

**otterly2k** · Jul-08-2004, 10:51am

Thanks Mandobar,
I checked it out. It's a 10 year-old instrument, and I'm waiting for some info from them re: condition. 10 years could mean AWESOME older-instrument tone (which I really like, as compared to bright and new) and/or could mean fret wear, neck issues, etc.

Most sellers of instruments of this level will let you evaluate and return if you want. Given what they're asking for the instrument, I might do just as well to commission a new one to my specs. Then I'd have the relatioship with the luthier and something perfect and new...

but of course, I'd lose the instant gratification factor...

oy, such choices!
KE

**Mandobar** · Jul-08-2004, 5:12pm

karen,

will kimble is selling a davy stuart octave mandolin! check the classifieds!

-m

**otterly2k** · Jul-11-2004, 8:08pm

thanks, mandobar, checking it out.

**Bob DeVellis** · Jul-13-2004, 8:44am

When I got my Trillium, the wait was less than 6 months -- not instant gratification, but lots less than most custom-ordered instruments. You might drop Bob a note to see how long the wait currently is.

**Jeffro** · Jul-14-2004, 4:11am

OK, I am back. I haven't pulled the trigger on anything yet. Haven't actually had the chance to play an instrument. Gonna have to travel far or just order one on approval, I guess. I have not had good luck w/custom-ordered instruments in the past (guitar), so for right now, I am not considering it. I do have a question though, sort of:
Can anyone give me their thoughts on F-holes vs. round sound-holes for these instruments? I have a friend who has a Flatiron mando (1980s round-hole, flat-top) that is very loud, and has sound characteristics quite different from my RA5, F-hole (much warmer to my ear). Will the differences be similar for OMs w/different sound holes? I am looking at a Weber Sage #2 vs. Weber Askabora (sp?) OM. The Sage 2 has a 23.5 in.scale/round sound-hole and the other is 22 in./w/F-holes. Is the round-hole better for Celtic stuff, as my friend believes is true for mandos? My wife has given me the OK to spend what I need to...within reason (reason being <2000, so I am kinda chompin' at the bit!

Thanks.

JR

**Jeffro** · Jul-19-2004, 6:25am

Well, I got to play 2 OMs over the weekend and was unimpressed w/either. The first was a Weber Sage #2. Intolerable scale length (23.5 in.)for me, though tuning to GDAD helped. Still, to tell ya the truth, I was expecting a more..."pleasing" tone. Not bad, just nothing special. Next I played a Trinity College OM. Sure, it didn't sound as good to my ear as the Weber, but the scale was at least playable...20 3/8". Guess I am gonna have to go the custom route or forget it, and take what comes in terms of sound. From the info I have gathered here I believe I am going to talk to someone at both kennequhair (sp?), and Mid-MO. At least they are both w/in a few hours driving distance from me.

JR

**Ken Sager** · Jul-19-2004, 4:27pm

I'm telling you, Flatiron is the way to go. If you want to spend a little more money here is what Bill Bussman can do for you... He just emailed these today. I should have it soon...

**Ken Sager** · Jul-19-2004, 4:28pm

Here's the back...

**jmkatcher** · Jul-19-2004, 5:01pm

That tortoise binding is especially nice...

**Ken Sager** · Jul-20-2004, 9:31am

I'm thinking the wood is especially nice. Bill strung it up before varnishing and played it in a message he left on my answering machine. It sounded big and warm (for an answering machine quality recording), and Bill said it's got a big complex tone.

Savoring the wait,
Ken

**nickdanger59** · Jul-22-2004, 10:12am

I Have Two of Nybergs instruments. The Quality is stellar. He is also a pleasure to work with and there is never a problem with follow up. I would highly recomend him.

**otterly2k** · Jul-22-2004, 2:11pm

For those following the saga...I now have Mike's Trillium in my care to try out for a week or so. At 22.5" scale, I'm going to have to decide if I really need a shorter scale, or if I'm willing to work at improving my stretch and strength.

But let me say of this instrument that it is elegant and beautifully made. The attention to detail is very clear. It has an induced arch top, which gives the tone very nice "body"... has a much less stringy sound than my Freshwater 'zouk... really blows it out of the water, tone-wise. The sustain is quite long, and the neck relatively narrow, the action is pretty light. I'm going to play a little bit with string gauges... will comment more as I get to know it better (it just arrived yesterday).

Meanwhile, Nick, I'd love to hear more about your Nybergs...you're the first person I've seen on the boards who knows/has a Nyberg...

KE

**steve V. johnson** · Jul-22-2004, 7:56pm

Originally Posted by (nickdanger59 @ July 22 2004, 11:12)

I Have Two of Nybergs instruments. The Quality is stellar. He is also a pleasure to work with and there is never a problem with follow up. I would highly recomend him.

[QUOTE]

Hey!! What are your Nybergs like? Carved tops?

Please tell us more?

Thanks,

steveV