Hi there:

I'm having a resonator octave mandolin built. The octave mandolin I currently play is 20 inch. I was advised to go with 23 inches, however, i want to play melody as well as accompaniment, and while i'd get used to 23, i'd rather be comfortable from the get go.

Any thoughts on these three scale lengths,

23 inches
21 and 3/4 inches
20.5 inches

pluses and minuses in regards to tone, for a guitar bodied resonator octave mandolin, wood body. think a tenor resonator guitar with a wood body except with 8 strings.

looking forward to hearing from you!