Octave mandolins on eBay ?

[kkmm]

I just found these two

http://http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-string-Guitar-Round-Back-octave-Mandolin-/120781254478?pt=Guitar&hash=item1c1f1faf4e

http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-string-Guitar-Round-Back-octave-Mandolin-New-/120787974590?pt=Guitar&hash=item1c1f8639be

They have the same look and design as Ovation mandolins. And they are the least expensive octave mandolins (search for "octave mandolins") on eBay today.

Anyone of you own or have tried one of these ? Your opinion please.

[EdHanrahan]

There have been discussions of these lately that you might be able to search on. Not highly regarded, as I recall.

As of now, only the 2nd link works, and that shows the nut w/4 pairs of strings but the bridge set for 8 equally-spaced strings. Yuck!

[allenhopkins]

Couple threads on the subject:

Thread #1 (http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?55699-Interesting-ovation-ish-mandocello-looking-ebay-auctions)

Thread #2 (http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?76893-Ovation-Mandocello-for-cheap-on-eBay&highlight=ovation+mandocello)

Consensus seems to be: not Ovations, but with names like "Maestro," pretty cr*ppy copies, you're taking a chance here.

[Eddie Sheehy]

Qrappe and Junque...