Hi from Devon, England Every time I look on this site, which I found this month (Feb 2010) And there's other nutters who play Octaves. I play a bit of Irish with "Off the Square around Devon, which helps to keep me sane (stuck in the office at present) I started following a thead on carved mandolins as I'm plotting to start a pair of OMs in the H/K style and A style. seeing as you guys play, how would they be received?
Hi, Devonmandoman, Welcome to the group from another member on the near side of the Atlantic though a lot higher up the page! When you say you are hoping to start a pair of octaves, are you a builder? I'd be interested in keeping up with your progress if this is the case. I build flat-topped mandos and octaves, though at present I am making a travel guitar as a break from mandos. All the members here play various instruments and all are very friendly on this and the other social groups. As such, your instruments will generate a fair amount of interest, I am sure. Keep us informed.
Hi John Yes I am a builder, but mostly in the construction industry! For my sins I am a full-time building estimator, but have been making stringed things spare time for the last 15+ years. I play in an Irish style band based around the Exmouth-Exeter area, and a friend recently asked me to make him an octave mando to commemorate the passing of his father; so something quite special. The first instrument I made is an octave, I still play it with the band, but my newer instruments are so much better I am now becoming dissatisfied with the sound. Hence I will start a pair, probable an enlarged A style and an H/K style scroll archetop. I moved house a bit over a year ago, the new workshop is almost complete, now I'm getting like the boy in the toyshop itching to get started again. I sure will post pics as work proceed, but it won't be speedy with full-time job! all the best David Wright devonmandoman
Hi David, That's the thing with building - you always feel the next one will be that bit better, and this is what drives us on in our endeavours. I am just getting to the interesting stages of a travel guitar I am making for someone just now and looking forward to hearing it strung up. Been having a lot of delays up here with the weather - too cold over the past few weeks to let glue set properly and no chance of using hide glue at present. Hope it warms up a bit for starting the finishing process - varnishes and lacquers do not like the cold and especially the damp. Keep us up to speed with your projects.