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I did some experimenting with this several years ago. YMMV but I found the Aquila’s 30U set is also long enough and works well on a tenor uke tuned to CGDA or DAEB. Also, I haven’t tried this yet but...

I agree with Chuck that an OM can be a good choice. I play an octave tuned GDAD and can make certain chords (like a 0520 G chord) that would be a bit of an uncomfortable stretch on a full scale...

Melody banjos seem pretty hard to find. I've seen 2 for sale over the years, but that's it.

I tend to use a lot of double-stops and partial chords. I use open d and g strings as an octave drone whenever possible (like on the first beat of Kesh). I often try to let the open strings sound as...

I wouldn't be opposed to a mando-banjo, but based on past conversations I don't think my particular session would be very embracing of it.
Having said that, I might still get one someday. I've...

I was lucky enough to try this Mid-Mo out yesterday while on vacation.
http://www.mountainmusicsite.com/products/Mid-Missouri-M4W-98.html?cPath=400_401
It definitely sold me on the merits of oval...

Here's a bit on the history of Fullertons, if you're interested to know more. They were very popular for a brief time here almost a decade ago....

Just looking at The Temperance Reel, the music notation and tabs don't match up.

Those Kawalek kits can make a fine instrument. I've played $3000 bouzoukis that sound dead compared to mine.

I'd be down for using a National, but a mando-banjo might bring out the angry mob!
I think I've found a solution to my dilemma anyway. One of my good friends is a local luthier. He typically makes...

I'm on the other side of things right now. I responded to an ad (not yours) not too long after it was posted and never got a response.
Seems like good etiquette would be to at least tell me if I was...

If I'm being honest with myself it's probably as much MAS as anything. :)
I may just post a WTB/Trade ad in the classifieds and see what turns up.

Thanks, Mike. Unfortunately being able to play different types of mandolin isn't possible. All the stores around here carry nothing but cheap Pac-Rim stuff that's barely set up. I have to rely on...

I've been playing Irish sessions for about a decade now, multiple instruments, but lately mostly on my Fullerton Gloucester.
I've been thinking of switching to an oval hole, so I've been saving up...

Matt Molloy has a couple of albums with Donal Lunny that really stand out for me.

You should just see the big grin that pops up on Rick's face when someone starts that in a session. :)

WOW! This looks like it would be great in an Irish session. I especially like the banjo headstock on #5.

That will be a mighty instrument, Dick! I love the grain pattern.

I'm not 100% sure, to be honest. I'll ask him about it, and maybe get him to post here. I think he already lurks here some.

It was all done by the guy that built it. I've been telling him he needs to quit his day job and just start selling fretboards with inlay. It'd be an interesting niche market, for sure.

Ok, here's a recording. I did a multi-track of myself on mandolin and octave mandolin playing Lady Anne Montgomery, which is the first tune from the Zan McLeod DVD. I had some flubs with the mandolin...

Peghead:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/tombanjo/OM/086.jpg

My initials inlayed into the back of the peghead:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/tombanjo/OM/088.jpg

Front:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/tombanjo/OM/082.jpg

Back:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y256/tombanjo/OM/087.jpg

A closer view of the soundhole:...

BUMP...

My OM has been finished, and I've had it in my hands since Wednesday night. Every day it sounds better than it did the day before, and I'm having a great time with it! Quality parts used...

Thanks for the head up. I tried to get Dan's albums from Elderly a while back and they were sold out. Time to jump on this in case it sells out again!