So - for me,we have 3 'true' mandolin family members - the mandolin / mandola & octave mandolin. All 3 satisfy the criteria of 4 pairs of 2 strings,tuned in unison & in 5ths. With regard to the 'shape' of an Octave mandolin - i think that's possibly down to
'what works' best or 'what people want'. I've seen 'octaves' in the true F-5 'shape' & GBOM's in various shapes - IMO,all are valid, regardless. The body shape is a matter of personal preferrence. Personally,i absolutely love GBOM's & i wish i could afford one. For me,it's all about the 'tone' & they seem to have a tone that i love.
Purely my personal take on the Mandolin family - but regardless,they all have their own place as musical instruments,some more suited to one 'genre' maybe than another - but all terrific !!,
Ivan
Sierra Hull playing a Heiden GBOM :-
https://youtu.be/1Dx5Ft1Pbvw
Sierra Hull playing a Weber Octave mandolin : -
https://youtu.be/7lewRHqq7zI
I like both but 'prefer' the GBOM - maybe because i'm a frustrated (lousy) guitar player.
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