Weber no longer producing octave Gallatins.

[danostrowski]

I own a beautiful (I think) Weber Gallatin octave mandolin (22" scale). (Pictured below with my Phoenix Neoclassical.)

Recently, I was thinking about trying to sell or trade it to find a 20" scale, because the 22" is much harder to play than the 20" ones I have tried at Gryphon Strings, though... I haven't pulled the trigger because I haven't liked the look of the ones at Gryphon (silly, I know.)

However, when I went to the Weber site, they were no longer there. I got a CS rep there to confirm they weren't making the octaves in Gallatin anymore, but they were making the (more expensive) Bitterroot and Yellowstone.

My guess is that maybe the Gallatin style wasn't as profitable as the others? It seems like a fine octave mandolin, to me, so I'm assuming it's not because the quality was bad on these. Plus, they seemed to make them for several years, so guessing it's cost? Anyone think?

I guess this makes mine more of a collector item, now, but they're the cheapest of the Weber octaves, so probably not that much of one. :P

[Eric Davis]

Yes, I believe they stopped producing these around 2016, which is why I purchased mine right after I heard the news. It is a F-style 20-inch scale and I absolutely love it. As far as why they stopped making these, I'm not sure. If you wanted an F-style octave for a reasonably obtainable price, these were the way to go.

[Eric Davis]

[DHopkins]

Eddie Blevins in Blountville, TN, made an f-style octave for me. Looks and sounds great. He's a member of this forum. You might contact him and see what he says.

https://www.ebmworks.com/

[danostrowski]

DHopkins, is yours 22" scale, I'm guessing? Says he does other ones, but... if it's not his standard size, I'm nervous.

[DHopkins]

DHopkins, is yours 22" scale, I'm guessing? Says he does other ones, but... if it's not his standard size, I'm nervous.

It is a 22" scale.

[Br1ck]

A two inch scale length difference is going to have a big impact on tone, so be very careful you will like it. Trade offs.

[DHopkins]

A two inch scale length difference is going to have a big impact on tone, so be very careful you will like it. Trade offs.

It also makes a big difference in playing it if you've only played a standard mandolin for the last 10 or 15 years.