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Thread: Octave Mandolin Brand/Model Recommendations

  1. #1

    Default Octave Mandolin Brand/Model Recommendations

    I'm shopping for an octave mando. I really wanted one of the Weber F-style Octaves but a $4999 price tag was a bit much. I saw the Eastman octave (not an F-style) but it seems to have mixed reviews and most people said the low end was poor.

    Is there an F-Style octave mando in the 2k range?

  2. #2
    Registered User Mandobart's Avatar
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    Default Re: Octave Mandolin Brand/Model Recommendations

    Yes absolutely! Tom "TJ" Jessen can build you one, with an awesome wooden case to boot. No financial interest or kickback on my part.

  3. #3
    Registered User gortnamona's Avatar
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    Default Re: Octave Mandolin Brand/Model Recommendations

    not an f style but the Pono octave is worth considering, im very happy with mine.

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  5. #4
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Octave Mandolin Brand/Model Recommendations

    I played an Eastman octave recently and was generally favorably impressed. You need to think what scale length you'd prefer; if it's a longer one, I'd check around for a used Flatiron. I've had mine for 30+ years and it's held up well. It's a "pancake," though, not an F-model.

    You can find Eastman OM's around to try. Others are scarcer and you get limited opportunities for "hands on."
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  6. #5

    Default Re: Octave Mandolin Brand/Model Recommendations

    I've had a Nyberg OM for nine years - it is excellent! Great volume, projection, intonation, build quality. They start st around $3k.

  7. #6
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    Default Re: Octave Mandolin Brand/Model Recommendations

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/Top-Handcra...-/173415857963
    It will need a setup.
    I bought 2 mandolins from them and I'm really enjoying them.

  8. #7
    Registered User Carl23's Avatar
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    Default Re: Octave Mandolin Brand/Model Recommendations

    Quote Originally Posted by Mandobart View Post
    Yes absolutely! Tom "TJ" Jessen can build you one, with an awesome wooden case to boot. No financial interest or kickback on my part.
    Wow, beautiful instruments! (time to start saving my pennies)

    c
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    Feel free to stop on by and let me know what you think!

  9. #8
    Registered User DougC's Avatar
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    Default Re: Octave Mandolin Brand/Model Recommendations

    R.G. Noyes http://noyesinstruments.weebly.com/a...--contact.html

    I found this luthier on E-Bay. The $1600 instrument has Rubner tuners! Yikes, someone save me.



    Click image for larger version. 

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    https://www.ebay.com/itm/Beautiful-c...frcectupt=true
    Last edited by DougC; Jan-29-2019 at 11:49am. Reason: No financial interest (except my own, ha ha)
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  10. #9

    Default Re: Octave Mandolin Brand/Model Recommendations

    That's pretty nice. This looks good too:
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mendel-Octa....c100010.m2109
    Girouard Concert A5
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    www.singletonstreet.com

  11. #10
    Registered User THart's Avatar
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    Default Re: Octave Mandolin Brand/Model Recommendations

    Another fan of TJ (Tom Jessen). He's currently in the midst of a F style octave build. No pictures on his website but if you're on fb you can look him up and follow along on the build. He just posted some new pics today.

  12. #11

    Default Re: Octave Mandolin Brand/Model Recommendations

    I'd think an F style at that price would be tough to find. Bump it up and you might find a Weber used. For 2k, you could fine a real nice A style or flat top octave.
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  13. #12
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Octave Mandolin Brand/Model Recommendations

    Quote Originally Posted by JGregs View Post
    Is there an F-Style octave mando in the 2k range?
    This one just hit the classifieds an F-style with an oval hole: https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/134877#134877
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  14. #13
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    Default Re: Octave Mandolin Brand/Model Recommendations

    I will second @gortnamona's opinion - if you haven't already purchased, take a look at Pono's. Just got one (my first octave), based on some solid advice from an experienced friend, and I am extremely happy! Pretty sure that my rig (~$1600 with a pickup installed) has comparable sound to many of the $3K+ options out there.

    PLEASE NOTE: I am relatively inexperienced, and VERY EXCITED about my new octave mando. Take my opinions with the according grains of salt
    Last edited by Dylan Hatch; Mar-20-2019 at 9:38pm. Reason: Editing to hopefully sound more clever
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