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."
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
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