Re: Scale length for Octave Mandolin
Generally speaking more tension from a longer scale length yields a larger, more "profound" tone. But the longer scale length gets tougher to play. For instance my fingers are average in length so a 19" scale and a 23" scale feel really different to me. I find the longer scale length best approached as a totally different instrument to a mandolin, with different intention, fingering, etc.
I treat the longer-scale OM more like a mandocello in the sense that I try to do "less" on both of them. So maybe one way to approach the question would be to ask what role you see for the OM in question? If faster more intricate lines are the intent then maybe a shorter scale is best. But if you're thinking of tonal context and support, and you're willing to approach the OM as a different animal with its own temperament there's much to recommend a longer scale.
Too bad it's so hard to play a variety of OMs with different scale lengths - that's probably the best way to see how you hear and feel the OM in your music, and what style and length make the best combination for you.
Best luck and enjoy the journey!
Gavin Baird F4 & F5, Weber Octar, Gibson K-1, Guild D50, Martin D35, Yairi DY-84, etc...
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