Best Octave Under $600

[Unseen122]

So I played my first octave the other day I fell in love with the instrument also the mando itself which was a Weber Yellowstone so I decided I have to get an octave but the Weber was way too expensive I really don't know what would be a good instrument for a good price.

[Jonathan James]

you can pick up a Trinity College on Ebay for less than $400 w/case. I'm pretty happy with mine.

[steve V. johnson]

In my bouzouki/octave mando searches I've seen Trinity College, Morgan Monroe, Johnson, Soarsy and some others I can't remember, which seems significant... <G>

Forget Johnson. The Trinity and the Morgan Monroe seem the better of the batch. Don't fall for octave stringing and they will be fine as a beginner.

The Mid-Missouri octaves are very nice (see other threads in this group, where I describe a maple M-70), but sell for a couple hundred more new. It seems very rare to find a used one, but if you can they are very nice. The Mid-Mo has a very open finish and so is less... 'glamorous' than the other two makes, which have very hard, shiny finishes and are more decorated by far. But the Mid-Mo's are well built and have a bit wider neck.

HTH,

stv

[John Flynn]

You might check out the octaves that Don Kwalek ("Luthier") sells as a kit for $295. I believe I heard that Don also sells them finished and it might meet your price range. I have seen that kit up close and it is very well made.
http://mywebpage.netscape.com/kawale...ge/kitpage.htm

[Mutiny]

I'm very happy with my Mid-Mo m-80. normally goes for around $900 but I picked it up for 600 thanks to the good people at my local music shop (artichoke music).

[Bruce Evans]

I too, played an octave mandolin for the first time this last weekend, and I am quite taken with the instrument.

But not the particular one I played! Avoid the Lark In The Morning instruments. I would describe the sound of the instrument I played as flabby, but I can tell a good one would be a lot of fun.

[gretschbigsby]

If you are interested, I put my Mid-Mo on Ebay last week, with opening bid of $450 and BIN of $650 (I had listed it in the buy and sell for $595). #No bids yet, so it might be a pretty good octave for $450... Here's the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws....0799896

Bob

[steve V. johnson]

I've played Bob's Mid-Mo M-70 and it's a real sweetie and a STEAL at his prices!!

It also has some extras that he is being too humble to mention <GG>... It has a clear pickguard and a nice black strap button, a free strap and some extra string sets!

stv

[Unseen122]

The problem is right now i don't have that much money I decided I will find something to buy then save up I don't get paid that much so I have to buy cheaper instruments.

[Luthier]

I will be happy to build a custom OM for a very reasonable price. Pick your woods, choose your options. I do not advertise, nor do I do shows or festivals but I somehow manage to be backordered. Feel free to get in touch with me and we can discuss it further. I will build to your specs at a competitive price with a lifetime guarantee on materials and craftsmanship.

Don