just ordered octave mandolin

[Paul Cowham]

Well after playing the guitar for best part of 20 years and the mandolin for best part of 15 years, I have just ordered this instrument:
http://powellguitars.com/for-sale/
(the octave mandolin with Walnut back and sides which will probably be taken off here soon as it should no longer be for sale...)
Looking forward to getting stuck into this, actually prompted after doing some recording recently and someone suggested I try an octave mandolin so I borrowed one and really liked the sound of it...

PS I'm assuming that this is an octave mandolin as I take it that mandolas are tuned the same as a viola (cgda)??

[allenhopkins]

PS I'm assuming that this is an octave mandolin as I take it that mandolas are tuned the same as a viola (cgda)??

Well, you're running into the slight difference between European and US terminology. In Europe the term "tenor mandola" is sometimes used for an instrument tuned GDAE an octave below the mandolin/violin; sometimes that instrument is called the "octave mandola," and the CGDA instrument called the "tenor mandola." So you need to be sure, if buying from a British or European builder as you are, how that person intends the instrument to be tuned. From the picture, it sure looks like a guitar-bodied octave mandolin (which some call GOM or GBOM).

It's a bit easier in this country, where "mandola" means CGDA tuning, and "octave mandolin" means GDAE tuning.

In any case, a beautiful instrument; hope it's all you hope for!

[Bertram Henze]

With the almost 23" scale it is definitely an Octave Mandolin (US), Octave Mandola (UK), Mandola (Germany), .....
Anyway, tuned GDAE, one octave below the mandolin.
I am not a fan of guitar shapes myself, but the back and sides sure look seductive.

Bertram

[Paul Cowham]

Thanks Allen..

It is definitely tuned an octave below a mandolin as I tried it out a couple of days ago. Really liked it, the sustain was amazing..

Anyhow thanks for clearing up this terminology issue..
cheers,
Paul

[JEStanek]

Looks great and I hope you love it.

Jamie