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The octave mandolin offers musicians a versatile alternative to traditional mandolins, combining the bright tone of a smaller instrument with extended range. This roundup examines the key characteristics, sound, and playing style of octave mandolins, helping you find the right instrument for your musical needs.

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Reviews

Ibanez M510EBS A-Style Mandolin

This mahogany-bodied mandolin features a spruce top and chrome die-cast tuners, delivering classic Ibanez craftsmanship at an affordable price point. The brown sunburst finish adds a pop of color to the A-style body design, while the rosewood fretboard and single-coil pickup deliver warm, balanced tones perfect for both beginners and experienced players.

Ibanez M510EOVS A-Style Mandolin

Combining an Okoume neck for enhanced playing comfort with a spruce top for clear, pristine tone, the Ibanez M510EOVS delivers a warm mid-range and bright sound through its sapele back and sides construction. The purpleheart fretboard and bridge work together to transfer string vibrations directly to the body, while the magnetic pickup captures both acoustic and electric tones with natural warmth. With its 20-fret A-style body and 350mm scale, this eight-string mandolin offers exceptional playability and versatility for both beginners and experienced players.

Hora Octave Mandolin

This eight-string mandolin has a spruce top and solid maple construction, creating a warm and resonant tone. At just 58.4cm long, it's more comfortable to play than traditional mandolins, making it ideal for Irish bouzouki style. The yellow body looks fantastic on stage or in the studio.

Oscar Schmidt OM40-A F Style Mandolin

This elegant Oscar Schmidt mandolin has been a bluegrass staple since the 1940s, featuring a bright tone and responsive playability. The select spruce top and maple construction produce rich sound while the lightweight design makes it comfortable for both seated and standing play. The rosewood fingerboard and elegant gold hardware give it a classic look that's perfect for both casual practice and performances.

Gold Tone BZ-500 Irish Bouzouki Mandolin

With its mahogany back and rosewood fingerboard, this Irish Bouzouki delivers rich traditional tone from its precision-setup neck and cast tailpiece. The solid-top construction and bone bridge provide stability for the octave and unison string sets, while the comfortable 1-5/16" nut width makes it accessible for players of all skill levels.

Gold Tone Mandolin

This mandola, tuned a fifth below a mandolin to CGDA, combines traditional craftsmanship with modern amenities like a two-way adjustable truss rod and LR Baggs pickup system. The 20-fret mahogany neck and select wood fingerboard offer comfortable playability, while the cast brass tailpiece delivers enhanced sustain and durability. The included natural gloss finish and hard case make it an excellent addition to any Celtic or acoustic ensemble's sound palette.

Eastwood OM-150 Archtop Electric Octave Mandolin

The Eastwood OM-150 packs twice the string magic of its four-string sibling in a carved-archtop package. With that extra octave of tonal candy and 22 medium jumbo frets for serious noodling, it's like playing a mini guitar with a soulful mandolin voice. The single Custom P90 pickup lets you shape your sound with precision, leaving no room for distractions.

Gold Tone OM-800+/L Natural Gloss Octave Mandolin

This octave mandolin cuts an impressive figure with its generous 22 1/2" scale neck and 7-inch height, though the gold-toned finish might take some getting used to (one reviewer took years to beat the brassiness out of theirs). The instrument's 45.75-inch length belies its compact 19.5-inch width, making it feel surprisingly manageable despite its distinctiveness in the mandolin world. Whether you're joining a bluegrass band or just want to explore lower tunings, this Gold Tone model offers the playability of a standard mandolin with extended range.

Eastman MD305 A Style Mandolin

This solid-wood octave mandolin combines Eastman's quality craftsmanship with surprisingly affordable pricing. The hand-carved spruce top and maple back deliver a loud, clear tone that cuts through any mix, while the low action and comfortable setup make it a joy to play right from the start. Whether you're a seasoned player or just beginning your mandolin journey, this instrument has all the features you'd expect from a$1500+ mandolin at just a fraction of the cost.

Eastman MDO605 Octave Mandolin

Crafted from solid maple with a spruce top, this Eastman mandolin delivers a rich, balanced tone through its K&K pickup system. The 3-piece maple/mahogany/maple neck and ebony fingerboard provide comfortable playability, while the solid aluminum tailpiece and bone nut ensure durability.

Gold Tone OM-800+ Octave Mandolin

Featuring a mahogany body with a spruce top and a 22.5-inch scale length, the Gold Tone OM-800+ octave mandolin delivers powerful resonance and exceptional sustain. The compound radiused rosewood fingerboard and two-way adjustable truss rod make it comfortable for players of all skill levels. The built-in bridge-mounted transducer and gold-plated tuners provide hassle-free performance, while the elegant snowflake inlays and gold buttons add a touch of class to this American-made instrument.

Eastwood Model S Octave Mandolin

This sunburst Eastwood Model S Octave Mandolin combines a solid alder body with a bolt-on maple neck and a 23-inch scale length, delivering rich tones with its 21 medium jumbo frets and rosewood fingerboard with dot markers. The fully adjustable S-style bridge and 5-way switching system give you precise control over your sound, while the 26/46 string configuration offers versatile tuning options.

Trinity College TM-325B Standard Celtic Octave Mandolin

When you're looking for a mandolin that sounds as good as it looks, the Trinity College TM-325B doesn't disappoint. The solid Sitka spruce top gives you that classic bell-like attack, while the solid maple back and sides make your playing really sing. Plus, with its slim mahogany neck and comfortable 20-inch scale length, you'll find it surprisingly easy to play whether you're strumming a Celtic tune or exploring new styles.

Trinity College TM-325 Mandolin

The Trinity College TM-325 standard octave mandolin features a solid Sitka spruce top with a distinctive Celtic sound, complemented by a solid maple back and sides. The slim mahogany neck offers exceptional playability, while the East Indian rosewood fingerboard provides smooth note transitions. This traditional Irish instrument delivers rich, mellow tones with remarkable sustain and projection.

Oscar Schmidt OM10 A-style Mandolin

The Oscar Schmidt OM10 combines traditional craftsmanship with comfortable playability. Its select spruce top and mahogany construction create a warm, resonant tone that's equally at home in practice rooms and performances. Whether you're a beginner looking to explore mandolin or an experienced player expanding your collection, this instrument delivers exceptional value.

Hora Portuguese Mandolin I

This Romanian-made mandolin sports a classic solid wood construction with a spruce top and maple back, giving it a warm, rich tone. The 332mm scale length and flat-backed design make it comfortable to play, while the maple neck offers a great balance between responsiveness and sustain. Whether you're an experienced player or just starting out, this mandolin delivers excellent value with its timeless craftsmanship and beautiful sound.

Oscar Schmidt OM10ETS Bluegrass Mandolin

With its classic A-style body and passive electronics, this Oscar Schmidt mandolin delivers big sound without feedback. The tobacco sunburst finish adds a nice pop of color, while the smooth fretwork and precise action make it a pleasure to play. Whether you're strumming acoustic or plugged in, this mandolin hits the sweet spot between affordability and quality.

Oscar Schmidt OM40LH Tobacco Sunburst Octave Mandolin

This left-handed mandolin combines vintage F-style design with premium craftsmanship, featuring a select spruce top and maple back and sides. The rosewood fingerboard and bridge add warmth to its classic bluegrass tone, while the mahogany neck and gold hardware keep it light and responsive.

Ibanez M510E-BS A-Style Mandolin

This Ibanez mandolin has become a favorite among players who appreciate its crisp tones and warm lows, though some might need to put in extra effort to keep it in tune. The mahogany neck and elegant brown sunburst finish make it comfortable to play while its X-braced body produces classic mandolin sounds that travel well both acoustically and through the included magnetic pickup.

Oscar Schmidt OM10ETS A-Style Acoustic Electric Mandolin

This affordable acousticlelectric mandolin combines handcrafted quality with select spruce and mahogany materials. The gloss-finished instrument features a rosewood fingerboard and built-in electronics, making it a practical choice for both beginners and enthusiasts. At just 8 pounds, it's a lightweight addition to any music collection.

Ibanez M510E A-Style Electric Mandolin

With its spruce top and mahogany back and sides, the Ibanez M510E has a rich acoustic tone that's both clear and projecting. The rosewood neck and fingerboard make it comfortable to play, while the built-in magnetic pickup delivers great sound for recording or live performances without needing batteries. Users really like how it looks - the sunburst finish and pearl dots catch the eye, but it's the sound that makes them keep coming back to this affordable mandolin.

Eastman MDO305 Octave Mandolin

The Eastman MDO305 Octave Mandolin combines stunning craftsmanship with remarkable sound quality, featuring a solid spruce top and maple construction that produces rich, resonant tones. Its ergonomic design, including an 12" radius ebony fingerboard, makes it incredibly comfortable to play, whether you're strumming melodies or exploring the instrument's extended range. Players appreciate its exceptional build quality and professional-grade performance, making it a standout choice in the mandolin world.

Oscar Schmidt OM10EWH Acoustic Electric Mandolin

The Oscar Schmidt OM10EWH pairs classic Appalachian A-style lines with modern acoustic-electric capabilities, featuring a select spruce top and mahogany back & sides. Its passive electronics lets you plug in without feedback, while the rosewood fingerboard and mahogany neck deliver warm, nuanced tones. While the neck is a tad narrower than pro instruments, its affordable price point and premium craftsmanship make it a standout value in the entry-level market.

Rogue RM-100A A-Style Mandolin

Crafted from durable laminate with a gorgeous high-gloss finish, this A-style mandolin by Rogue stands out with its rosewood fingerboard and adjustable bridge. The solid maple neck and nickel-plated frets deliver a bright, responsive tone that's perfect for both beginners and experienced players transitioning into bluegrass or folk music. While some basic setup work may be needed to get the perfect playing action, the overall build quality and sound make it a compelling choice for anyone ready to explore the mandolin world.

Ibanez M510DVS A Style Octave Mandolin

Like many budget-friendly instruments, the M510DVS needs some initial setup love – but wow, what a rewarding investment it can be. The Okoume neck provides that essential comfort while the Purpleheart fretboard pulls out all the musical stops. When it finally sings its best, this Ibanez doesn't disappoint.

8-String Mandolin Guitar

The affordable 8-string mandolin features a solid spruce top and sides, delivering impressive sound quality for its price point. The deluxe tuners and adjustable bridge provide reliable intonation, while the gold-accented sunburst finish adds a touch of class. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this student model offers excellent value with its clear tone and responsive playability.

Buyer's Guide

The octave mandolin is a fascinating instrument that brings unique tonal characteristics to traditional mandolin music. Understanding its key features and specifications will help you find the right instrument for your musical needs.

Key Components and Construction

This section covers essential aspects of octave mandolin design, including body size and shape, neck construction, and scale length. Information on materials like mahogany and maple is included, as well as details about the instrument's electronics and finish options.

Scale Length and Tuning Options

Explore the impact of scale length on playability and tone. The standard 440mm scale is discussed, along with alternative tunings that expand the instrument's versatility. This section also addresses how different tuning systems affect chord shapes and finger positioning.

Playing Considerations

Practical advice for octave mandolin players, including grip techniques, posture, and practice methods. The section covers how the instrument's size affects positioning in an ensemble and tips for developing finger strength and dexterity.

Maintenance and Care

Best practices for keeping an octave mandolin in top condition, from proper cleaning techniques to humidity control. The section also addresses common maintenance tasks like bridge adjustment and string replacement.

FAQ

What is an Octave Mandolin?

An Octave Mandolin is a specialized instrument that combines features of a mandolin and another smaller stringed instrument, typically another mandola. This unique configuration produces a distinctive and rich musical tone that spans two octaves.

While the exact configuration can vary, a typical Octave Mandolin consists of a mandola's body with four double courses of strings (C, G, D, A), producing low-pitched notes. These are combined with a mandolin's neck and fingerboard, featuring 8 single strings tuned to C, E, G, B notes. This arrangement allows for a full, resonant sound that captures the essence of both parent instruments.

How does an Octave Mandolin's Tuning Work?

The low strings of the Octave Mandolin, tuned to C, G, D, and A, replicate the tuning of a mandola. These strings use double courses to produce a deeper, more resonant sound. The high strings, tuned to C, E, G, and B, maintain the traditional mandolin tuning, providing the instrument's distinct brightness and clarity.

Unlike standard mandolins, the dual-tuning approach requires careful attention to intonation and setup, particularly where the neck joins the body. Proper setup ensures that the instrument sounds in tune across both the low and high string sets.

What Makes Octave Mandolins Different from Regular Mandolins?

While both instruments share many similarities, Octave Mandolins stand out through their distinctive two-octave range. The body size and structure typically differ, with Octave Mandolins featuring a larger body that can accommodate the additional bass notes while maintaining the instrument's balance and playability.

The extended range also affects playability and technique, requiring musicians to develop new approaches to fingering and finger placement to take full advantage of the instrument's capabilities.

Who Should Consider Buying an Octave Mandolin?

Octave Mandolins are ideal for players who want to expand their instrument's tonal range while maintaining the familiar structure of a mandolin. They appeal particularly to traditional Irish and Scottish players looking to enhance their sound, as well as classical mandolinists who want to explore new repertoire and techniques.

The dual-tuning system might be challenging for beginners, so this instrument is best suited to players with some mandolin experience who are willing to invest time in learning the unique aspects of the Octave Mandolin.

How Much Do Octave Mandolins Cost?

Entry-level Octave Mandolins typically range from $600 to $1,000, offering a balance of quality and affordability for starting players. Premium instruments from established manufacturers can cost upwards of $3,000, featuring premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship.

Price variations depend on factors including the maker's reputation, materials used, and specific features like electronics or specialized finishes. It's important to balance cost with your playing level and intended use.

Where Can I Get an Octave Mandolin?

Octave Mandolins can be purchased from specialized musical instrument stores, online retailers, and direct from manufacturers. Many traditional music stores offer a selection, while specialized online retailers focus on a broader range of mandolin-related instruments and accessories.

Before purchasing, consider visiting a store to hear different models and meet with knowledgeable salespeople who can address your specific needs and preferences. Online purchases should come with clear return policies and accurate measurements to ensure the right fit.