Weber Octave Mandolins Questions & Answers

Subject: Pricing
Date: Thu, 16 Dec 2004 16:05:14 -0500

Allo, i'm looking for a Weber octave mando. I'm interessd for a Bridger one or Sage #2. Did you tried those? A few comment should be interesting to me.
I'm far from the mando world and dont have the chance to try it. What is your price for both of them?

Tank you.

Martin Henry
Montreal, Québec, Canada.
Martin.henry@umontreal.ca

Greetings Martin,

The main difference between these two octaves is that one is a flat style and one is an archtop. The archtops have more focus and projection in tonal range. The Sage #2 has its own voicing of which is more open and resonant. One tone isn't necessarily better than the other. The deciding factor would be how you will be applying your octave: if you're looking for an octave that has more projection, and one that will cut through a wall of other loud instruments, your ultimate choice would be the Bridger. If you will be playing with one other guitar, or are looking for an octave that has more openness in tone, or you may even want an octave to play solo, I would then suggest the Sage #2...or even the Sage #1...

We do have both the Sage and Bridger Octave video samplers up on our website at:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page2522.htm#weberoctave

Date: Mon, 26 Aug 2002 09:03:39 -0400

Thanks very much for the price info; I'm quite interested in the instrument.
I have three more questions -
would it be possible for you to install a pickup (I'll trust your
recommendation of type & placement)? How would you compare the sound of the Absaroka and the Hyalite o/m? (I've
listened to the videos, which are wonderful, but it's a bit hard to compare)
And how soon would you expect to have an absaroka o/m in stock?

Thanks for your help!

Bob

Greetings Bob,

Most definitely...we usually install the new McIntyre Feather pick-up in all mandolins...for many Octaves, Trinity College/Johnson models we've also been installing the Shadow pick-up...for the Absaroka, I would recommend the McIntyre feather...

The Absaroka would have a tighter more directive sound than a Hyalite...the Hyalite, with the matte finish, would be more responsive and resonant than the Absaroka. I personally like the tight sound of the Absaroka; however, if you're looking for a more open sound, with slightly more sustain, you'll love the Hyalite.

There may be a Weber Absaroka Octave readily available...if you're interested, let us know and we'll look up the availability directly...simply call our toll free number: ...to lock into the next available Absaroka, or Hyalite, only requires a 10% deposit.

Date: Wed, 15 May 2002 13:50:02 -0600
Subject: Re: Hyalite

Sorry to bug you...just a quick question, is the back of the Hyalite carved, pressed, or flat, seeing as it's mahogany? Thanks Mick!

Greetings Russ,

The back of the Hyalite is carved along with the top...it's identical to the Hyalite mandolin which is a one-piece mahogany...it will be exquisite looking and sounding...Arched backs and tops are the only way to go when looking for projection!

Be cool, Mickey

Date: Wed, 10 Apr 2002 10:02:08 -0600
Subject: Weber Octaves

Mickey-

I'm thinking about trading up/ in my Rigel A+deluxe for an octave. What's your price on the Weber Gallatin and Bitteroot and what do you think of them? It would be using it for mostly folk style music-

Thanks, John D. Voss

Greetings John,

Glad to assist...

The Gallatin and the Bitterroot are both superb for Octave scale...they are both versatile instruments due to their matte finish and archtop design. However, I personally love the look of the Bitterroot over the Gallatin due to the design holding to the traditional F-Style body shape...

Again, as applied to various folk styles, either one would work well. The matte finish seems to contribute to a more responsive alive and resonant instrument. Not necessarily a desirable quality if playing strictly Bluegrass.

Hope all is well with you these days...

Mickey