Octave Mandolin Brand Comparisons

Subject: Re: Fwd: Octave mandolins
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 22:06:29 -0800

Mickey

Thanks for the reply and info. I am looking at the Johnson 550 octave that you have used in inventory. What do you think of this one? What is the real difference between an octave mando and a bouzouki. It looks just to be scale length, is this correct? Would you put the Trinity College instrument up against the Johnson or the MM? Which do you prefer?

Thanks

Bob Tosi

Greetings Bob,

Glad to assist:

I love the MA-550 model...they have a full low end...very rich sounding...and, their medieval look is attractive too...

The real differences, and only differences, are the scale length of the necks and the fact that a bouzouki is tuned differently....a bouzouki has octave strings on the low end whereas the octave has unison strings on the low end. Within the brands we've discussed, the Trinity College, Johnson and MM, you'll find that the body styles are the exact same size from the octave to the zook.

Yes, the Trinity College can hold its own against the Johnson and MM...the Johnson MA-550 does stand on its own. All of the other Celtic body styles are comparable from brand to brand.

Mickey

Subject: Octave mandolins
Date: Sun, 21 Dec 2003 16:00:30 -0800

Hi Folk of the Wood,

After playing my MMS-4 for awhile now I have the bug to get an octave mando for celtic music and other acoustic playing. Between the Trinity College, Johnson, and Morgan Monroe octave mandos, which would be the best quality for dollars? The Trinity sure does look good and sounds good too. what about the others. Is it an easy transition to paly both mandolin and octave mando?

Thanks, you all are great.

Bob Tosi

Greetings Bob,

Glad to assist:

You have a valid question on these three octave models...it would be quite a difficult question since they're all relatively the same other than appointments...I believe your best decision in choosing between these three would be what looks best to you...they all have the exact same woods, dimensions and neck scale lengths. The Trinity College came first of all three in origination...and has been long established as a tremendous value for octave mandolins. If you like the sound and look of the TC, my suggestion would go with your first impressions. The Johnson and the Morgan Monroe are also great values...the Morgan Monroe has some very nice inlay work...

I personally do not find a problem in switching between the two...mandolin and octave. The patterns remain the same...only the choice of fingers and the stretch changes. You might want to check out our online chart for Octave mandolin chords on our website...

Let me know how else I can assist, Mickey

Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 01:37:03 -0700
Subject: Re: octave mando question Johnson MA-450 vs 550

hey guys,

i currently plunk on the mando and the guitar, but i crave that throaty, octave mando sound. i'm looking at the johnson models as good entry-level instruments.

beyond the obvious aesthetic differences, what are the other differences between johnson's "octave mandolin," and the "octave mandolin-celtic?"

and should i be considering the trinity and the mid-missouri, too?

thanks much for your help.

chris

Greetings Chris,

The Trinity College is essentially the same as the Johnson MA-450...body size, construction, etc. are the same...

The Mid-Missouri would be an excellent choice if you're looking for a flat style with a nice resonance...very alive sound...

1. The MA-550 Johnson Octave is, of course, a completely different body style...very unique and interestingly enough, the only one of its kind.

Scale length is slightly longer than the MA-450: 20 1/2"

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page272.htm

Solid Spruce Top
* Flamed Maple Back, and Sides
* Maple Neck
* Compensated Bridge
* Abalone Inlay
* 20.50" Scale
* "X" Bracing

This body style has a deeper body and more overall cavity for the sound to travel in...making it great for soloing...a full resonant bottom end...

2. the MA-450 is more common...it's the very same body style offered by Trinity College...it has a shallower body which may contribute to more projection...and certainly less bottom end as compared to the MA-550.

The scale length is slightly shorter than the MA-550: 20 1/8"

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page983.htm

* All solid spruce and maple body with traditional flat, x-braced, ivoroid bound body for authentic look, feel and sound
* Slim, comfortable, long scale mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard, mother-of-pearl dots and an adjustable truss rod
* Traditional snakehead peghead with black/white/black overlay and ablaone inlay
* High-gloss natural finish
* Round sound hole
* Sealed gear metal button tuners
* Bone nut
* Ebony & bone saddle
* 20 1/8" Scale
* G/D/A/E