Octave Mandolin for the Mandolinist
Date: Tue, 2 Jun 2009 19:53:56 -0600
Subject: Re: Mystic West Products: Octave Mandolin
Message: Dear Mickey,I purchased a Michael Kelly Legacy Plus from you a few years back and now I want to progress to the Octave Mandolin. I read on your FAQ about the Johnson MA 550 being a good choice for a more husky sound. I find that the instrument is out of production now. There are still some for sale, but would it be advisable to buy one or are there other brands/styles that would be better. I like the idea of a bassey sound. One reason for adding the Octave Mandolin to the band is to have a lower, mellow sound on some of the songs that the MK is to shrill on. Please share your sage advice.
Wendell H.
Greetings Wendell,
Nice to hear from you. Yes, the Johnson MA 550 was a great choice and a great value. And, if you can still get one, I'm sure you won't regret it. If you do decide on one, make sure that it is set up properly and does come with the hardshell case.
Now, on another note, most all Octaves will have a bassey sound as compared to mandolin. And, you're definitely on track for adding another voice to your band by picking up the Octave.
You might consider an independent builder's Octave ... or maybe a Weber (depending on your budget).
The Weber Sage would be the ultmate choice ... for the price, the MA 550 would be the best choice. Quite a few to choose from ...
All my best in your research efforts,
Mickey Cochran
Folk of the Wood
Mystic West Products
Acoustic Music Instruction
PO Box 2810
Alto, New Mexico 88312http://www.folkofthewood.com
http://www.mysticwestproducts.com
Date: 12/08/08
Subject: Re: Help
I currently play mandolin and have grown to love the slower waltzes and ballads, etc. I find myself craving a more mellow sound with more resonance, etc.
What type instrument would you recommend that still has similar tuning (fifths,etc.).
JimJim: I'd highly recommend the Octave Mandolin ... it just has more lower register resonance which seems to add to both its mellowness and sustain. It also makes for a nice solo instrument with built in harmonic support.
And, yes, it's still tuned in fifths only an octave lower ...
All my best in your research,
Mickey Cochran
Mystic West Products
Acoustic Music Instruction
PO Box 2810
Alto, New Mexico 88312http://www.mysticwestproducts.com
Subject: Octave vs. Mandolin
Date: Wed, 2 Mar 2005 19:22:47 -0500Good afternoon:
My name is Patrick M. in Corning, New York and just recently requested some information about a mandolin and a an octave mandolin.
I am interested in the Michael Kelly Dragonfly Flame F-Style Mandolin. Am not quite sure about this instrument since I have strummed a mandolin before and realize there is no sustain and the strings {being short} are so tight........ poorly setup was the one I did strum and actually hurt to fret.
Maybe this Dragonfly would be better to play.No...we set-up each instrument diligently before shipping...and even include a 9-point set-up checklist...so, yes, we can make sure that you end with a mandolin that doesn't hurt when you play...
Just seems the Octave would be fuller sounding and more sustain with longer strings. I have listened to Mickey play both the Octave and the mandolin and they both are beautiful {he plays them too well}! The only thing I worry about with the Octave is "the stretch" with some chords, but most of my playing would be in 'G' or 'C' which appears to be manageable. Is there such a thing as a capo for the Octave?Thanks for listening in...and thanks for the kind words.
I love the octave mandolin! And, yes, there is a lot more stretch than on mandolin. However, it is an entirely different tonal range...deeper for one...and, because of this, you will find the octave to be perfect for playing solo or with one other guitar. If you have any hope of playing bluegrass, I'd have to recommend the f-style mandolin for octaves are never used in a bluegrass setting.
Mickey
Thank you for your time and patience with regard to this matter.
Sincerely,
Patrick M.
Corning, New York
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2004 07:52:06 +0800
Subject: info
Greetings, I am interested in learning how to play mandolin but I'm a bit confused: is there a difference between a mandolin and an octove mandolin?
Yes, the scale length between the two is entirely different...the octave mandolin has a longer scale length...even so, they're both tuned the same...only the octave is tuned one octave lower giving it a full round bass sound as compared to the standard mandolin...
Also inform me of the services you offer. Thanks
Yes, we have many services offered...be sure to check out our 500% Policy...Mickey
Subject: octave mandolin/mandola
Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2002 22:23:32 -0500
Hi Mickey,
I read with great interest your reply to a query about the differences between the Trinity College OM and mandola, dated March 4th, 02.
I've played the mandolin for many years, and have been exploring the idea of using a OM as an accompany to vocals...without the bother of learning the guitar. So I'm wondering if you might offer the reverse perspective of the above mentioned query...
Many thanks for your time and response!
KC
Greetings KC,
You'll find the transition to Octave Mando quite a bit easier than taking up the guitar...considering you're already playing mando and the layout of the fingerboard is relative to Octave, you'll accelerate the process. I truly believe the Octave's potential as a solo instrument has never been actualized...I have full confidence in its tonal range and the fact that it works very well as both a solo instrument and a back-up instrument for vocals.
You might want to check out our video samplers to hear the Octave in a solo context:
http://www.folkodthewood.com/page319.htm
Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2002 21:52:50 -0800
Subject: mandolin vs octave mandolin
Hi Mickey,
I'm getting the Johnson octave mandolin, and already have a mandolin. Everyone I've asked says that the chords and fingering should be the same. Is this true? I wanted to get the instructional video, but it makes it sound like the way to play it is completely different. I can learn that way if it may be better, but do you know if I can play it the same if I want to?
Also, you have such a great website which is so helpful! Thanks, Ellen
Greetings Ellen,
Glad to assist if I can:
The chords are somewhat different on the octave as compared to the mandolin...the scale length of the octave demands completely different inversions...(an inversion is a chord formation)
For instance, when playing two-finger open position chords such as G or C, you'll find them to easily match up to the octave fingerboard...however, when needing to play full chords, or closed-position chords, you'll end up with entirely different fingerings due to the stretch required...
I have produced chord charts of which I've included as an pdf attachment...
Here's a link to the PDF File:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3049.htm
Hope the above helps...Mickey
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