On Choosing an Octave Mandolin
Subject: Qs
Date: Mon, 16 May 2005 16:58:59 +0000
Dear Folkwood,
I've been researching octave mandolins and I really like everything you're advertising on your website. You seem like a full-service, very user-friendly e-store with generous policies and quality assurances.
Thanks for tuning in with us...
My question is as follows: Since all of the lower-priced Celtic styled octave mandolins by Trinity, Johnson, and Morgan Monroe look like the same instrument (and Korean made, as I understand), do you think it makes any difference which one I purchase?
No, not really...they are pretty much the same other than appointments.
I think the Trinity looks the best with their celtic design, but I read one reviewer who thought the Monroe sounded "twice as good." Are all of these instruments the same width at the nut?
Yes, they're all the same dimensions as far as the last time I checked. Many variables need to be considered when comparing an instrument side by side with another. For instance, if one has newer strings, and another one dead strings...or if one octave is strung with unwound A strings, while another has wound A strings, and so on...
Also, I'm worried mostly about two much buzzing on the lower end, which has been terrible on a cheap Johnson mando I own. Also, can you add lower octave strings on the low end, or should I do that myself?
This is the characteristic of octave mandolins...and is hard to get by on the flat style models. They all have some rattle on the low end...if you took out the rattle, the action becomes a little more difficult to work with...
We can add whichever strings you may want...however, I highly recommend the GHS Octave strings...
I am getting close to ordering an octave mando and am leaning strongly towards your site, especially with your refund and trade-up policies should I receive a lemon.
Thanks for considering us...be aware, we also have free octave mandolin lessons on our web site and our "Introduction to the Octave Mandolin" DVD is now available.
I've been playing around with a Fender octave down at a store where I live, but am concerned about its thinness, at under 2 inches, compared to the full 3 inches the other octave-mandos have.
Thanks,
Dr. Barcley O.
Lake Ann, Michigan
Date: Wed, 4 May 2005 22:04:34 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Octave Mando's?
Hey Guys,
I've been looking at several of the octave mando's on the web site and am thinking about buying something in the neighborhood of a Johnson/MorganMonroe/TrinityCollege.... pear shaped type of octave mandolin. Other than a few dollars difference and some minor asthetics, is there any difference in the tone from brand to brand. I mean, they kind of look like they are made on the same assembly line and then have different badging put on them. If that's not the case, then does one sound better than the others? Or do they all sound and play pretty much the same? I would appreciate your opinion/input.
Thanks for your time,
Pete M.
El Paso
Greetings Pete,
Yeah you're certainly on target with this...these are relatively the same in quality, features and sound. I'd base my decision on inlays...but, be forewarned, even the inlays change from time to time...Great instruments just the same...all solid woods...and a great price.
Let me know how else I might assist...you'll want to call before coming up to ensure we do have the one you're looking to buy...
Mickey
Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 02:14:49 -0500
Subject: Octave Mando?
Greetings Mickey and Company,
Your online lessons and video demos are very helpful and much appreciated. Good way to run a business! I know two guys named Ben and Jerry who ran an ice cream company in a socially responsible way for years until they got taken over and you seem to have a comparable approach, going way beyond just giving products and taking money. I want to do business with FOTW, and appreciate your lifetime warranties against anything, 100% tradeups, and the like.
Greetings Dave,
Thanks for tuning in with us...
It sounds like you have a clear perspective...and are quick to perceive a good thing. Yes, we are very much like Ben and Jerry....
But my budget has bounds, like around $500. What I need is an octave mandolin or bouzouki, preferably with a short scale length in the neighborhood of 19-21 inches or so, because I'm used to mandolins and fiddles. I'm not fussy about appearance and really prefer something older-looking so cosmetics don't matter and almost any blemishes are acceptable as long as it's in working order. A brand name would be nice but not important. I can do pearl inlay so don't need a lot of decoration.
I can't fix warped necks yet or problems with frets so fairly good action is needed, but I'm no gourmet. Truss rod construction is important. I really don't care how beat-up it looks and even prefer some such *character*. It would fit right in with the sweet-sounding but worn-out looking guitars in my band, Martins and equivalents...
My suggestion would be the Johnson or the Trinity College octaves...these are all solid woods and are as good as it gets for the price. I would play one professionally without hesitation. They do require some set-up...
With the right instrument I could even live with no warranty or a limited one, an As Is deal. Do you have something used, returned, or traded-in, ready for prime-time but not necessarily prime, that sounds decent even if it doesn't look terrific? Something in search of a good home and a long-term, soulmate relationship? Some kind of hard case would be a plus but not a necessity, and I don't care if it's beat up or in need of repair if it's a reasonable fit.
Can you help? Got anything close?
Sure, we may have exactly what you're looking for...
Be sure to check out our other resources available linked from below...
And accolades to you for your musical contributions to our wild acres...You have my full support on that one...
--dave in CT
on mandolin, fiddle, button accordions, harmonica, flutes
in the Travelin' Trout Band--
all donations at gigs go to Barkhamsted, Connecticut Land Trust
...pluckin' and preservin' wild acres forever.
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2004 10:46:46 -0700
Thread-Topic: Playing Octave Mandolin with Guitar Quesitons
Mickey,
Thanks for a very informative website. I appreciate your efforts in making the information available. I have learned quite a bit.
Thanks for the show of appreciation...
But I do have some questions for you, the topic is Octave Mandolins:
Glad to assist:
Background:
I wold like to purchase an ovtave mandolin. I have been looking at F-styles (I love the look of an F-Style) and round hole types. Everything I have listened to, points me to a round hole - in general, a fuller, warmer sound.
This is also my take...if you're looking for a more open sound, the oval soundhole would be the best choice...now, you can kind of get this open sound, along with the focus of an f soundhole, through a matte finish model such as the Weber Bitterroot or Hyalite...
I am not a fan of the Celtic looking instruments. If I found an decent condition Gibson 1930s F-2 for about a grand or so I would buy it, but outside of dreaming, I have been considering the Johnson MA-550. I have read a lot of your questions and answers you've posted on the subject of octaves and about the Johnson, but I wanted to get you input on the following.
Yes, I also like the Johnson 550...very deep tone...one of the deeper bodies you'll find on the octave...
I am a guitar player. I have been exploring using the sound of an octave mando in the music I write, mostly in combination with guitar. I want to buy an octave that will sound good to my ears with the guitar. What I have been using is a rosewood body spruce top twelve string restrung as an octave mando, and its sound is too much like a restrung guitar. The octaves being smaller and of maple/spruce should be brighter and provide some sonic contrast to a guitar. When listening to your video samples, in particular the Johnson versus the Weber, the Weber sounds like it projects well but is not as warm as I would like. The Johnson sounds like the right choice for playing with guitar to my ears, being different but not too bright. And compared to the Weber, the Johnson is easier on my budget as well.
This is true...sounds like you've done some research....
Questions:
Given the background would you agree the Johnson would be a reasonable choice?
I think the Johnson stands on its own as a unique octave with a very deep voice. I feel that the Johnson makes a great solo instrument because of its roundness and fullness in tone...I feel that the octaves that project, such as the archtop models with f soundholes serve better in an ensemble setting...where competing for volume can be a priority. For playing with one guitar, or soloing, I believe the roundhole octaves, such as the Johnson 550, serves better...
Is there something that I could be overlooking about the Celtic types that would be worth considering? (I listened to the videos, I liked the Johnson better)
No, I don't believe you're overlooking anything...the samplers, to me, say all that needs to be said...especially when using headphones in combination with your computer...the Johnson Medieval body style (that's what I call it since it looks so renaissance-like) appears to have a full deep tone...one that exceeds most all other import octaves I've heard or played to date.
The only F style about a grand I have seen is the new Michael Kelly Octave. Is there a used market of F-Styles (F-holes or oval) that would be the $1K range?
Not that I know of...once in a long while, I'll see an older Gibson Octave come in...and, even then, it's quite rare to find one for under 1k.
What do you know about the sound of the Michael Kelly Octave?
I haven't played one to date...I'll have my sales manager order one tomorrow...I'm curious...we've been looking forward to an import octave f to come in..
Will you be carrying the MK Octave Mandolin?
Most definitely...octaves and mandolas are our specialty...we originally suggested this F-Style configuration to Michael Kelly...apparently, they followed through on it.
You might call James @ to find out the price on these...along with the soonest delivery date.
I look forward to your answers, and thank you for taking the time to respond.
You're most welcome...Mickey
Again, thank you for the great service you provide to all of us through your website.
Rod
Date: Sat, 12 Jun 2004 13:55:12 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: Octave mando
I have decided I would very much like to invest in an octave. What would you say is the best one to start on?
Jim Jackson
Odessa, TX
Greetings Jim,
There are a limited selection of affordable octaves available today... of recent date, our Morgan Monroe octave is being phased out by the factory...
One of the most popular octave body styles offered, at a great price, are the Johnson, Trinity College and Morgan Monroe almond-shaped octaves. These were all made at the same factory at one time and offered the exact same construction and woods...with appointments differentiate one from the other.
Today, you have a choice between the Trinity College and Johnson octaves...and, on the higher end, the Weber octaves...both offering a superb return for the money...all solid woods with a superb warm full sound...and, if set up properly, a phenomenal value. Remember, these both ship with factory strings that sound horrible...before we ship, we change out the factory strings with GHS with wound A's...and these sound superb. The factory strings do not give these instruments justice...
If you're looking for an even fuller tone, you might also consider the Johnson MA-500. This octave has a deeper body depth that seems to add more bass end. It has a medieval look and shape to it...be sure to check it out on our website at:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page272.htm
To start out on, the almond-shape is as nice as you can ask...it could easily be classified as a pro-level octave...
Hope this helps, Mickey
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