3 Reasons Why I Think You Should Play the Octave Mandolin

In this video I give my 3 reasons why I think you should play the octave mandolin.
You may think this also applies to mandola and mando cello, but I have a clear preference for the octave mandolin.
In Mandolin Secrets Academy, you find many tutorials specifically for the octave mandolin. But you will also find it easy to apply your mandolin skills to this bigger instrument.
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[@MandolinSecrets]

Do you play the octave mandolin, mandola or mando cello!? Join the conversation!

[@malkagael2596]

Hello, I play an octave mandolin, it is shorter then yours and has a bowl, . It is old, and loud. I also play a few mandolins, a mandolinetta that is tuned, fF, cC, gG EE, very nice sound, also have a mandocello, and a tiple tuned like a mandola. Love all those instruments really.

[@therightreads1561]

Hello magnus! I’ve been playing octave mandolin for a little over a year now and I love it! (I started on the mando, but quickly switched to the octo) I’ve been struggling to find resources on how to expand my skill set with it as I’ve found that a lot of resources for normal mando don’t apply to this instrument. Ive been struggling to move beyond my comfort zone into knew ways of playing. Would like to explore the rock/blues space as I think this instrument has the gravitas to do it. Where do I look for help with this instrument specifically?

[@TheMaineSurveyor]

I play mandolin. I'm interested in both the octave mandolin and the mandola. The mandola has an appropriate range for voice accompaniment. Since I like to sing and play, this seems to make sense to me. The octave mandolin seems ready-made for this, as well.

[@studebakerhoch]

I want a cittern but you can't find one for less than 800-1000 dollars so I was looking at the mandola, bouzouki or octave mandolin instead

[@MrRbuxton]

I play the octave mandolin, and Sax's

[@thirdactwarrior317]

I added OM after playing mandolin for about 15 years and that was about 15 years ago. I play all kinds of music with the mandolin, but mostly play OM in church music groups. I think it has a kind of "majestic" sound that works well in church. Another reason I'd add for a mandolin player to take it up is activating the pinky finger. For a long time, I had problems fretting with my little finger. It was just weak. I got the OM mostly to play rhythm, but for fun tried playing mandolin melodies on it. It was tough at first, but it forced me to use my pinky more because of the longer scale. I found when I went back to the mandolin, my "pinky power" increased dramatically.

[@MandolinSecrets]

Sounds great! That's a good point that the pinky gets stronger by playing OM.

[@PINTandDALE]

The octave mandolin is a terrific versitile instrument -- great for tunes and better than a standard mandolin for accompanying songs. When I first switched I had some difficulty playing tunes in first position because of the greater distance between frets -- I found that most tunes could be easily played up the neck with very little adjustment in the fingering. Thanks for helping to promote this great instrument. I have a sweet Apollo OM made by Nikos Apollonio from Rockport, Maine, in the USA.

[@healingenso7923]

I may end up there. But for my FIRST mandolin, I'm buying an Eastman MD404-BK. I love the texture of it's sound, the flexibility of playing almost anything from Celtic to a good honest bluegrass chop. I don't know that it will be the master of any role compared to others. But starting with that instrument excites me, even though I feel an urge to play octave mandolin in a year or two. Just hope the sound doesn't get stepped on by guitars.

[@gavriyares]

I don’t play octave mandolin yet, but I hope to one day. You're reasons are so true to me.

[@mandopay]

I agree on the octave. I have a Trinity College and I have tuned it like a bozouki , GDAD. Which gives me the best of both worlds. It has helped with the mandolin playing also. With this tuning it allows me to play a one finger D and G chord and a two finger A chord. I think it's easier to play the octave because of the shorter neck compared to the bozouki.

[@artedel1]

I've played bouzouki and OM in Celtic music, mostly rhythm. Past 2 years I've been backing a group of fiddlers playing Swedish music. I could have played guitar but my Pono short scale OM paired against those fiddles gives a nice contrast.

[@franparry3818]

Thank you for you insight into the reasons to play the octave mandolin. I “ play “ the mandolin, but I just purchased the octave because I enjoy the deeper and richer sound also. Thank you from one retired teacher to a younger one , lol,

[@lorenneufeld4306]

I do play a Mandolin, a few years now, and have been thinking of playing an OM as an eventual purchased instrument. Your video has somewhat solidified my inclinations much further towards owning an OM sooner than later! Thank you!

[@NilsGJBruijel]

I love the sustain an OM has. It gives more colour and warmth to the sound. Also less "pressure" - as compared to a mandolin - to just fill all the spaces in a tune with notes. Just let a well placed note really ring and do its work. That gives it a more mellow tone.

[@mikedejong5593]

What a beautiful sounding instrument! Thanks for showing us, Magnus!!

[@JamesWilliamHoughton]

Thanks Magnus, I’ve been thinking of expanding to either an octave mandolin or a bouzouki but all those variations in between have definitely tempted me. You make a good case for the octave mandolin. I saw Sierra Hull play here recently and she was amazing ☺️

[@gibby6904]

Yes I have a 1999 Peterson octave mandolin......wonderful instruments.....

[@ryand.5857]

Snazzy!

[@Road_Rash]

I currently only play the mandolin, but I hope to have an octave mandolin soon...& maybe another mandolin for the collection...

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

They are so wonderful sounding. I agree we need one. It's tough though because once we get our main instruments, and then acquire our secondary instruments, there are so many others we need; urhus, moon guitars, viking fiddles, gourd banjos, I'll be really generous and even add a ukelele. ...

[@rbrandford]

I play an octave mandolin. I have two. One where all the strings are in unison, another has the low G and D in octave. I am looking forward to your lessons on the octave mandolin.

[@RisingDimond]

Hi there, thanks for the video. I play an octave mandolin, standard mandolin, Irish tenor banjo, (GDAE) tenor guitar and cello banjo (CGDA). I love having so many voices available within a very similar group of instruments. The cello banjo goes ocean deep, while the tenor guitar has a delicate and articulate voice. The tenor banjo has a lovely ring to it, while still being able to create a melancholy tone, due to the fact that it has no resonator (open back). I love the mandolin for it’s brightness and crispness, but if I had to pick a favorite... it’s always the octave. They really are special instruments

[@MandolinSecrets]

That's great Anthony! You got a lot of strings going there. 🙂

[@tomluppino325]

I have been thinking of getting one for a while now. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@hexvaldr]

This video just reinforces my gladness at having ordered an Octave Mandolin recently. I'm coming to it fresh, not being a mandolin player, but I really love the sound of the instrument and am looking forward to learning. Thanks for the video!

[@MandolinSecrets]

Sounds good Vincent! Congrats on the OM.

[@tompelham7035]

Agreed, I bought an octave on intuition and the difficulty of playing a standard, hence X-Large hands!

[@JJ_TheGreat]

Great points! Thank you!

[@sov8963]

Thank you for the clear insight to playing octave mandolin. I was thinking mandocello but your insight again showed me that probably the octave mandolin is the way to go.

[@paullyle3461]

Well I play mandolin Mandola Bouzouki I enjoy them all, enjoyed your video. Thanks for sharing 🎶😉🎶

[@mbazolli]

Which one do you enjoy the most for folk music?

[@reikbar]

Hej pa det! I just got an octave mandolin yesterday. I'm grateful for your video.

[@Patrick-zg7hg]

Plus when you go up to the 12th fret you have the notes of the regular mandolin .

[@luc-ytperron5642]

I've been exploring lots of different ways to create a great a sound that I couldn't explain but that was making a sens in my mind for years. It started with my Norman 12 string guitar, followed by the 6 strings DADGAD tuning and high capo setting, while still trying bizarre and exotic instruments available in stores in Quebec. I gave a last chance to a cheap 10 string cittern but I was still unsatisfied. During a trip to Björklinge, in 2011, I met Fredian Lindstrõm and his 4 courses Nordic Mandola (octave mandolin). That was It, the perfect sound... The holy grail! A perfect match! The end of a long quest of some 10 or 15 years. Later, I adopted an Ola Sõderstrõm 8 strings mandola and took it to Canada. I haven''t change my mind since. It's the perfect companion for a mandolin player. N.B. the "4 courses NORDIC MANDOLA" is an Octave Mandolin in GDAE

[@micawbermandolins]

Great insights brother. Starting playing this year and it’s really inspired me!

[@BlackheartCharlie]

Great video - thank you! I have found, as you point out, that the octave mandolin will expand your options for playing music with others and let you explore both accompaniment and lead playing. I am lucky enough to own a mandolin, octave mandolin, mandocello and have even tuned a cheap bass guitar in fifths to CGDA tuning and a ukulele to mandolin tuning. I joke that I don't play six instruments, I just play one instrument in six different sizes. The chords, intervals and fingerings that I first learned on mandolin have translated across all of these instruments. What I learn on any one of these instruments helps me to discover new possibilities on the others. If I was going to be stranded on a desert island with only one instrument, my go-to would be the octave mandolin. I have found it to be the most versatile member of the mandolin family. A final note on buying instruments, especially the larger members of the mandolin family. You can buy entry-level instruments for about 1/2 of retail pricing if you wait for deals on e-Bay. It seems that many people buy them, play them briefly, then let them gather dust in the closet. I have found that my inexpensive octave mandolin from Goldtone has brought me a world of musical joy.

[@MandolinSecrets]

Great tips BlackheartCharlie!

[@jeffcassady2053]

Hi Mr. Zetterlund! I'm new to your videos. I'm super inspired and impressed. I am acoustic guitarist, mandolin and octave mandolinist. I will be engaging frequently.

[@WWS322]

I enjoy the mandolin very much and appreciate the suggestion!

[@jimmymahone5420]

Having played bass clarinet, contraalto clarinet, and baritone saxophone in my youth, the octave mandolin's lower timbre appeals immediately. Seems it would merge easily into Celtic seisiúns for those of us unlikely to learn the different fingerings, scales, and so forth demanded by a bouzouki ... or else a bridge to bouzouki. Thanks again, Magnus.

[@InventorZahran]

What's the difference between a bouzouki and an octave mandolin? They both have four pairs of strings... Is the tuning different?

[@francesco3207]

Keep up this great work! The world needs you.....

[@ised-5239]

The OM (octave mandolin) above is what to be the tenor mandolin while the normal mandolins as in bluegrass band are the contralto mandolins.

[@ised-5239]

And the mandocello is the mandola tuned one octave below the standard mandola and what is to be the lower tenor mandola whereas standard mandola is the contralto tenor mandola.

[@michaeltuttle642]

Playing a Flatiron A5 and. Gibson (1908) three point, but interested in exploring the octave mandolin Thanks Michael t

[@cindygoblirsch9438]

Thank you for sharing these helpful tips. I am learning to play the Mandolin. I will be 62 in a couple of months, and have always wanted to play instruments. I bought a starter Mandolin, that I quickly am outgrowing. I wanted to make sure I would like playing since I have Arthritis. It has actually helped my hands become stronger and so am VERY pleased with that result! I simply can't afford to invest a large sum of money and so am torn between buying a Mandolin or an Octave Mandolin. I frequently sing, so I feel the Octave Mandolin may be much more versatile for fitting in worship leading.

[@MandolinSecrets]

Sounds good Cindy!

[@gregbonzo1]

thanks for your input, Magnus... my wife and I just bought an Octave Mandolin!! we are fighting over who gets to play it!!!

[@MandolinSecrets]

Yes, I love it! Just remember to be gentle to each other. ;-)

[@williamgallerizzo6070]

I played mandolin for 22 years, and guitar for 35 years before going to Bouzouki / OM. Have been a strong advocate for B/OM since. It has a guitar like range, but a medieval sound that as Magnus says stands out on its own. Before buying one, try out different ones to see if you like short scale vs long scale, and the quality of the sound. At the time there were few builders or brands. I decided to go with PW Crump, B-II model with a bubinga body, long scale, unison strings. The sustain rings with a long decay, which was my preference. Whether getting a custom build like I did or one off the rack, try out as many as you can before settling in one. You'll be assured of getting one that will be addictive and beg you to play it as mine does. It is easier to have one with long sustain and loud volume as you can learn to control it. Otherwise, it does not help your style to play one you have to fight with to keep up with many flutes and fiddles in a session in a crowded pub.

[@craigchad99]

Thanks magnus.... i love playing tunes on my irish bouzouki!. Maybe some videos on mandolin academy on double stop runs (with the octave mando) would be a great addition?

[@reddeadandangryatcapitalism]

Hey can I ask, I play mandolin and looking at either an octave or Irish bouzouki... any clues on practical playing differences to help me choose?

[@MrPHart]

Nothing wrong with the octave mandolin, but the same but still different is the Irish Bouzouki, try it and test them out side by side!

[@MandolinSecrets]

Yes, I like the Irish bouzouki very much!

[@DruEllz]

@Mr Kingpin the Irish bouzouki is a longer scale instrument and the bottom two courses of strings are octave rather than unison. The original Greek bouzouki is completely different.

[@bossagypsy731]

I play bouzouki with GDAE, and all strings in Unison. It's like this Octave Mandolin basically. It's definitely worth getting one or the other (bouzoukis are more easily available) for the reasons he says. But I usually go back to Mando , because it cuts through on rhythm better. And playing riffs is easier and nicer , also because they stand out , additionally because of the closer fret spacing esp when speed is required. He mentioned Mandola. That's good but it's in a different key

[@lynndeweese]

I play mandolin and have been thinking of adding mandola, octave mandolin, or mandocello, trying to decide which and which particular brand. This is the most helpful input I have received. It seems impossible to find any of the 3 near me to try out so your discussion is particularly appreciated. Thank you.

[@AmosTheTalented]

I’ve recently started learning the mandolin. Once I become more proficient, I might pick up the octave mandolin and the mandocello. My hands are pretty big, and those instruments might be easier for me to maneuver.

[@MandolinSecrets]

For sure Amos, a lot bigger neck and fretboard.

[@AmosTheTalented]

Magnus Zetterlund, thank you! I feel much better about my future with the mandolin.

[@windradli1948]

Thank you Magnus for your Adwise. I love my Mandolin and my Guitar but i think about to change.Love from Switzerland

[@MacedonianGrace]

Hmm I'm researching what to get. Deffo nice video 👍 thanks

[@rustyjones7908]

I just got one a few days ago. I'm pretty happy with the purchase.

[@robertshorthill6836]

Magnus, a few years ago, after taking your advice, I built myself a nice electric octave mandolin. I lent it to a friend for an evening gig during a class reunion. He plays guitar and mandolin. He thought this E octave was a great addition to the evening's performance. He pluged into a good amp to make it sound better than I could with a cheap practice amp. I need to play more fiddle tunes on this fun instrument. Bob

[@Bart8924]

Hi Magnus! I started mandolin about 11 years ago coming from classical violin, bluegrass fiddle and guitar. I quickly got into all things mando, with mandola, octave mandolin and mandocello. The best of all worlds is a 5 course instrument tuned in 5ths. My mandola is tuned C-G-D-A-E. My 10 string 26” mandocello is the same, just one octave lower.

[@ryand.5857]

Yeah man, I agree. I've seen them called Celtic or Nordic citterns too, which I guess may refer more to the specifically flatback instruments with oval holes? I can't imagine an "F Type" 5 course mando-cello haha!

[@ised-5239]

Ryan D. So that instrument should be called octave "'mandoliola" (mandolin + mandola).

[@ilikebanjo]

I just bought an octave mandolin but I don't play any type of mandolin yet! I just know I love the sound and vibe for songwriting and really like the possibilities. Excited but don't know where to start! I'm liking your channel so far though Magnus.

[@BrianMartin-zw5bd]

I played the viola as a kid, and always loved the sound range of it compared to the violin. I stopped playing in college, just too busy with all the homework. But after getting the masters degree, I had a lot more time at the end of my days, and decided to take up a new instrument. I wanted something that had a similar tone range to the viola. There are so many people that play the guitar, it simply wasn't interesting in it. When I heard what the octave mando sounded like, I loved it. I eventually got a regular mandolin, but it's an inexpensive one, and I hardly touch it.

[@TBoneProductionsVB]

For me the 3 reasons to go from mandolin to OM are tone, technical/physical play-ability, and style. I'd say it's an alternative to learning guitar as well, specially if you are already used to fifths from playing strings in orchestra. I started out on mandolin but convinced myself I had to at least try octave. I skipped mandola since it was only slightly lower and that didn't justify getting used to the different key. The most important revelations were in the play-ability of different scale lengths. There are chords on the OM I cant fully physically hit on the small mandolin due to lack of room for my big hands. I strive to use all of the mandolin and hit 4 note chords whenever possible. I play the lead line and rhythm or bass line at the same time and the extra space made that much more practical and comfortable. Scale lengths too long however create the new problem of not being able to stretch enough so on the longer ones you end up only able to reach simple chords again so a lot of designs hover around 20" scale for a blend of benefits. My 23" scale one is awesome in its own ways but just hard to be nimble on compared to my 19" OM. I think my next OM purchase (if i ever get the money for it lol) will be a 20" scale OM. Mainly just to get one with a bigger acoustic body. I should probably contribute some videos about it to the community.

[@MandolinSecrets]

Sounds good TBone!

[@taterbapple9847]

Thank you for great video and I hope Liverpool start to improve for you soon.

[@ondrejkral209]

What is main difference between irish bouzouki and octave mandolin?

[@renebleu3542]

Excellent demo ! What is the brand and model you are playing ?

[@aragorn1780]

Why I play the OM: for playing medieval and neomedieval music 😁😁😁

[@MandolinSecrets]

Sounds good An Asian Bard!

[@Dobroz99]

Yes I have an octave mandolin. I love the sound. I like that the same knowledge base instantly applies. It lends it’s self to two or three note chords. Because the strings are further apart I can’t play it as fast as a mandolin. I wonder if there is a standard or basic approach to chording or a recommended chording style. I became interested in it as I have a friend in a band that switches between mando, octave and guitar to give there 3 piece group more sonic textures. Thanks Magnus, everything sounds good when you play it.

[@margaretblack8491]

Virgil Stanford, and Magnus Zetterlund, I am working on 4-finger chords, but find them very hard to do quickly on the OM and so that the notes really ring. I would also be interested in good ways to approach the OM that make more sense than just trying to play it like a standard mandolin.

[@campbellbluestone1837]

I bought an Eastman MDO305 octave mandolin last year after playing mandolin for years.It helped me experiment with moveable chords more that i then take back to the mandolin.What it has done is helped me understand the fretboard much more and most of all its just great fun to play

[@michaelnebel3785]

Thanks for this segment. I and wanting to play another insterment. I am currently playing a mandolin. I am interested in a tenor gutar or a octive mandoiln. My decisoon proudly be the octive. Thanks...

[@CeeJayKay]

Ok. Now you made me want to play my Octave Mandolin. Thanks : D👍🏻

[@ised-5239]

The octave mandolin is a mandolin tuned one octave below a standard mandolin and a mandocello is a mandola tuned one octave below a standard mandola.

[@Heimrik01]

ISE D- Hello, can you tell me the difference between the mandola and the mandoline please ?

[@margaretblack8491]

Magnus, I am looking forward to more OM info in the future. I apply a lot of your lessons to my OM playing, and they have been a great help. I am not a mandolin player; I am a banjo player who heard a bouzouki in a Canadian group, and ended up taking up the Octave mandolin. In case someone might benefit from my experience with them, i started on a 22" scale length OM, and could never get the 5-fret reach I wanted to help with playing melodically, as well as for playing some chords, even though I have no trouble with the 25" banjo scale length. i also had to have the strings in each course moved closer to each other, as my pinky was slipping between the strings on the G and d courses. FYI, I am a woman with small palms, and long, thin fingers. I now have a 21" scale-length OM, which is just enough shorter to make a big difference for me. I played 20" scale length instruments in my search, and, at least the ones I played, did not have the sustain and depth of tone of the 21" and 22" OMs. My original OM (A Weber) had a fat, rounded neck. My current OM was made by Darrel Pura (Canada), and has a thinner, less rounded neck. With my hands, the neck profile, along with the slightly shorter scale length, has made a big difference. There is also a huge range of resonance in Om's and the F-hole, carved top variety sound very different from the single- hole, flat tops, so there is something out there for just about every taste. If anyone has a chance to try one, and likes that particular one, I would say, buy it! You will be happy you did, and it is great having an instrument that fills a different musical niche from the one you already play. If you want to try OM, and you are not impressed with the first one you try, don't be immediately discouraged---it may be that particular instrument, not OMs in general. :)

[@MandolinSecrets]

Great input to the discussion!

[@jeffcassady2053]

I might be interested in installing a pickup in the Octave Eastman MDO 305. What would be the best pickup? Thanks.

[@edwardtillman307]

Thanks Magnus, I cross tune my mandos like my fiddles--usually high bass (ADAE) and GDGD. I play melody most of the time and find cross picking and drones work really well. I assume the same can be done with an octave mando with problems

[@ryand.5857]

I've never thought to do this! Thanks for the idea, man!

[@terrycarson6425]

Just bought an Eastman Octave Mandolin and very excited to play it!

[@MandolinSecrets]

Good choice!

[@c.a.t.732]

Every time I've checked on Eastman Octaves they're been out-of-stock, forever it seems. Good on you for scoring one!

[@laurelpaulson-pierce942]

YES! I LOVE THE OCTAVE MANDOLIN! i HAVE ENJOYED PLAYING MINE FOR OVER 5-6 YEARS. I ESPECIALLY LIKE THAT THERE ARE NO NEW FINGERINGS OR CHORD PATTERNS TO LEARN COMPARED TO THE "REGUALR" MANDOLIN!

[@nickwilson5637]

I always wanted to learn an instrument but in all my years, I have not managed to, primarily because I had not found an instrument that "sang" to me in all that time. However, over the last few weeks, I have found (now) three! A dulcimer, an m4 seagull and now the octave mondolin. This isolation we are all going through appears to have silver linings, I just have to choose, buy and get to learning. Thanks kindly for the video content

[@MandolinSecrets]

Best of luck!

[@rogerbeaird5742]

Thank you magnus the magnificent 👍👍👍👍 I started playing at 62 watching you and others .. starting to way better I practice and play along with sound tracts but think I really bwantban octave but can only find cheap ones in my area where is a good safe source to order from Magnus??🙏

[@gingerjam2192]

Hi Magnus, I’m planing to build one for myself ! I’m mainly a guitar player and I built a flat top mandolin years ago but I don’t play it often. I think if I build myself an Octave mandolin it will be played frequently ;)

[@MandolinSecrets]

Yes, what a great idea! :-)

[@jasongray3198]

I enjoyed your video and I absolutely agree how the octave mandolin adds range to an ensemble. I've never been able to proficiently play a standard mandolin because my fingers are too large. I hope I could get the same sound out of the mandola with perhaps a longer neck and wider fret positions. any opinion? I dont need much space but when I was in music school my hands didn't work on violin, I chose cello as my secondary instrument (piano is the first). do people drift over to the mandolin for simply a physical reason?

[@Kungsgeten]

I've played solid body electric mandolin in a punk rock setting 2003-2018. I started on a Fender eight string, then removed the pairs so it became a four string. Maybe around 10 years ago I got a five string octave mandolin (GDAEB) which works great both for solo stuff and power chords.

[@MandolinSecrets]

Sounds cool!

[@Kungsgeten]

@@MandolinSecrets To be honest it mostly fills the role as a secondary electric guitar, but yeah its cool :) If you'd like to take a listen here's our last album: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZmah4WYhsmHoK8 There's mandolin in most songs, but the opening track has some lead mandoliin right from the start. Also I'm playing some sloppy acoustic stuff on the track "Nyktra nätter (än så länge)".

[@kazimierzziezio2293]

I have the lower 3 courses of my octave tuned in octaves. The A string adds a whole different feel to chord voicings, but does make playing leads.......interesting.

[@reddeadandangryatcapitalism]

Oh yeah... you'd have to alter you picking techniques? Do you just use 8ve mando strings?

[@kazimierzziezio2293]

@@reddeadandangryatcapitalism I play finger style guitar, so I do not rely solely on a pick. The A octave string is a mystery I need solve. It was put on as a result of miscommunication with the guy who installed the passive pickup, so I'm not certain about what gauge string he used. But it was a mistake I like. The rest are likely bouzouki strings.

[@reddeadandangryatcapitalism]

@@kazimierzziezio2293 that honestly sounds like so much fun to work out, good luck with finding a cool sound 😁

[@carlmorrissey7196]

Enjoyed the video ! I play octave mandolin, Irish tenor banjo, and electric tenor guitar--all tuned GDAE. The octave mandolin is my all round favorite, but in an Irish session, with fiddles and flutes, banjo is better because it can be heard, where the sound of the octave mandolin isn't loud enough. I like octaves for the G and D courses for the brash sound it gives to leads. Extending that to the A string would be too much of a good thing, I think.

[@MrPHart]

GDAE tuning is called "Irish Tuning" and CGDA is called "Standard Tuning". Both have different chord fingerings and a different sound. There are many books out there, however I really like THE TENOR GUITAR CHORDE BIBLE with 2,880 chords laid out within it. Its from FRETTED FRIENDS, WWW.frettedfriendsmusic.com Check it out on the net and see what you think learning and using both Irish on one instrument and Standard on another. It really opens up your playing and your sound. FYI, no I do not have any $$$ in or make any $$$ from you buying this handy chord bible. I just use it and it's my "go to" for new chords.

[@ShouldaL]

Ditt namn säger mig att du förmodligen förstår vad jag skriver här. Har nyligen plockat upp mandolin + oktavmandolin. Ska absolut spana in din hemsida

[@ioodyssey3740]

I am a "NO CHOP" mandolin player. Meaning, if you need percussion, hire a drummer! My next instrument will be an octave mandolin. I play guitars, acoustic and electric and I'm an advanced beginner with mandolin, banjo, tenor guitar, ukelele, and violin/fiddle. I highly recommend playing music freely and with abandon, or with a band, to relieve all your stresses and worries and to keep your mind sharp and alert. (dancing occasionally helps too - if you are shy then do it when nobody is looking. Cheers!

[@MandolinSecrets]

Sounds good IO!

[@sharonconstable8146]

I have a guitar / bouzouki conversion that I tune like an octave mando. The scale is long (25") and the intonation is pretty sketchy, but it does the job for now. Any recommendations? What scale length is the Weber you are playing, Magnus?

[@oddfellowfloyd]

Hi, Magnus! What is the small black bridge (or string retainer?) below the bridge? What does it do? Where can I buy one? :) Thanks!

Have a mandolin, but have only recently started playing. Would love an octave mandolin for that sweet Sarah Jarosz sound... Can't really motivate the expense for now though. Mandolins are expensive and that seems true for octave mandolins as well, if you can even find one. The octave seems to have longer sustain in general compared to the standard mandolin. Would you say that is correct?

[@MarkMcCluney]

Thanks Magnus, I'm convinced! But I think a brief 'tour' of the instrument might have helped - I'm not entirely sure I know what the difference is between the octave mandolin and the mandocello. Maybe a little follow-up vid? Cheers mate and thanks again.

[@JamesWilliamHoughton]

Mark McCluney the biggest differences between octave mandolin and mandocello is size. Mandocello is generally a bit larger and has a deeper tone. Hope that helps.

[@darbuki13]

Sir, you are holding an Irish Bouzouki. The octave mandolin is usually regarded as having a shorter scale length than the Irish bouzouki, in the vicinity of 20 to 23 inches (50 to 59 cm), while the scale length of the Irish bouzouki most often ranges from 24 to 25 inches (60 to 65 cm).

[@MandolinSecrets]

Same same, but different. 🙂

[@rogerbeaird5742]

Magnus I started playing at 62 years old I can play along with music videos some but always with a regular Mando not to good for singing praise music 🎶 a octave will be nice 👍 thanks for your video

[@bigdee2507]

I play guitar and ukulele I would like to add other stringed instruments to my repertoire I plan to get into the dulcimer and I'm wondering about the Mandola or octave mandolin as well

[@oddfellowfloyd]

Hey, Magnus! :) Mind if I ask you about the strap button you have? Where it's placed (the side towards treble), do you find that it lets the instrument tip forward, like it's pulled top-wise toward the floor, or does it stay pretty flat against you? I'm just asking because I'm wondering whether to place a strap button on the side of the neck heel, like yours, or directly on top, so that it sits flatter like a guitar would...? Thanks, and peace! ~ Justin

[@lindasmith6668]

This is very convincing

[@dennyplowman7553]

I play an octave mandolin in a band. When people ask me what it is, I reply 'It's a genetically-modified mandolin' Also, a small word of warning; there are tenor mandolin/mandolas tuned intermediate between the mandolin and the octave mandolin. I nearly bought one by mistake - it would have meant relearning all my chords and tunes, Grr!!

[@MandolinSecrets]

Sounds good Denny!

[@namelesswanderer9315]

Do you have recommendations on which Octave Mando? What one are you using in the video? Don’t feel Acoustic Electric is better than Acoustic? Thanks for video!

[@robertsparacin399]

What I am working on: Since I am retired and have to be careful with funds, I have converted my 3/4 acoustic steel string guitar with a 22" VSL to a four string. True, not an eight string, for now, but enough to simulate an octave mandolin to jump in. I am thinking of removing the bridge, so I can make it more angled, should that improve the intonation. To do that, I will attach a steel tail piece to attach the strings to. Since I have several such guitars, I will use both steel and nylon/carbon strings to compare sound and playability between them. Will try La Bella 830 strings, as I hear they have unique in chord properties. Beyond these steps, I want to put an adjustable steel or bone flat platform in front of the bridge, and just under each string, so each string can be made to buzz like a Sitar while being played. So.. why am I choosing an octave mandolin of sorts?... well.. to me the sound is beautiful...nor do I have to play too well premade music .. on other instruments, once I can play the notes well enough, then..the noodle becomes the script.. and then I can work from there, adding what can be learned. If the music is from the heart.. people seem to be really moved by it. One may call it a musical instrument.. but I can also be.. one beautiful boat, of sorts.

[@mojorisen7812]

Sold!

[@nicholasmarshall6361]

Beautiful instrument. Can you tell me the make of it? Thanks.

[@squamiger7720]

curious, why do you prefer the octave mandolin over something like an irish bouzouki, which has even more sustain and can also be tuned like a mandolin?

[@QerstyBass]

Do you use different strings for your G strings?

[@mimihealy5046]

In Would love to play an octave mandolin. It has such a mellow sound. What is the difference between the octave mandolin and a bouzouki?

[@jenniferlangford9693]

Do you think a mandolin tuned to GDAD would sound good?

[@kryscall4544]

could you recommend an affordable brand to buy for octave mandolin? that is what i want to start on. already know how to play violin and read music but have never played the mandolin. i like the deeper sound of the octave mandolin but am having trouble finding one to buy. thanks.

[@sarajanemontgomery4130]

I am an intermediate mandolin player and am planning on getting an octave. I am a small lady with small hands. Do you recommend a certain octave for me.

[@denishdutrisac3413]

It would be interesting to showcase the octave mandolin vs the Irish bouzouki. I am not sure which to go to… They do seem to be very closely related? Any comments?

[@MrFair]

Nice video, Magnus! I've always been wondering a bit where the exact difference between an octave mandolin and Irish bouzouki lies... some people seem to classify the instruments based on the scale length...? Also, will you make a video like that with your Swedish-style cittern at some point? :D Would be interesting to learn more about this instrument from your viewpoint!

[@TheArtofFencing]

Most people play bouzoukis in GDAD as standard tuning, but the differences are more historical, as one comes from the mandolin and its use in mandolin orchestras and the other being a child of the Greek bouzouki. So both were round-backs once and are now manifold in there appearance. But most octaves I handed had a more mellow, darker sound were the bouzoukis had a more mid range focused sound, which cuts through better and is more cittern like (another of these instruments which are kind of the same^^)

[@reddeadandangryatcapitalism]

Is there much difference in their fret spacing? I'm low key afraid of the stretch, but like the idea of the more focused sound (Andy Irvine vibes)

[@agneswitte1430]

I have an octave mandolin and I love its sound. I would like to accompany myself when singing. But pressing the lower strings really needs a lot of strength, in order to prevent buzzing. Which means I can't play fast. What would you recommend?

[@MandolinSecrets]

Hi Agnes, it sound like you need to adjust the action. You should not need to much of a strength for playing the lower strings. Go see a luthier! :-) The good news it's an easy fix!

[@paulhair6600]

Toco o Bandolim e a violinha ( um tipo de Violão tenor) quero arranjar mandola e mandocello, pois estão proximos da minha pratica com instrumentos de arco que ja toco. E os utilizarei em funções bem parecidas com seus similares de arco. Ja considerei ter um Mandolino de oitava, mas aqui sera complicado convencer a familia ao me ver comprando/ construindo mais um instrumento kkkkk

[@mintonmiller]

I have heard that there is a way to restring my 12 guitar like an octive mandolin and would like to learn more about it.

[@TheMaverickTaylorBand]

Hard to find any of them with built in pickups

[@jeaninehonour4717]

Hi Magnus, do you have a particular brand of strings you recommend?

[@MandolinSecrets]

I use Dáddarios and Straight Ups Strings.

[@ant.davidson2091]

I’m a Total newbie is an octave Mandola the same instrument as the Octave Mandolin and probably a silly question can it be tuned GCEA (Ukulele Tuning) thanks Antz