Octaves are generally in the 20-23" scale range. If you go longer than that you start getting into the 'Zouk range.
If you want to play melody and some accompaniment / chord comp'ing you would probably want to go with the Octave. I had a custom flat top made for me with a 20" scale and it is relatively easy to play melody, but the chord comp'ing isn't as full and droning as the longer scale Zouks. When I am doing the sideman/comp'ing thing I play one of my Zouks.
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Gerry
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