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  #1  
Old 02-28-2015, 02:27 PM
35' Sunburst 35' Sunburst is offline
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Default HELP me identify-Instrument - Sarah Jarosz

Been awhile - how's everyone doing?
Need some help:

I've seen Sarah playing this 8 string "Mandola"? or whatever it is.

Does anyone know what it is or what you call it.
Who makes it?
Scale length?
Tuning?

I discovered her last year and have become a huge fan.
If anyone knows anything about it I'd really appreciate any info.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQrk...A4F2A8FCCD1D8B
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  #2  
Old 02-28-2015, 02:59 PM
Hoyt Hoyt is offline
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I think that is a guitar shaped Octave Mandolin, she's known for playing them.

I've had a few, although shaped more like an A-Style mandolin. They are wonderful sounding, playing instruments. Usually they are tuned GDAE (pairs in unison) like a mandolin. They typically have a scale length 20 - 23". Mandolas are usually 16 - 17".

Although the nomenclature can get confusing, a Mandola is typically tuned CGDA; mandolins and octaves are tuned GDAE. But some folks call Octaves, mandolas, so who knows.

Love her work -- whether guitar, mandolin(s), or banjo.
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Old 02-28-2015, 03:30 PM
steveb2223 steveb2223 is offline
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Sarah's octave mandolin is a custom build by Fletcher Brock. He's highly regarded for his Mando family instruments.

Here's a nice article from Fretboard Journal:
http://www.fretboardjournal.com/node/2595

-- Steve
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Old 02-28-2015, 04:45 PM
35' Sunburst 35' Sunburst is offline
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Oh yeah thanks for that article and that is the one. I didn't even know where to start looking for information on these types of stringed instruments.
Thanks for the link.
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Old 03-01-2015, 10:31 PM
aphillips aphillips is offline
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Yep that is a Fletcher Brock octave mandolin. Tuned GDAE, his have a scale length of 21.5". I got to play one a few months back and they are awesome!
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Old 03-03-2015, 04:14 PM
cu4life7 cu4life7 is offline
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I also love this instrument. Phenomenal tone, and yes it is a Fletcher Brock. Does anyone know of a more intermediate level model that us mere mortals could possibly afford? Eastman maybe?
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Old 03-04-2015, 12:01 AM
tdq tdq is offline
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Gosh yes this is a beautiful instrument. While I'm not a mandolin player, seeing her playing this octave mandolin made me want an archtop (which I eventually got, a Loar 700)
cu4life, I have seen them around occasionally although I can't remember where or which brand unfortunately. But they are out there.
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Old 03-04-2015, 01:19 PM
cu4life7 cu4life7 is offline
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In my boredom I found a Weber Bitterroot Octar, which seems to be pretty close in tone. It does cost less than $6200, but still in collings territory.... The guitar bodied ones seem extremely rare, and I am willing to admit that it is a niche market for sure. Most average guitar players don't even know what a mandolin is. I have been asked if my Big Muddy flat top mando is a Ukulele multiple times...
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Old 03-04-2015, 02:57 PM
Silly Moustache Silly Moustache is offline
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I wanted one for ages after seeing Tim O'Brien playing his Nugget (Mike Kemnitzer).

Sarahs is very much like Eli West's - bouzouki/octave mando.

See:

I got an old Hofner archtop guitar and had it converted - wonderful sound, but 25" scale is a tad too long for me.

It sits there unused in its case - any offers?
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Old 03-04-2015, 03:04 PM
sausgirl sausgirl is offline
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Hey there,
Eastman makes a mandocello....they may have an octave mandolin?
Chek out their site! Neat sound either way.
Jan
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Old 03-04-2015, 03:11 PM
sausgirl sausgirl is offline
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BTW....that Hofner sounds awesome.Wish I saw it before I bought my Epi. Someone will scoop it up!
Jan
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Old 03-04-2015, 03:21 PM
Silly Moustache Silly Moustache is offline
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Here's a pretty good video of one of these instruments :



There is also a Czech luthier :

http://www.rozawood.cz/mandolins/om5/
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Old 03-04-2015, 03:23 PM
Silly Moustache Silly Moustache is offline
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Sorry - that video I just posted is the wrong one - try this :

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Old 03-10-2015, 12:01 PM
KarGuitar KarGuitar is offline
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Had to post this one of her. Now that's some octave mandolin playing and singing!


Last edited by KarGuitar; 03-10-2015 at 12:07 PM.
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  #15  
Old 03-10-2015, 12:21 PM
KarGuitar KarGuitar is offline
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Don't forget about Weber's Octave Mandolins either if you are looking!! Their 20 inch scale may be better for you than their 22 inch, or F Brock's 21.5 inch on the guitar like body.

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