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  #16  
Old 10-06-2022, 10:14 AM
FrankCousins FrankCousins is offline
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Originally Posted by Rudy4 View Post
Are you concerned at all about the F hole apertures?

They look a bit small for the body size, but maybe that's an optical illusion.
Not at all. The true proportions are seen on the CAD drawing and they look really good. As for size v tone, Mike Vanden has been building arch tops for 40 years so knows a thing or two about them... so I trust his judgement. He is also the inventor of what became Fishman's rare earth acoustic pick up... so a bit of an expert on these things
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  #17  
Old 01-26-2023, 09:16 AM
FrankCousins FrankCousins is offline
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Its been a while since I posted an update. Progress has been good, but sadly Mike was taken ill back in December so has quite rightly needed some much needed recovery time. Health is so much more important.

That said, he shared with me a few pictures that show we are in the final stage prior to finishing ;-)

The first pic shows the the Octave mandolin in a Hiscox classical case which will be fine for now as will be home use only. Plan on getting a custom Calton in the future.

Second pic show the size relative to his Rialto Archtop design which was the inspiration/basis for the design ;-) (Which that was one as well)

Third shows the Scottish Sycamore back and maple neck

Forth the Decco inspired headstock ;-)

Good fit. by frankscousin, on Flickr

OCT MAN 10 by frankscousin, on Flickr

OCT MAN 12 by frankscousin, on Flickr

OCT MAN 13 by frankscousin, on Flickr
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  #18  
Old 02-02-2023, 11:07 AM
FrankCousins FrankCousins is offline
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Mike has now sprayed the sunburst

o man spray 3 by frankscousin, on Flickr

o man spray 2 by frankscousin, on Flickr

Now the long wait for drying before polish time ... exciting!
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  #19  
Old 02-02-2023, 11:56 AM
MThomson MThomson is offline
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That looks very good indeed Frank.
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  #20  
Old 02-02-2023, 01:24 PM
FrankCousins FrankCousins is offline
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That looks very good indeed Frank.
Cheers Martin! Yes looks really nice and should be finished in about 1 month or so, so really looking forward to it... will bring it with the Taran when we finally meet ... ;-)
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  #21  
Old 02-03-2023, 09:51 PM
jmat jmat is offline
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Thanks for sharing. Great build, fun concept.
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  #22  
Old 04-01-2023, 12:24 PM
FrankCousins FrankCousins is offline
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Now getting to final stages, and initial string up before last of cutting the finish back before polish and set up etc.. should be ready in a couple of weeks! nut and bridge to finish as well but almost there!

I love how the finish cut back has lightened the bust to give it that slight 'faded look' yet I think will look stunning when polished to high gloss ;-)

final pics will be posted in a couple of weeks when this is finished

Octave strung by frankscousin, on Flickr
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  #23  
Old 04-04-2023, 02:44 PM
FrankCousins FrankCousins is offline
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Its finally ready for collection ;-) So excited as have heard some sound clips and its sounds amazing (albeit played by a wonderful musician) - cant wait to pick this up in next couple of weeks. Have to plan a trip to the more remote parts of scotland, but will be worth it!

Octave-Mando-Front by frankscousin, on Flickr

Octave-Mando-Back by frankscousin, on Flickr
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  #24  
Old 04-04-2023, 02:51 PM
Nemoman Nemoman is offline
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Looks fabulous--congrats!

Enjoy your journey and visit to pick it up!
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  #25  
Old 04-04-2023, 02:55 PM
FrankCousins FrankCousins is offline
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Originally Posted by Nemoman View Post
Looks fabulous--congrats!

Enjoy your journey and visit to pick it up!
Thanks Nemoman, I love Mike's burst colours - a warm glow that is just a touch of class. I heard sound clip professionally recorded and played by a great musician and its amazing. I just need to learn to do it justice now! ;-)
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  #26  
Old 04-04-2023, 03:15 PM
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iim7V7IM7 iim7V7IM7 is offline
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Beautiful…

Mike did a wonderful job. congrats…
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  #27  
Old 04-04-2023, 06:01 PM
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colins colins is offline
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It looks amazing, Frank! So many good points; I particularly like the sunburst approach to the neck.

No pressure, but it would be great to hear the sound clips you mentioned (not that I have any idea of how to post them!)
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  #28  
Old 04-06-2023, 07:42 PM
jmat jmat is offline
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This is such a cool instrument. I would love to hear some sound clips when you have a chance.

Congratulations!
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  #29  
Old 04-07-2023, 12:30 AM
FrankCousins FrankCousins is offline
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Will ask mike to send me the clips and see what I can do as they were only placed on a temp/dummy site for me and I was asked not to share the URL. What got me into the idea was Sarah Jarosz playing her Fletcher Brock made Octave.

The tone is wonderful and works so well as accompany her brilliant voice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8avSGnZlnaY

We were not looking to copy, but have an instrument that would be able to deliver in both Americana and celtic sessions... The clips I have heard have focussed on celtic melody and it delivers in spades... ;-)
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  #30  
Old 04-27-2023, 12:35 PM
FrankCousins FrankCousins is offline
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I have now picker it up and its every bit as beautiful as the photos. The link below is to Mikes Web site which has my Octave Mandolin as the example and also the sound clips I was sent featuring the very talented Adam Bulley - best listened with headphones :-) Enjoy!

https://vanden.co.uk/mandolins/octave-mandolin/
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