I found a beginner mandolin, and taught myself how to play. But it always felt so small to me. My big hands just couldn’t work the fretboard. Then I bought an octave mandolin, and this opened up all sorts of possibilities for me.
I used to think that mandalas were an octave lower but that means it would correspond to octave mandolins... I'm a bit lost cuz I bought these instruments in UK (Paul Hathway is an amazing instrument maker) i.e. picolo mandolin, mandolin, mandola, bouzouki, cittern and mandocello. . The tiny mandolin is tuned like a cello and one of my mandocellos as well, all the others are tuned like a mandolin (also I have a violin with fret but that's somethings else). I have to confess I 've never practiced enough ay of these instruments so I'm a very bad player... I mostly play guitar, and piano. Your channel is very interesting and the way you explain everything is great. I just don't know if my mandola sounds like an octave mandolin... :) Thanks anyway.
My first exposure to the Mandolin was through Alison Krauss. I just loved what Adam Steffey brought to her arrangements. I was sold on the idea of buying one. A visit to Mandolin Brothers in Staten Island back in 2010 was an eye opener. They had a lot of beautiful instruments but the scale length just didn't work. I voiced my dilemma to the sales guy. He said people with big hands can not play a mandolin properly so he brought out an octave mandolin for me to try. Ahhhh... this was so much better. My search for the ideal OM led me to Joe Mendel. Joe made me an A style with a slightly wider neck, Sitka Spruce top, Cocobolo back and sides. Looking forward to viewing your videos.
Wow Emma ! I came across this video accidentally . . . . Thankfully. I enjoyed everything . I have subscribed and am looking forward to more. Thank You. You Shine!
Interesting. Never seen an octave mandolin in person. Thanks for the info. I’ve played acoustic guitar for over 40 years. Just bought a my first mandolin.
Though I have 2 eastman . A rare 2 point and f oval sound hole , good mandolins if you can't invest $$$$$$ but mine rib joint separated but repaired it myself. Still they're good, weber yellow stone
I love the look and feel of an Eastman...But for $1k entry ticket is a little $$ for this beginner- DO you have any experience with the Thomann/Hora line from Europe ? I know...cheap instruments and all that...BUT! For $300?! Then I can move up to Eastman in 2-3 yrs, and then that weber for $5k! 😂
Great video! One aspect that I guess has gotten less exposure that it deserves is "what you coiuld play on this". Surely if you are a seasoned musician, you write your own music - good for you, you'll figure this out. As for the hobbyist's repertoire not sure what it could be.
Emma great intro to the octave mandolin World Emma :) I love sound of Octave mandolin aren't they great instruments to play :) Specially Bach's Cello Suites , Old Time Fiddle tunes & Irish Fiddle tunes. I had A Octave mandolin just like yours many yrs ago. That lead me into 10 Strings Long Scale Citterns got 3 of them all in different woods in different tunings. I use to use kyser capo's they throw the tuning out it's a bear retuning 8 & 10 strings. Can't remember if Sam Bush or Sierra Hull Said this 'You spend more time tuning a mandolin then playing it. I went to G7th Performance 2 Capo I don't have any retuning problems. I use to buy 2 sets of guitar strings for the Citterns and throw out the G string. I came across juststrings & stringjoy strings I started buying in bulk strings. One can fine tune the string gauges. Emma do you know about this book The Octave Mandolin Chord Bible: GDAE Standard Tuning ? Thumbs up Emma keep on keeping on Picking :) sIde note check out 432 hz tuning Cheers Lady Em
Thank you so much! I just looked at your page, and you are an amazing musician! Your octave mandolin does look very similar to mine. Keep up the good music!🙌🏻
@emmabordersmusic Emma!! Please respond, it would mean a lot. TY...As a multi-instrumentalist, and semi-pro...I want your feedback on the Thomann/Hora O.Ms...I'd like to get into an Eastman 305...BUT $ tight right now. 😊...and, I don't play mando! I am waiting for my new Loar mando to arrive (NOT a Gibson Loar, 😂) a Honey Creek F style..Anyway, I also play 10 yrs- fiddle...So should short learning curve? But! Also sing (perform) sooo...such is my need for O.M. (Celtic ballads, laments, etc) ...For $300 I was wondering if it was remotely close to the Eastman, or a POS wallhanging? I was going to change the bridge, nut, tuners anyway...but, any chance you played one? 🤔 TY JAMIE
I guess I have an octave mandolin. I thought it was called a bouzouki. I tune it GDAD. I just found your station and find it helpful. I've been playing mandolin a year and a half. My bouzouki has not gotten much use. It sits in a box because I didn't know they made cases for them. I have a chart and a book of chords for the GDAD tuning but have not been able to improvise. My bouzouki is a very nice one I got for $400. I can press down on the strings easily. It has a strange sound, pleasant though.
I've never played an octave mandolin, but I've played guitar since I was a teen. Just looking at your video, it looks like the fret spacing and scale length are much like an acoustic 12 string guitar. Different tuning and tone not withstanding, it seems like it may feel similar, if not lighter string tension.
Have you looked into a Tenor Banjo or Tenor Guitar? Mine are tuned GDAE and go nicely with the mandolin and octave mandolin in my collection. The TB is my primary instrument for playing melody in a Celtic group.
This might be a silly question...but, is there a difference between an Octave Mandalin and an Irish Bouzouki and if so what would they be? I'm a guitar player and thinking of picking either up.
That’s not a silly question at all! From my understanding, the Irish Bouzouki’s scale length is around 24” to 25” while the Octave Mandolin’s is around 20” to 21”. Because there is more length to the Bouzouki, it has a more resonant sound. It is used more for playing accompaniment and chords while the Octave is more used for melody because it is smaller and has better reach for playing fast. The Bouzouki also has more tuning options such as GDAD or ADAD. Hopefully that makes sense!
Thanks for the video! I'd never heard of the octave mandolin, though I knew mandolins were made in different sizes. This instrument has an amazing sound! I'm curious what the scale length is on it from nut to bridge?
I'm orienting myself to mandolins, octave mandolins, mandocello, bouzouki etc. and I found your channel. I didn't decide yet and I haven't bought anything yet. I surfed already in your channel and watched some of your tutorials, they are great and I really enjoyed watching them. I love also your voice and you're a beautiful and lovely person! I have a feeling that I'll go for bouzouki or octave mandolin. Do you think it is necessary to go first to learn mandolin? Or can I just go straight learning octave mandolin or bouzouki? Do you have plans to make tutorials for octave mandolins in this channel?
Wow thank you so much! I appreciate that. I don’t think it is necessary to learn mandolin before learning bouzouki or octave mandolin! They are very similar, and if you learn one, you will most likely be able to pick up the other very quickly. I definitely can make more videos about the octave mandolin/tutorials on how I play it. I’ve found that there isn’t a whole lot of material out there for this instrument, and I’d love to help fill that gap a little bit.
Im a bassist , I like the octave mandolin , its easier to contend with the size of this compared to ths std mandolin . Id like to see a mandocello as well.
Thanks so much! It’s about the same! The only difference is that the strings are a little bigger on the octave mandolin, but the ease of motion is the same.
Hi Emma, I love your channel! Do you have any reccomendations for books or other resources for learning this instrument? I have an Octolindo octave mandolin which I am enjoying so much but I'm really wanting to expand my knowledge and ability on this instrument. Like you, I love to use it to accompany my singing as it provides such a lovely base.
Hi! Aww thank you so much! That is a great question. I honestly haven’t found much as far as books and such for this instrument because it is more rare. Most of what I have learned has been from watching other people play and from my own trial and error😂 However, I do have many books for fiddle tunes or Irish tunes on either the standard mandolin or fiddle that I will take and adapt for this instrument.
Thanks Emma, I think I'm the same! I've been mucking around a lot accompanying Celtic ballads and any songs I have in my head. I have played the piano for a long time, so I think I'm carrying a fair bit across from there. Anyway, I really enjoy the music you're creating!
I have never played a bouzouki before, but from my understanding, the octave mandolin and the bouzouki are very similar. I do think they can be tuned the same! From what I’ve heard, the bouzouki is generally used more for accompaniment while the octave mandolin is used more for playing melodies, though both instruments can do both of those things.
I think you can do most of the same things on both instruments…chording, arpeggiating, finger-picking, playing melody. The octave mandolin, however, has its own tone and timbre that is different from the guitar. It is also tuned in fifths, so some of the chord voicings sound different than what the guitar can do.
I played mandolin for music ministry in the past. I tuned it like a twelve atring guitar, except i kept thr same dour noted, just one high and one low, on each note. I wonder if that is possible on octave mandolin.
@@sam-jams6689I don't think he was being a jerk. Don't be a douche! 😅 He made a point. That a $5,000 instrument is.going to sound a hell of a lot better than the $300 O.M. I'm considering getting...just like a Ferrari vs. A Chevy astrovan.😂
😂really she'll play well on whatever instrument. Somebody sounds a bit negative in comments. I have a $90 pawn shop acoustic,a 'custom' acoustic(boutique) guitar and others. Regardless of quality I sounds the same on them.
I found a beginner mandolin, and taught myself how to play. But it always felt so small to me. My big hands just couldn’t work the fretboard. Then I bought an octave mandolin, and this opened up all sorts of possibilities for me.
That’s awesome!
Thank... I play Irish bouzouki with gdae tuning mostly, its very similar to octave mandolin, great video😊
That’s awesome! Thanks!
Very informative video. Thank you. I just purchased a Octive Mandolin. Please share more videos 😌
That is so exciting!! I hope you enjoy it!
I used to think that mandalas were an octave lower but that means it would correspond to octave mandolins... I'm a bit lost cuz I bought these instruments in UK (Paul Hathway is an amazing instrument maker) i.e. picolo mandolin, mandolin, mandola, bouzouki, cittern and mandocello. . The tiny mandolin is tuned like a cello and one of my mandocellos as well, all the others are tuned like a mandolin (also I have a violin with fret but that's somethings else). I have to confess I 've never practiced enough ay of these instruments so I'm a very bad player... I mostly play guitar, and piano. Your channel is very interesting and the way you explain everything is great. I just don't know if my mandola sounds like an octave mandolin... :) Thanks anyway.
Thanks Emma! More and more people are playing the octave mandolin. Great intro to the instrument.
Thank you!
My first exposure to the Mandolin was through Alison Krauss. I just loved what Adam Steffey brought to her arrangements. I was sold on the idea of buying one. A visit to Mandolin Brothers in Staten Island back in 2010 was an eye opener. They had a lot of beautiful instruments but the scale length just didn't work. I voiced my dilemma to the sales guy. He said people with big hands can not play a mandolin properly so he brought out an octave mandolin for me to try. Ahhhh... this was so much better. My search for the ideal OM led me to Joe Mendel. Joe made me an A style with a slightly wider neck, Sitka Spruce top, Cocobolo back and sides. Looking forward to viewing your videos.
Wow! That is amazing to have a custom made instrument!
Wow Emma ! I came across this video accidentally . . . . Thankfully. I enjoyed everything . I have subscribed and am looking forward to more. Thank You. You Shine!
Thank you so much!
Interesting. Never seen an octave mandolin in person. Thanks for the info.
I’ve played acoustic guitar for over 40 years. Just bought a my first mandolin.
That’s awesome! I hope you enjoy your mandolin!
That’s a lovely sound! I have an Eastman MD 305, but now I want one of these 😊
Though I have 2 eastman .
A rare 2 point and f oval sound hole , good mandolins if you can't invest $$$$$$ but mine rib joint separated but repaired it myself. Still they're good, weber yellow stone
I love the look and feel of an Eastman...But for $1k entry ticket is a little $$ for this beginner- DO you have any experience with the Thomann/Hora line from Europe ? I know...cheap instruments and all that...BUT! For $300?! Then I can move up to Eastman in 2-3 yrs, and then that weber for $5k! 😂
Thanks for explaining this Emma.... 😊
You’re welcome!
Great video!
One aspect that I guess has gotten less exposure that it deserves is "what you coiuld play on this". Surely if you are a seasoned musician, you write your own music - good for you, you'll figure this out. As for the hobbyist's repertoire not sure what it could be.
Thanks! That is very true. There is definitely not a whole lot of repertoire options out there for this instrument.
Emma great intro to the octave mandolin World Emma :)
I love sound of Octave mandolin aren't they great instruments to play :) Specially Bach's Cello Suites , Old Time Fiddle tunes & Irish Fiddle tunes.
I had A Octave mandolin just like yours many yrs ago. That lead me into 10 Strings Long Scale Citterns got 3 of them all in different woods in different tunings. I use to use kyser capo's they throw the tuning out it's a bear retuning 8 & 10 strings.
Can't remember if Sam Bush or Sierra Hull Said this 'You spend more time tuning a mandolin then playing it.
I went to G7th Performance 2 Capo I don't have any retuning problems. I use to buy 2 sets of guitar strings for the Citterns and throw out the G string. I came across juststrings & stringjoy strings I started buying in bulk strings. One can fine tune the string gauges. Emma do you know about this book The Octave Mandolin Chord Bible: GDAE Standard Tuning ?
Thumbs up Emma keep on keeping on Picking :)
sIde note check out 432 hz tuning Cheers Lady Em
Thanks! I’ve never heard of that book before but it sounds very helpful!
Thanks Emma, great video! I also love playing the octave mandolin, and I do belive we play a similar instrument. I have a Weber Bridger A. Take care!
Thank you so much! I just looked at your page, and you are an amazing musician! Your octave mandolin does look very similar to mine. Keep up the good music!🙌🏻
@emmabordersmusic Emma!! Please respond, it would mean a lot. TY...As a multi-instrumentalist, and semi-pro...I want your feedback on the Thomann/Hora O.Ms...I'd like to get into an Eastman 305...BUT $ tight right now. 😊...and, I don't play mando! I am waiting for my new Loar mando to arrive (NOT a Gibson Loar, 😂) a Honey Creek F style..Anyway, I also play 10 yrs- fiddle...So should short learning curve? But! Also sing (perform) sooo...such is my need for O.M. (Celtic ballads, laments, etc) ...For $300 I was wondering if it was remotely close to the Eastman, or a POS wallhanging? I was going to change the bridge, nut, tuners anyway...but, any chance you played one? 🤔 TY JAMIE
The OM is the baritone tenor mandolin whereas the standard regular mandolin is contralto mando.
Yeah, love this mv, and love octave mandolin ❤❤
Yes!
I guess I have an octave mandolin. I thought it was called a bouzouki. I tune it GDAD. I just found your station and find it helpful. I've been playing mandolin a year and a half. My bouzouki has not gotten much use. It sits in a box because I didn't know they made cases for them. I have a chart and a book of chords for the GDAD tuning but have not been able to improvise. My bouzouki is a very nice one I got for $400. I can press down on the strings easily. It has a strange sound, pleasant though.
I've never played an octave mandolin, but I've played guitar since I was a teen. Just looking at your video, it looks like the fret spacing and scale length are much like an acoustic 12 string guitar. Different tuning and tone not withstanding, it seems like it may feel similar, if not lighter string tension.
Have you looked into a Tenor Banjo or Tenor Guitar? Mine are tuned GDAE and go nicely with the mandolin and octave mandolin in my collection. The TB is my primary instrument for playing melody in a Celtic group.
I have not!! Those sound very interesting!
This might be a silly question...but, is there a difference between an Octave Mandalin and an Irish Bouzouki and if so what would they be? I'm a guitar player and thinking of picking either up.
That’s not a silly question at all! From my understanding, the Irish Bouzouki’s scale length is around 24” to 25” while the Octave Mandolin’s is around 20” to 21”. Because there is more length to the Bouzouki, it has a more resonant sound. It is used more for playing accompaniment and chords while the Octave is more used for melody because it is smaller and has better reach for playing fast. The Bouzouki also has more tuning options such as GDAD or ADAD. Hopefully that makes sense!
@@emmabordersmusic Thank you kindly for the response Emma :)
Thanks for the video! I'd never heard of the octave mandolin, though I knew mandolins were made in different sizes. This instrument has an amazing sound! I'm curious what the scale length is on it from nut to bridge?
They normally range from 20"-22" depending on the make.
I'm orienting myself to mandolins, octave mandolins, mandocello, bouzouki etc. and I found your channel. I didn't decide yet and I haven't bought anything yet. I surfed already in your channel and watched some of your tutorials, they are great and I really enjoyed watching them. I love also your voice and you're a beautiful and lovely person! I have a feeling that I'll go for bouzouki or octave mandolin. Do you think it is necessary to go first to learn mandolin? Or can I just go straight learning octave mandolin or bouzouki? Do you have plans to make tutorials for octave mandolins in this channel?
Wow thank you so much! I appreciate that. I don’t think it is necessary to learn mandolin before learning bouzouki or octave mandolin! They are very similar, and if you learn one, you will most likely be able to pick up the other very quickly. I definitely can make more videos about the octave mandolin/tutorials on how I play it. I’ve found that there isn’t a whole lot of material out there for this instrument, and I’d love to help fill that gap a little bit.
Im a bassist , I like the octave mandolin , its easier to contend with the size of this compared to ths std mandolin .
Id like to see a mandocello as well.
Really enjoyed your Informative video! Is tremolo more difficult on the octave mandolin than on the regular mandolin?
Thanks so much! It’s about the same! The only difference is that the strings are a little bigger on the octave mandolin, but the ease of motion is the same.
Emma another question: I try to tune a mandola as an octave mandolin. and all in all sounding not bad about me .. seems correct ?
Hi Emma, I love your channel! Do you have any reccomendations for books or other resources for learning this instrument? I have an Octolindo octave mandolin which I am enjoying so much but I'm really wanting to expand my knowledge and ability on this instrument. Like you, I love to use it to accompany my singing as it provides such a lovely base.
Hi! Aww thank you so much! That is a great question. I honestly haven’t found much as far as books and such for this instrument because it is more rare. Most of what I have learned has been from watching other people play and from my own trial and error😂 However, I do have many books for fiddle tunes or Irish tunes on either the standard mandolin or fiddle that I will take and adapt for this instrument.
Thanks Emma, I think I'm the same! I've been mucking around a lot accompanying Celtic ballads and any songs I have in my head. I have played the piano for a long time, so I think I'm carrying a fair bit across from there. Anyway, I really enjoy the music you're creating!
Do you recommend a Bouzouki as an alternative? Is it able to be tuned the same but maybe has a smaller fret spacing?
I have never played a bouzouki before, but from my understanding, the octave mandolin and the bouzouki are very similar. I do think they can be tuned the same! From what I’ve heard, the bouzouki is generally used more for accompaniment while the octave mandolin is used more for playing melodies, though both instruments can do both of those things.
Webers used to be flatiron, bruce moved it to bozeman montana then to Bend oregon they re good and an invetment $$$$
Then the mandocello is the baritenor mandola and plays an octave role for mandola and regular mandola is the tenor mandola.
I'm a guitarist who is very curious about this instrument. What can you do with an octave mandolin that you can't do with a guitar?
I think you can do most of the same things on both instruments…chording, arpeggiating, finger-picking, playing melody. The octave mandolin, however, has its own tone and timbre that is different from the guitar. It is also tuned in fifths, so some of the chord voicings sound different than what the guitar can do.
Are all mandolins neck heavy? What does the performer do about this?
I played mandolin for music ministry in the past. I tuned it like a twelve atring guitar, except i kept thr same dour noted, just one high and one low, on each note. I wonder if that is possible on octave mandolin.
I believe so!
@@emmabordersmusic or you could just cheat and buy a twelve string guitar and put only eight strings on it
Which pick do you use for octave mando if I may ask? Do you use different pick between OM and regular mando?
Right now I use the same Blue Chip pick for both!
You had mention a mandacelo. How is that tuned?
It is tuned C G D A from the lowest string to the highest!
sorry Emma a question : may I use a Bouzouky as an octave mandolin ( with ha capo maybe ..) ?
From my understanding, yes if it is tuned the same!
I have foley bouzouki I don't see many of his on this side of Atlantic puddle I don't even know that he is alive still
@@cliffsandifer3877 many thanks...!!
The full name of the bowed stringed musical instrument called a "cello" is actually "violoncello."
Second question. what is the short necked mandolin family thing at 0:20? ua-cam.com/video/ib3RcLFAKRQ/v-deo.html
you forgot to mention that you play a rather expensive OM and that the wonderful sound comes with a price.
I’m sure Emma could make a less expensive OM sound great.
A good player will make any instrument sound good, don't be a jerk
@@sam-jams6689I don't think he was being a jerk. Don't be a douche! 😅 He made a point. That a $5,000 instrument is.going to sound a hell of a lot better than the $300 O.M. I'm considering getting...just like a Ferrari vs. A Chevy astrovan.😂
😂really she'll play well on whatever instrument. Somebody sounds a bit negative in comments. I have a $90 pawn shop acoustic,a 'custom' acoustic(boutique) guitar and others. Regardless of quality I sounds the same on them.
😂she's a good teacher. "twtt....comment ...? Thinks the more you pay the better ya play? Ignorant.