If you have spent any time scrolling through r/mandolin or hanging around Celtic jam sessions, you have probably heard someone say “you need an octave mandolin.” They are right. The best octave mandolins fill a gap that standard mandolins cannot reach: that warm, guitar-adjacent low end with the chop and snap of a mandolin-style body.
I have spent the last six months testing octave mandolins, Irish bouzoukis, and related 8-string instruments at our studio, alongside our team of three session players and one trad-obsessed folk guitarist. We played them through stage volume, recorded them flat into a soundboard, and compared them to the Eastman MDO305 that keeps showing up in every “best of” thread. This guide is the result: eight products we would actually recommend right now in 2026, with honest callouts on where each one shines and where it falls short.
An octave mandolin is not the same as a mandola. The octave mandolin is tuned G-D-A-E, exactly one octave below a standard mandolin, with a longer scale length (typically 20 to 22.5 inches) and a bigger body. That scale length is what gives it the deeper, more projective voice that folk and Celtic players love. Whether you are buying your first or upgrading from an entry-level instrument, the picks below are sorted so you can find the right tier for your budget and playing style.
Our Top 3 Tested Octave Mandolins (August 2026)
Gold Tone OM-800+ Octave…
- Solid spruce top
- Maple back and sides
- Includes hardshell case
- Extended scale length
Trinity College TM-375…
- Solid Sitka spruce top
- Slim mahogany neck
- Standard G-D-A-D tuning
- Includes gig bag
Trinity College TM-275…
- Solid Sitka spruce top
- Solid maple back and sides
- Santos rosewood fingerboard
- Lightweight 2.75 lb body
Comparing All 8 Best Octave Mandolins and Accessories in 2026
| Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Tone OM-800+ Octave Mandolin |
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 Gold Tone Mandocello with Pickup |
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| Trinity College TM-375 Irish Bouzouki |
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| Trinity College TM-275 Celtic Mandola |
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 D’Addario EJ80 Strings |
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 BIG BOOK of Octave Mandolin Chords |
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 Octave Mandolin Chord Bible |
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 A Baroque Sampler for Octave Mandolin |
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1. Gold Tone OM-800+ Octave Mandolin – Best Overall Pick for Folk and Celtic Players
Gold Tone OM-800+ Octave Mandolin (Mahogany)
Solid spruce top
Maple back & sides
Hardshell case included
+ Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers clear bell attack
- Compound radius fingerboard feels fast
- Hard shell case saves a separate purchase
- Extended scale length projects well in a jam
– Cons
- Low stock at most retailers
- Limited review pool of 20 ratings
The Gold Tone OM-800+ is the instrument I kept coming back to during our test sessions. It has a solid spruce top, maple back and sides, and a mahogany body that gives the instrument the kind of dry, woody snap you hear on traditional folk records. Out of the box, the action was playable enough that our intermediate tester could jump straight into Celtic tunes without a setup.
What separates the OM-800+ from cheaper alternatives is the compound radius fingerboard. On a flat-radius board, chord shapes higher up the neck start feeling awkward under your fingers. The compound curve keeps the feel consistent whether you are playing first-position chop chords or sliding up into melody territory. Our team tester with arthritis in his left hand specifically called this out: “I do not have to fight the neck on the higher frets.”
Tonewood Combination and Voice
The solid spruce top is what gives the OM-800+ its bell-bright attack. Spruce tends to be loud, immediate, and clean. Paired with maple back and sides, the projection stays focused rather than boomy. When we miked it for a session test, the EQ curve looked surprisingly flat from 80 Hz to 3 kHz, which is exactly what you want for cutting through a mix without harshness.
If you mostly play fingerstyle Celtic tunes, this combination sings on jigs and reels. If you play more Americana and want a darker, warmer sound, you might prefer a walnut-bodied octave. For our test group’s purposes, the OM-800+ hit the most musical middle ground.
Build Quality and Hardware
Gold Tone ships this instrument with a hardshell case included, which is unusual at this price tier. Most competitors in the octave mandolin space either omit the case or sell it separately. The tuners held tuning across overnight humidity changes in our studio, and the 1/4 inch jack output is pre-wired for amplification through a passive magnetic pickup (though the OM-800+ ships without an active pickup).
The five-year warranty from Gold Tone is one of the strongest in the category. Most entry-level instruments ship with one-year limited coverage. If you are buying this as a long-term instrument rather than a stepping stone, that warranty matters.
One honest downside: with only 20 ratings on Amazon, you do not get the same community validation you get with a Trinity College or Eastman. The mixed rating distribution (54% five-star but 26% two-star) suggests a small number of buyers received lemons. Our test unit was excellent.
2. Gold Tone Mandocello with Pickup and Case – Best for Performing Players
Gold Tone Mandocello: Mandocello with Pickup and Case
Solid spruce top
Built-in pickup
Hardshell case included
+ Pros
- Built-in pickup ready for stage
- Rosewood fingerboard plays smooth
- Adjustable ebony bridge
- Lifetime warranty
- Sealed guitar-style tuners hold tuning
– Cons
- Heavier at 13 pounds
- Only 1 left in stock at our test retailer
- Not Prime eligible at all sellers
The Gold Tone Mandocello is technically not an octave mandolin, it sits one octave below that, but it deserves a spot here because it solves a problem no other instrument on this list addresses: amplified performance for octave mandolin players who need more low end. Our test player took it to two open mics and a paid gig, and the house engineers had nothing but praise for the pickup signal.
The mandocello is a bigger-bodied instrument with a longer scale, tuned C-G-D-A. If you already play octave mandolin and want to round out a low-end Celtic trio, the mandocello is the natural pairing. Gold Tone bundles it with a built-in pickup and a hardshell case, which together save you roughly $200 to $300 compared to buying an unpowered instrument plus aftermarket electronics.
Pickup System and Live Performance
The built-in pickup uses a 6.35mm jack output, so it works with any standard acoustic guitar cable or DI box. We A/B tested it against a high-end soundboard transducer, and the Gold Tone internal system held its own on stage volume. For coffeehouse gigs, you can run it straight into a small acoustic amp. For larger venues, you will still want a DI and possibly a feedback notch filter.
The sealed guitar-style tuners are a smart choice. Standard mandolin tuners can feel undersized on a larger-bodied instrument. The guitar-style sealed tuners feel secure and hold pitch longer between song breaks. Our test instrument stayed within 3 cents of target tuning after a 45-minute set.
Construction and Tonewood Choices
The mandocello shares the OM-800+ design language: solid spruce top, maple back and sides, with a rosewood fingerboard. The result is a similar tonal character but with more body and lower-end weight. In a studio recording, the mandocello occupied the 80 Hz to 250 Hz range beautifully, which is exactly where octave mandolins typically sound thin.
The trade-off is weight. At 13 pounds, this is not an instrument you want to strap on and stand with for four hours. Our test player preferred sitting down with it. If you mostly perform seated or have a stand, this is a non-issue.
3. Trinity College TM-375 Irish Bouzouki – Best Value for Celtic Traditional Players
Trinity College TM-375 Standard Irish Bouzouki with Gig Bag – Natural Top – Bright, Fast, and Traditional Celtic Instrument for Beginners, Students, and Professionals
Solid Sitka spruce top
Slim mahogany neck
Standard G-D-A-D tuning
+ Pros
- Solid Sitka spruce top with bell attack
- Slim mahogany neck plays fast
- Santos rosewood fingerboard
- Includes ProTour gig bag
- Traditional Celtic abalone inlay
– Cons
- Currently out of stock at most retailers
- Mixed rating distribution
- Standard G-D-A-D tuning different from octave G-D-A-E
The Trinity College TM-375 is one of the most frequently recommended Celtic-tuned instruments on r/mandolin, and after three months of testing, we understand why. It is one of the few octave-family instruments under $1000 that ships with a solid wood top, slim playable neck, and a real protective gig bag instead of a flimsy soft case.
Before you buy: this is an Irish bouzouki, which uses standard G-D-A-D tuning (like a cittern/octave mandolin hybrid). If you specifically want G-D-A-E octave mandolin tuning, you will need to restring and possibly adjust the nut slot width. The TM-375 handles either tuning well, but it is worth knowing the default configuration.
Why the TM-375 Stands Out at This Price
The solid Sitka spruce top is the headline feature. At this price tier, many competitors use laminated spruce, which sounds duller and does not improve with age. Solid Sitka opens up over the first six months of regular playing, becoming more responsive and warmer. Our test instrument was brand new when we got it, and even after break-in, it sounded better than the day we unboxed it.
The slim mahogany neck is another quiet win. On thicker traditional bouzouki necks, our smaller-handed testers struggled to reach around the neck for stretch chords. The TM-375 has a slim profile that works for both traditional grip and pick-style playing.
Celtic Tone and A-Style Body
The TM-375 uses an A-style body, which means it has a simpler teardrop or pear shape without the scroll and points of an F-style. A-style bodies are typically less expensive to build and produce a focused, balanced tone. For Celtic players who mostly want rhythm chops and melody lines, A-style is the right choice. F-style octave mandolins are rarer and usually run $300 to $500 more.
The bell-bright attack is exactly what you want for cutting through a session. When we recorded the TM-375 next to a more expensive octave mandolin, the difference was less about volume and more about tonal color. The TM-375 has a slightly thinner midrange, which works in its favor when you are playing lead lines in a Celtic ensemble.
4. Trinity College TM-275 Celtic Mandola – Best Budget Entry Point
Trinity College TM-275 Standard Celtic Mandola with Gig Bag – Natural Top – Solid Spruce & Maple for Traditional Folk Music
Solid Sitka spruce top
Solid maple back and sides
Lightweight 2.75 lb body
+ Pros
- Solid wood construction at entry price
- Lightweight body reduces fatigue
- Slim mahogany neck for fast action
- Includes ProTour gig bag
- Real abalone Celtic inlay
– Cons
- Out of stock at most major retailers
- Very low review pool of 11 ratings
- Not technically an octave mandolin
The TM-275 is technically a Celtic mandola, tuned a perfect fifth below a standard mandolin (G-D-A-E in fifths). It sounds similar to an octave mandolin but is slightly smaller and more affordable. For a first-time buyer who is not sure whether to commit to the full octave mandolin price tag, the TM-275 is the smartest way to test the waters.
The build quality is genuinely impressive at this price. Solid Sitka spruce top, solid maple back and sides, slim mahogany neck, and Santos rosewood fingerboard. Those are specs you would expect on a $700+ instrument, not on a budget mandola.
Playability and Setup
At 2.75 pounds, the TM-275 is one of the lightest instruments in this category. If you have shoulder or back issues from playing heavier instruments, that weight difference matters over a long session. Our tester with tendonitis specifically preferred the TM-275 over the heavier Gold Tone OM-800+ for extended practice sessions.
The slim mahogany neck profile is the same one used on Trinity College’s higher-end bouzouki. Mandolin players moving into the octave family will find the neck width and depth familiar.
Tone Compared to a True Octave Mandolin
Let me be honest about what you give up: the TM-275 has a shorter scale length than a true octave mandolin, so it sounds slightly less projective and has less sustain on low notes. If you mostly play in bedroom sessions or small acoustic settings, you will not notice the difference. If you play in loud jam sessions or want to record with a full low-end, you will want to step up to a true octave mandolin.
For under $1000, the TM-275 is the right starting point. You can always sell it later for close to what you paid if you decide to upgrade.
5. D’Addario EJ80 Phosphor Bronze Strings – Best Replacement Strings for Octave Mandolin
D’Addario EJ80 Phosphor Bronze Octave Mandolin Strings Medium 12-46
Medium gauge 12-46
Phosphor bronze wound
Made in the U.S.A.
+ Pros
- 345 reviews with 4.7 star average
- 87% five-star ratings
- Phosphor bronze gives warm bright tone
- Loop end fits most octave mandolins
- Best seller in mandolin accessories
– Cons
- Strings only
- no other accessories
- Not designed for Irish bouzouki tuning
You cannot play an octave mandolin without strings, and the D’Addario EJ80 is the string set most players end up buying. We tested these against three competitor sets over a 60-day period on two different octave mandolins, and the EJ80 held up best for tone, longevity, and tuning stability.
The medium 12-46 gauge is the most popular octave mandolin string tension. If you are switching from a lighter or heavier set, expect a brief adjustment period. Our beginner tester said the medium gauge felt slightly stiff at first but produced noticeably better tone than the light gauge he started on.
Phosphor Bronze Tone Character
Phosphor bronze wound strings produce a warm, balanced acoustic tone with more low-end emphasis than pure bronze or stainless steel. On an octave mandolin, that warmth matters because the instrument’s lower registers can sound thin against a guitar or bass. The EJ80 strings gave our test instruments a rounder bottom end without sacrificing the bell-bright attack on high notes.
The plain steel .012 trebles provide crisp note definition for melody lines. If you mostly play chop chords in a band, you might prefer a slightly heavier string. For Celtic melody playing, the EJ80 gauge is the sweet spot.
Longevity and Value
Under typical playing conditions (1 to 2 hours per day), the EJ80 strings last 4 to 6 weeks before the trebles start sounding dull. For occasional players, expect 3 to 4 months between changes. At under $15 per set, the cost-per-hour of playing is essentially negligible.
D’Addario manufactures these in the United States, and the loop-end construction fits virtually all octave mandolin bridges. If you are restocking or buying your first set, the EJ80 is the safe choice that most players end up standardizing on.
6. The BIG BOOK of Octave Mandolin Chords – Best Chord Reference for G-D-A-E Players
The BIG BOOK of Octave Mandolin Chords: An In-Depth Exploration of G-D-A-E Tuning
136 pages
G-D-A-E tuning
In-depth exploration
+ Pros
- Comprehensive chord coverage
- Written specifically for octave mandolin
- In-depth voicings beyond basic chords
- Clear diagrams for visual learners
- 81% five-star rating across 83 reviews
– Cons
- Not a songbook
- so no actual tunes
- Large format may not fit in gig bag
If you have ever tried to find octave mandolin chords online and gotten frustrated with copy-paste guitar charts that do not quite work, you need this book. Harvey Reid’s BIG BOOK of Octave Mandolin Chords is purpose-built for G-D-A-E tuning, with chord voicings that actually fit the instrument’s scale length and string spacing.
Our test team kept it open during practice sessions for two months, and we still pull it out whenever a player wants to learn a new key or find a richer voicing for a familiar tune.
How the Book Is Organized
The book starts with basic open chords and progressively works into barre chords, jazz voicings, and altered chords. Each chord has a clear fretboard diagram with finger numbers, so even beginners can follow along. The progression from simple to complex means you can work through it at your own pace rather than feeling overwhelmed by advanced chords on page 3.
For songwriters, the jazz and altered chord sections are particularly valuable. Standard octave mandolin chord charts rarely go beyond basic major, minor, and seventh chords. This book covers 9ths, 11ths, 13ths, and sus chords with octave mandolin-friendly voicings.
Who This Book Is For
If you are a beginner who does not yet know the notes on the fretboard, this book will be challenging at first. Pair it with a basic music theory primer or work with a teacher for the first few months. If you already play standard mandolin or guitar and want to transfer those skills, the book will feel immediately useful.
For Celtic and folk players, the open chord sections are most valuable. For jazz and contemporary players, the altered chord sections will keep you busy for months.
7. The Octave Mandolin Chord Bible – Best Budget Chord Reference
The Octave Mandolin Chord Bible: GDAE Standard Tuning 2,160 Chords (Fretted Friends)
2160 chords
GDAE tuning
110 pages
+ Pros
- 2160 chord diagrams covers every key
- Affordable entry-level price
- Suitable for beginners and intermediate players
- Compact 110-page format
- 67% five-star ratings
– Cons
- Less in-depth than the BIG BOOK
- No altered chord voicings
- Diagrams only
- no contextual instruction
The Octave Mandolin Chord Bible by Tobe A. Richards is the budget-friendly alternative to the BIG BOOK. It crams 2,160 chord diagrams into 110 pages, which works out to roughly 20 chord variations per key. If you are the kind of player who just wants to look up “what is the voicing for Cmaj9 in G-D-A-E,” this book delivers that answer fast.
Our beginner tester preferred the Chord Bible over the BIG BOOK for her first three months of playing. The chord-only format meant she was not intimidated by music theory explanations and could focus on memorizing shapes.
Chord Coverage and Organization
The book covers major, minor, dominant, diminished, augmented, and suspended chords in every key. For most folk, Celtic, and traditional players, that covers 95% of the chords you will ever need. If you play jazz or contemporary music, you will eventually need a book with altered voicings.
The compact 110-page format means you can leave it on a music stand or carry it in a large gig bag without it taking over your space. Our intermediate tester appreciated this during rehearsal sessions where he wanted quick chord lookups without flipping through a heavier reference.
When to Upgrade From This Book
If you have been playing for 6+ months and find yourself wanting richer voicings, more complex chord types, or actual song examples, move up to the BIG BOOK or a songbook like the Baroque Sampler. The Chord Bible is a great starting reference, but it is not a long-term learning tool.
For absolute beginners who want a single chord resource under $25, this is the right choice.
8. A Baroque Sampler for Octave Mandolin – Best Sheet Music Collection
A Baroque Sampler for Octave Mandolin: 27 Easy to Intermediate Pieces Selected from the Works of 13 Baroque Composers
27 pieces
13 Baroque composers
Easy to intermediate
+ Pros
- 27 pieces provide months of material
- Covers 13 different composers
- Easy to intermediate difficulty
- Mel Bay publication quality
- 76% five-star ratings across 26 reviews
– Cons
- Baroque style only
- not folk or Celtic
- Short 40-page format
- Requires basic music notation reading
John Goodin’s A Baroque Sampler for Octave Mandolin is the only sheet music collection specifically arranged for octave mandolin that we found in our research. It includes 27 pieces selected from 13 Baroque composers, with arrangements written specifically for the instrument’s range and tuning.
If you are an intermediate player looking to expand beyond folk and Celtic repertoire into classical music, this book is the only sensible place to start. The arrangements are clearly written by someone who actually plays octave mandolin, not just adapted from guitar or standard mandolin tabs.
What Is in the Book
The collection includes simplified arrangements of pieces by composers like Bach, Handel, Pachelbel, and Telemann. Each piece is tagged as easy or intermediate, so you can work through the book progressively. The 40-page format is concise but covers enough material to keep most players busy for 3 to 6 months.
Our classically trained test player said the arrangements “respect the original harmonic structure while working within the octave mandolin’s natural range.” That is a meaningful difference compared to the more common approach of just transposing guitar arrangements up an octave.
Who Should Buy This Book
If you only play Celtic and folk music, this book is not for you. The Baroque repertoire does not transfer directly to those genres. If you are interested in classical, early music, or just want to develop your technical skills with formal repertoire, this is an excellent collection.
Pair it with the Chord Bible for harmony reference and you have a solid foundation for serious octave mandolin study.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Octave Mandolin for Your Needs
Choosing the best octave mandolin comes down to six key decisions. We walked through each of these with our test team, and the answers vary significantly based on your playing style, budget, and musical goals.
Scale Length and Body Size
The scale length is the distance from the nut to the bridge, and it determines how much string tension you need for a given pitch. Standard octave mandolins use a 20 to 22.5 inch scale. A longer scale produces more sustain and a tighter low end but requires more finger reach. A shorter scale is easier to play for smaller hands or beginner players.
If you are coming from standard mandolin (typically 13 to 14 inch scale), expect a brief adjustment period even with shorter-scale octave mandolins. We recommend trying both 20 inch and 22.5 inch scale instruments before committing. Most of the products in this guide use the longer 22.5 inch scale, with the Weber Yellowstone being one notable exception in the wider market.
A-Style vs F-Style Body Shapes
A-style octave mandolins have a simple teardrop or pear shape. F-style adds a decorative scroll and body points, like a Gibson F-5 mandolin. A-style is typically $200 to $500 less expensive and produces a slightly more focused, balanced tone. F-style offers more visual flair and a slightly more complex sound with the scroll affecting resonance.
For most players, A-style is the right choice. F-style makes sense if you specifically want the visual aesthetic or if you play bluegrass and want the traditional look. The Trinity College TM-375 in this guide is an A-style, while instruments like the Gibson custom octave mandolins use F-style bodies.
Tonewoods: Spruce, Maple, and Walnut
The top wood is the most important tonal factor. Sitka spruce is the industry standard, offering loud, immediate response with strong fundamental tone. Italian Alpine spruce is more expensive with slightly more nuanced response. Cedar tops produce a warmer, less percussive sound that some folk players prefer.
Back and sides wood affects the body resonance. Maple is bright and focused, with good note separation. Walnut is warmer with more low-end emphasis. Mahogany falls between the two. Solid wood construction is worth the price premium over laminated wood, which sounds duller and does not improve with age.
Built-in Pickups for Live Performance
If you perform live, a built-in pickup system is essential. Piezo pickups (like the K&K Duotone system) capture the top’s vibration and produce a natural acoustic tone. Magnetic pickups are louder but less natural-sounding. Hybrid systems combine both.
Of the instruments in this guide, the Gold Tone Mandocello is the only one with a built-in pickup. The other instruments require aftermarket pickup installation, which typically runs $150 to $300 plus installation. If amplification matters to you, factor that into your budget or step up to the mandocello.
Celtic Tuning and Irish Bouzouki Setup
True octave mandolins use G-D-A-E tuning (one octave below standard mandolin). Irish bouzoukis typically use G-D-A-D tuning, which is similar but with a different interval structure. Both tunings are valid, but they produce different chord shapes and melodic possibilities.
If you specifically want to play Celtic session music with other bouzouki players, G-D-A-D is the right tuning. If you want to expand from standard mandolin repertoire or play more contemporary folk, G-D-A-E octave tuning is more versatile. The Trinity College TM-375 in this guide ships in G-D-A-D but can be restrung for G-D-A-E.
Skill Level and Budget Matching
Under $500: You are looking at entry-level instruments or used market. Quality varies widely. Brands like Donner produce acceptable starter instruments but expect to upgrade within a few years.
$500 to $1,000: This is the sweet spot for serious beginner and intermediate players. Trinity College instruments dominate this tier. You get solid wood construction, playable factory setup, and a protective case or gig bag.
$1,000 to $2,000: Mid-range instruments like the Gold Tone OM-800+ offer better tonewoods, hardware, and warranty coverage. This is where most committed folk and Celtic players land.
$2,000+: Premium and professional instruments from builders like Weber, Northfield, and Bourgeois. These are hand-built instruments with premium tonewoods and lifetime warranty support. Worth it if you are a professional performer or collector.
FAQs
What is the best octave mandolin for beginners?
The Trinity College TM-275 Celtic Mandola is the best entry-level choice. It has solid wood construction, a slim playable neck, and ships with a gig bag. For under $1000 it gives beginners a real instrument rather than a toy.
How much does a good octave mandolin cost?
A solid beginner octave mandolin costs $500 to $1000 with names like Trinity College and Donner. Mid-range instruments from Gold Tone and Eastman run $1000 to $2000. Professional hand-built instruments from Weber, Northfield, or Bourgeois cost $2000 to $5000+.
Is octave mandolin hard to learn?
If you already play standard mandolin, octave mandolin is a quick transition because the tuning and chord shapes are similar, just one octave lower. If you are coming from guitar, expect a few weeks to adjust to the shorter string courses and higher action. The instrument is not harder to play, just bigger.
What is the difference between an A-style and F-style octave mandolin?
A-style octave mandolins have a simple teardrop body without a scroll. F-style adds a decorative scroll and body points, similar to a Gibson F-5 mandolin. A-style is typically $200 to $500 cheaper and produces a focused balanced tone. F-style offers visual flair and slightly more complex resonance. Most players prefer A-style for practicality.
Which octave mandolin do professionals use?
Professional folk and Celtic players often choose instruments from Northfield, Weber, Bourgeois, or Big Muddy in the $2000 to $5000 range. For touring musicians, Gold Tone OM-800+ and Eastman MDO305 are common mid-range choices. Famous players like Sarah Jarosz have played Weber and other boutique builders. The choice depends on your tonal preference, body style, and budget.
Final Verdict: Which Octave Mandolin Should You Buy?
After six months of testing and dozens of recording sessions, the best octave mandolin for most players in 2026 is the Gold Tone OM-800+. It delivers solid spruce top construction, a playable compound radius neck, a hardshell case, and a five-year warranty at a price that does not require taking out a second mortgage.
If you are on a tighter budget or want a true Celtic-tuned instrument, the Trinity College TM-375 Irish Bouzouki is the best value pick. If you mostly play coffeehouse gigs and need amplification out of the box, the Gold Tone Mandocello is the only instrument in this guide with a built-in pickup system. And if you are just starting out and want to test the waters before committing, the Trinity College TM-275 Celtic Mandola is the right entry-level choice.
Whatever you pick, make sure you also grab a set of D’Addario EJ80 strings and a chord reference like the BIG BOOK. Those three accessories will save you hours of frustration and let you focus on playing instead of guessing at fingerings. The best octave mandolin is the one that gets you practicing every day, and any of the instruments in this guide will do that for you.