I've tried several of his octave mandolins and bouzoukis and they certainly have a distinctive good punchy sound. Very good I would say for cutting through in a session. I didn't buy one as I already have a slightly smaller bodied, shorter scale length and slightly sweeter toned octave mandolin which suits my style of playing quite well.

The newer Freshwater models have a distinctive "celtic" style soundhole. All in all I would say they are very good value and well-made instruments.

mooman