Mandola Octave Mandolin?

Subject: Mandola Octave Mandolin?
From: GUEST,Den
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 11:02 AM

So are they the same instrument going under different names or are they different intruments. If they are different what are the differences?

Subject: RE: Mandola Octave Mandolin?
From: mooman
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 11:28 AM

Den,

A mandola is tuned CGDA like a viola.

An octave mandolin or octave mandola are one and the same thing and are typically tuned GDAE an octave below the mandolin but may also be used by some musicians in various alternative "open" tunings.

Peace

moo

Subject: RE: Mandola Octave Mandolin?
From: DG&D Dave
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 10:00 AM

I call an Octave Mandolin a Mandacello, and occasionaly a Bouzouki which I think is the same tuning.
Dave

Subject: RE: Mandola Octave Mandolin?
From: mooman
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 10:23 AM

Strictly speaking a mandocello is one octave below a mandola, i.e. low CGDA tuning, although the term is often used as mentioned by Dave above. Also, a bouzouki generally has a longer scale length than an octave mandolin although often tuned the same.

Usage has, to a certain degree, made some of these terms interchangeable, especially betweeen the UK/Ireland and the USA.

Peace

moo

Subject: RE: Mandola Octave Mandolin?
From: Big Mick
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 10:30 AM

Yeah, moo. The scale is different on the bouzouki. Tuning is not part of the definition as there are many tunings. The closest thing to a standard would be GDAD, or maybe ADAD. Pat Broaders, who studied with Donal Lunny for a time, and who is currently playing with bohola (SEE this band if you get a chance, they are brilliant!), tunes his dordan (bouzouki on steroids ;->) CGCG. I have never seen the point in tuning them GDAE as then you are just playing an octave mando, with a slightly different scale length.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Mandola Octave Mandolin?
From: John P
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 12:11 PM

And then there are citterns, blarges, Irish bouzoukis, Greek bouzoukis, and Portuguese guitars. And some have three courses, some four, and some five. All very confusing. I say yes to everyone who comes up to me and says "Is that a cittern?" or "Is that a bouzouki?" or "Is that a mandocello" or whatever. Tunings I've encountered include GDAE, GDAD, GCEB, DAEAE, EAEAE, ADAD, ADAE, GDADG, DGADE, CGDAE, DADAD, and I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting right now. Not much standardization with this instrument . . .

John Peekstok

Subject: RE: Mandola Octave Mandolin?
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 17 Apr 04 - 03:15 AM

They seem to be cross breading and evolving. I bought a tenor mandola - best buy I ever made. I'm not much good but I love playing it and it makes a great sound.

I think things with long necks are better for chords and that goes for things with pairs or strings in octaves. Shorter necks and unison pairs are better for tunes.