Weber Hyalite Octave Mandolin (2010)

Description

The octave mandolin has seen a great resurgence of interest in recent years, and few luthiers built better ones than Bruce Weber. This 2010 octave mandolin from the Montana-based builder followed the specs and layout of his highly popular Hyalite model, one of his best selling and most versatile mandolins. The Hyalite features a Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, for lots of midrange that bolsters the naturally rich timbre of the octave mandolin, and over the last decade, this great instrument has only opened up and continued to sound more vital and full. A minimal, open-pore finish allows the wood to really sing out, and also keeps the neck smooth and maneuverable, but a Celtic knot on the headstock and mother-of-pearl fretboard inlays add a little visual pop to match the sound.

This instrument has arrived in our store in excellent condition, with a great, comfortable set up in all positions and a very straight neck. Playing wear is almost nonexistent, with no fret work necessary. Additionally, the Brekke bridge ensures ease of adjustability and allows the player to find the right set up regardless of their playing style should the instrument's playability change at all in the coming years. At some point over the last 12 years, the Hyalite parted with its original hard-shell case, and instead comes with an aftermarket one that fits it very well.