Old Wave Octave Mandolin (1995)

Description

The project of the late New Mexico-based luthier Bill Bussmann, Old Wave Mandolins was one of the southwest's very finest build shops for eight-stringed instruments, and even non-traditional options, like this 1995 octave mandolin, hit a mark rarely reached by most other builders. Combining a spruce top with a maple neck and an Arizona sycamore back and sides, this instrument has a warm, rich sound that calls to mind early music just as much as it does modern progressive acoustic music. As a close genetic relative of maple, sycamore has great volume and a strong fundamental, but is altogether warmer and mellower, and asks to be played differently. An oval soundhole and X-bracing further bolster that natural warmth and add resonant low mids and a full sustain to this wonderful instrument. Bussmann kept his octaves nice and ergonomic, with a scale length that measures just under 21.5 inches, and a comfortable nut width that nicely fits a wide range of hand sizes. This is a first-class octave mandolin that we're proud to represent.

This instrument arrived in our store in very good condition relative to its age, with an altogether minor amount of cosmetic wear. There are a few dents, divots, and chips in the top from regular playing time, and finish checking is perhaps more pronounced than one might expect from an instrument of this age, but none of the wear significantly compromises the aesthetic beauty of the mandolin. There is no evidence of major repair, and the set up is excellent, with low, comfortable action in all positions. The sole aftermarket alteration is a K&K Pure Mini passive piezo pickup, which was installed at an indeterminate point in the past. Included in the price is a non-original soft-shell case manufactured by the sadly now-defunct Colorado Case Company.

*Please note, per our return policy, all sales on used and consignment instruments are final.*