Octolindo Artist S Model flat top Octave Mandolin (2026), made in Kailua, Hawaii, natural finish, Indian rosewood back and sides, Engelmann spruce top;, original black gig bag case.
This Octolindo Artist S is one of a line of distinctive modern octave mandolins designed by luthier Kilin Reece of KR Strings in Kailua, Hawaii. They are built in a small workshop in Asia and finished out in Hawaii to a very high standard. These are built in both flat-top and arch-top models to a unique design and are some of the finest instruments of their type we have encountered. The Octolindos are tuned an octave below a standard mandolin (G-D-A-E) which has become an increasingly popular format over the last half century, with appeal today way beyond the Celtic music world. Ironically the early Gibson company put major effort into stamping out this style of instrument out in the 1910s in favor of their "Tenor Mandola", but they have made a big comeback 100 years on!
This "Artist S" is KR Strings' standard flat-topped Artist model, built with an Engelmann Spruce and Indian Rosewood back and sides. The trim is discreet and neat with a maple outer binding layer on the body and neck and small-dot inlaid fingerboard. The guitar-shaped body is reminiscent of the late 1920s Gibson TG models with a narrow waist, wide, round lower bout and a smaller upper bout. The top is X-braced with an 8-pin bridge. The slim neck has a 21 1/4" scale and 1 11/32" nut width, topped by a stylish "snakehead" peghead.
The Octolindo has been very well received in the modern acoustic music world for blending a guitar-like warmth with the punchy clarity and articulation of the mandolin family. This pro-grade flat-top model excels both as a simple "strumming" instrument and as a melody machine, easy enough to play at fiddle-tune speed while never sounding thin or shrill. We are pleased to bring these very interesting and fun-to-play instruments (which frankly there is no real vintage equivalent to) from Hawaii to Brooklyn.
Overall length is 36 1/4 in. (92.1 cm.), 13 3/4 in. (34.9 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 21 1/4 in. (540 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/32 in. (34 mm.).
This instrument is new, unsold stock. Right out of the box it plays extremely well and sounds excellent, just waiting for some serious play time to allow the already fine sound to mature. It is ready to go in a fitted gig bag. New Condition.
