I have been waiting for one of these since seeing Andy Irvine play one many years ago. They are the finest Irish bouzouki's around and played by most of the professional players around today and for very good reason. They are superbly built, with a fantastic attention to detail, woods and finish.

s.

This is an octave mandolin, spruce top and indian rosewood back and sides, with built in pick up. It is the sound that many people regard as the sound of the Irish Bouzouki today.

The Sobell octave mandolin has shorter scale length to that of the bouzouki, making it very popular amongst players. The very deep body produces a very powerful instrument with a sustain that lasts for ever. Perfect for melody work and accompaniment.

To be very honest, I much prefer the thinner strings and would have maybe have gone for a longer scale or even better have gone down a step to the Sobell mandola. The Sobell mandola with it's 16" scale length is another very popular instrument with Andy, and used on songs like the Blacksmith. Andy strings up his mandola with mandolin strings for a very original and beautiful tone. Check out the video clips.

Above you can see the body size in comparison with my Burgin. The sobell OM is no longer made by Stefan Sobell so I bought this at just the right time.

Kieron.