Octave mandolin Irish bouzouki

New instrument by Maine luthier Nikos Apollonio---ideal for Scots/Irish/Breton/Galician etc. tunes and songs with some of the most dynamic tonal range yet created for this instrument. Tuned GDAD or GDAE etc., on a scale of 21 5/8", this design, by Maine's premier trad musician Gordon Bok, was first used for guitars 40 + years ago. Recently discovered to have superior tone and power for mando family instruments, this one incorporates several structural and tonal innovations that insure not only great sound , but also easily adjustable action for all climate conditions. The body is slightly larger than most octave mandos but the real secret is in the bracing and bridge configuration; the owner can adjust string height without touching the saddle. Tailpiece takes the string tension off the top allowing for lighter ( more responsive) bracing and the bridge being fixed like a guitar's, with a movable compensated saddle, transfers tone better and more clearly with no muting. A retaining bar behind the saddle is a tensioner that assures firm contact and clearer tone. Top is of AAA grade figured Alaskan spruce, body and neck of aged black walnut; fretboard, bridge, and tailpiece are ironwood framed with ebony and maple. Head veneer is curly Hawaiian koa with an eagle inlay of antique ivory. BRAZILIAN rosewood pick guard . Included in the auction is a Superior padded gig bag. Lifetime warranty to the original purchaser, conditional to following proper care guidelines. If not as described the buyer may return it after a 3 day trial for full refund, less shipping charges. For more perspective on an instrument of this shape, see You tube 'The Wedding Song' by Noel Paul Stookey (of Peter Paul and Mary). Played on a custom 12 string bell model made for him 1985 to replace the original wedding song guitar.