Citterns and octave mandolins

Octave mandolin

The octave mandolin is often tuned GDAE or similar, one octave below mandolin pitch.

My octave mandolin has a carved German spruce top with a slightly triangular oval sound-hole. The back and sides are Indian rosewood, with other woods optional, with the back curved over braces. The mahogany neck is built into the body so that the sides blend into the heel, and angled back to give good down-pressure on the soundboard. The strings fasten into a brass tail-piece, the bridge is ebony with a bone saddle and can take an invisible pickup if required.

Octave mandolin scales vary; my standard model has a 23" scale, similar to a typical tenor banjo scale. I can build longer or shorter scales as required. Short scale versions can be strung and tuned mandola style CGCA or similar.

I offer octave mandolins in two body sizes, a large body (photo left) and a smaller standard body better suited to mandolas. My design gives a rich and resonant sound that projects well. It's suitable for playing both solo and in ensembles.

Ten and twelve string citterns

The ten string cittern is basically a five course octave mandolin. Many tunings are commonly used; some are mandolin type tuning with a low D, others open or almost open tunings.

I can build 12 string citterns to special order.

All citterns, 8, 10 and 12 string instruments can have the longer bouzouki scale, which helps lower tunings such as low D or C.

Darrell Scott playing his octave mandolin at the Blackfriars, Glasgow. Darrell plays this instrument, along with his MS model guitar, in Robert Plant's Band of Joy. Amplification is by Highlander bridge pickup.

Joseph Sobol with his twelve string Port Orford  Cedar and Koa cittern. Joseph pursuaded me to use these woods; they make a great instrument.

            Large bodied ten string cittern