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Just some thoughts. And I would like to hear your thoughts too. Why do most builders use smaller bodies and shorter scales for octave mandolins then guitars when the have nearly the same pitch range? Why do some builders use the same body size and scale for guitar and mando-cello when they are not in the same pitch range (some overlap)? Years ago I built some mandolas with a long 19" scale and light strings. Later I found out that Gibson built some 8 string "Tenor Lutes" that were similar in concept. Are these rules mostly tradition or is there a reason?

With my first self designed guitar, I had the same concerns. How did ‘standard’ designs come about? Are there other ways to make an instrument that is just as good or better?

When an instrument that became a standard was being developed, was sufficient experimentation done to assure that was the best way to do it?

Even if exhaustive R&D went into the design what standard was used to gauge result? Sound, appeal, marketability? All of those measurements are very subjective and mean different things to different people.

So, to my thinking it comes done to setting your own measurements of what is a good instrument. If you conclude there is no beating an existing design then head in that direction. If you think something better can be done then get pencil and paper out and go for it.

If you go in that direction then it will be very helpful if you have a sense of what makes an appealing and good sounding instrument. For that, it is hard to replace personal experience as well as the study of those that know things about instrument design/construction. (as in books, video and the good old OLF)

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

Hi David,
One reason shorter scales are preferred for O.M.s, is that they are commonly tuned in fifths, which makes the chord forms span a greater number of frets. I build them with scale lengths similar to other instruments tuned in fifths - tenor guitars and tenor banjos (23" -21 1/2" S.L.). Some players who tune a little higher (GDAE) prefer shorter scales yet (21" - 20 1/2" S.L.) Bouzoukis often are built with longer scales and tuned in fifths, but are often played with partial chords and melody lines.
When I build an O.M. I don't want it to sound like a guitar. The smaller body and stiffer top gives me the sound I want - strong fundamental and moderate sustain.