Octave Mandolins are tuned one octave lower than the standard mandolin. They ve become increasingly popular with mandolinists who want to expand their range of expression on an instrument they can be instantly comfortable with. The OM-800+ features a generous 22 1/2 scale (commonly used by the best custom makers in Ireland). It comes with a passive bridge-mounted pickup for easy amplification and the slim neck has a comfortable compound-radiused fingerboard designed for fast easy chording or precision melody work. Gold Tone s luthiers have perfected the complicated setup needed to achieve low action without string buzz.