Austin Clark's instruments have found their way into the hands some of today's best players, including Sierra Hull - after one strum on this octave, it’s easy to see why!

We've moved beyond mere fad, folks. By now guitar-bodied octave mandolins have earned their place in the contemporary mandolin-family canon. Instruments like this cutaway sunburst model from Boise, Idaho-based Austin Clark make a convincing argument for why these GBOMs have staying power.

This one ticks all the boxes: comfortable, short scale for melody playing; luscious sunburst, appealing, harmonically rich tone; ample volume and projection, nice sustain, and high marks for fit and finish. It is worth pausing on that first point. This octave mandolin sits very easily on the lap, and offers near-effortless playability. Priced with a custom Ameritage hardshell case.

Condition: Expect the usual light signs of handling on a varnish finish, but no significant marks or dings. A few areas of the varnish finish have aged/yellowed differently than others on the fingerboard binding.