Andrew Mowry makes an exceptionally strong arched-top octave mandolin. We have known about his instruments for years, having had several used examples come through the shop, but this is the first new example of Andrew's work on offer here, making this a more official debut. We have been eagerly anticipating this one for a while now. It was worth the wait!

This guitar-bodied octave mandolin has a bold, full acoustic voice. The 14" body is Andrew's most popular size, and sits very comfortably on the lap. The scale length falls in a sweet spot for many octave mandolinists: long enough to enable a powerful sound, yet short enough to facilitate comfortable reaches in first position. Whether playing mandolin melodies down an octave, or as a songwriter's refined rhythm instrument, this mando is an absolute blast to play. Once you pick it up, it is very hard to put down.

Mowry's impeccable build quality also merits special attention here. Mowry stands as an equal among a small cadre of top-flight contemporary mandolin-family luthiers operating at a very high level, making superb, and exceedingly enjoyable instruments built to last many lifetimes. Welcome to TME, Andrew—we're honored to have you!

Priced with custom Ameritage case.

• Engelmann spruce top
• Red maple back and sides
• Maple neck
  
• Ebony fingerboard
• Handmade, ebony bridge and bound pickguard
• Trapeze tailpiece w/ebony cross bar
• Ivoroid binding
• Rubner tuners w/ebony buttons
• Nitrocellulose lacquer finish
• Traditional sunburst
  
• 14-inch body
• 1.34" (34mm) nut
• 21 5/8" scale
• Serial #177