Gold Tone OM-800+ Octave Mandolin with Case

If you’ve spent time on mandolin and found yourself wanting more depth, more resonance, and more room to breathe melodically, the Gold Tone OM-800+ octave mandolin is the natural next step. Tuned GDAE — exactly like a mandolin, just an octave lower — it lets you pick up this instrument and start playing without relearning a single thing. The 22½” scale length is the same one favored by the finest custom makers in Ireland, and it gives the OM-800+ that full, open, Celtic-session voice that players recognize immediately. The solid arched spruce top delivers projection and clarity, while the mahogany back, sides, and neck add warmth and sustain that you simply can’t get from a laminate instrument at this price point. Gold Tone’s luthiers in Titusville, Florida, have put real thought into the setup on this one — achieving genuinely low action on an octave mandolin without string buzz is more complicated than it sounds, and they’ve gotten it right.

Beyond the tonewoods, the OM-800+ is loaded with practical, gigging-ready features. The compound-radiused rosewood fingerboard makes chord work comfortable across the full length of the neck — a real advantage when you’re playing long sessions or recording multiple takes. The slim neck profile keeps fatigue at bay. Gold-plated hardware, cream ABS binding, and a high-gloss natural finish give it a look that matches its sound: serious but not flashy. The passive undersaddle pickup means you can plug straight into a PA or DI without fuss, and the included hardshell case means this instrument is protected from the moment it leaves our shop. Whether you’re an Irish traditional player, a bluegrass picker looking for a new color, or a mandolinist who’s been curious about the octave register for years, the OM-800+ gives you a professional platform to explore it.

Each instrument receives a professional setup at Gold Tone’s factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships to you. They check and adjust the nut, saddle, and action, inspect the frets, verify intonation, and make sure the truss rod is dialed in correctly for the strings supplied. On an octave mandolin — where setup complexity is real — this matters enormously. You won’t be fighting the instrument out of the box.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

We’re an authorized Gold Tone dealer based in Yellow Springs, Ohio, which means every OM-800+ we sell comes with full manufacturer warranty coverage and the confidence that you’re getting a genuine, properly sourced instrument. I’ve been in this industry for more than 45 years — I co-own Watch & Learn in Atlanta, I wrote Banjo Primer (the top-rated beginner banjo method on the market), and I’ve collaborated with Pete Seeger and Tony Trischka, co-designed the Gold Tone OB-Standard, and been cited on Wikipedia for Scruggs style and banjo roll technique. I know what a well-built, well-set-up fretted instrument feels like, and I wouldn’t put my name behind anything that didn’t meet that standard. Financing is available through PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and 3, 6, 12, and 24-month plans — no late fees, no surprises. Just pick the option that works for you at checkout.

Gold Tone OM-800+ Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know anything new to play an octave mandolin if I already play mandolin?

Not really — that’s one of the best things about the octave mandolin. It’s tuned GDAE, exactly the same as a standard mandolin, so every scale, chord shape, and melody you already know transfers directly. The 22½” scale means the string spacing and tension feel a little different than a standard mandolin, but most players adapt quickly. Within a session or two, it feels natural.

Is the included pickup good enough for live performance?

Yes, for most applications. The passive undersaddle pickup on the OM-800+ gives you a clean, direct signal that works well through a DI box into a PA system or into an acoustic instrument amplifier. It’s not a boutique aftermarket system, but it’s reliable and practical for sessions, open mics, and smaller venues. If you’re doing larger stage work or studio recording, you might eventually want to supplement it with a microphone, but for the vast majority of players it’s more than adequate right out of the box.

Does this come with a case, and is it ready to play when it arrives?

Yes on both counts. The OM-800+ includes a hardshell case, so your instrument is protected right from the start. Each instrument receives a professional setup at Gold Tone’s factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships to you. Action, intonation, nut, and truss rod are all checked and adjusted so you can play it the moment you open the case.

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