i know it’s something of a quality-related crapshoot, but Eastwood has several guitar-sized “octave mandolins” that could be worthwhile if bought used…they’re way too expensive new for what you get. i could build a copy of their Coodercaster model for like half the cost. i wouldn’t normally mention them—we’ve all heard/seen Eastwood QC horror stories—but i bought their Wandré Soloist and there’s very little to complain about quality-wise. Gold Tone also has a acoustic guitar-shaped OM/bouzouki; all the Eastwood options are electric.
In girum imus nocte et consumimur igni
FIFTY YEARS OF SCARING THE CHILDREN 1970-2020--and i'm not done yet
i don’t know if it’s been mentioned here, but the guitarkit.shop website is selling Irish/Portuguese-style bouzoukis, mandolins, and other mandolin-family instructions. i’m a little dubious about the pine tops, but if like me that body style is your favorite it’s a second option probably comparable to the Hora line from Romania whose bouzouki i almost bought.
In girum imus nocte et consumimur igni
FIFTY YEARS OF SCARING THE CHILDREN 1970-2020--and i'm not done yet