Paul Shippey "Axe" Octave Mandolin

Here's a demo of the Shippey "Axe" Octave Mandolin.
The music is part of "Clarsach" by John Renbourn, that I have adapted for Octave Mandolin.
This instrument has a 580mm scale length and body width of 380mm.
The Octave mandolin, or Octave mandola as it is sometimes known, is usually tuned G D A E, an octave below the standard (Neapolitan mandolin). However, for this piece of music I have tuned it G D Bb D, which is closer to John Renbourn's open-tuned guitar.
The Shippey Axe Octave mandolin is unusual in that it has a carved-back and a flat-top. The back is European Maple and the Top Western red Cedar.
To find out more about my handmade instruments visit:
www.paulshippey.co.uk
I recorded this on my Zoom H2n Recorder with no EQ or compression.

[@FrostlordTheWizard]

Wow, sustain for days. Such a beautiful and warm sounding instrument...

[@dianesanderson684]

Wonderful use of harmonics. A tune by John Renbourne. Used to love seeing him.

[@richard7071]

Beautiful playing and a beautiful instrument. Maybe when I win lotto.

[@JohnCarr43]

Stunning instrument, absolutely beautiful tone.

[@paulshippey]

Thanks John, glad you liked it 😀

[@Simple_Simian]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@paulshippey]

Thanks Simon

[@user-gh3ex7cx3f]

The sound made me cry

[@Gramofonen]

Really cool. Having my OM made soon. Hoping a sycamore back will sound something like this.

[@brendandunne4401]

Beautiful arrangement and playing. And what an amazing instrument. It just rings like a beautfiully tuned bell.

[@paulshippey]

Many thanks Brendan...you'll have your own one soon !

[@vance7274]

Absolutely beautiful!!!!!!

[@paulshippey]

Many thanks Galen

[@kokindenom]

❤❤❤❤

[@rogerlandes6309]

Beautiful, Paul!

[@paulshippey]

Many thanks Roger 😊

[@jeffalexander4409]

Absolutely beautiful song and skill in playing!

[@paulshippey]

Thanks Jeff, that's very kind

[@Xander_12]

Oh my god.... 😍🥺

[@paulshippey]

🙂

[@brianpouillon1353]

And that is the perfect example of why I play the octave mandolin. Well done Paul!

[@paulshippey]

Many thanks Brian 😊

[@johnwilliamson6846]

Beautiful, Paul. Your playing demonstrates the quality of the instrument…every note, chord and harmonic are clear. 👏 . Ps. What pick are you using? Do you use the same pick on each of the instruments you have demoed recently ? (I have a recollection you used a Dunlop Ultex .88 in one of the recent videos).

[@paulshippey]

Thanks a lot for the kind comments John. Yes I'm using the uktex pick and the same on the other video I play on.

[@brianpasco2620]

Wow, that's lovely, Paul - inspiring! Help! Is that GDAD?

[@paulshippey]

Thanks Brian. I tuned it GDBbD.
The music is in the key of Gm, so having an open Bb string makes it a lot easier.

[@radharcanna]

What a beautiful sound. Is that the same as a bouzouki?

[@paulshippey]

This octave mandolin has a 58cm scale...and my Axe bouzouki has a 65cm scale. Other than scale length and tuning, there is no difference. Some people call it a short scale bouzouki....so it's all a bit vague.

[@KalebMarshallDulcimerPlayer]

What is the name of this tune?

[@paulshippey]

It's an extract from 'Clarsach' by John Renbourn