5 Course Cittern 4 Course Octave Mandolin
These are built with carved and x-braced arch-tops and curved backs. The necks are blended into the sides and angled back for extra string pressure on the sound-board, producing a distinctive full rich tone.
The 4 course is often tuned GDAE one octave below mandolin. The 5 course can be tuned as an octave mandolin with an extra low course tuned to D, or in open or nearly open tunings such as D or G.
Both 5 and 4 course instruments are available with a large body, giving a full and powerful sound, or a standard body, giving a more compact and intimate sound.
Soundboard: European spruce Back and sides: Indian rosewood; Cocobolo or Brazilian rosewood optional Fingerboard and bridge: Ebony Neck: Brazilian mahogany Tuners: Gotoh; Schallers optional Trim: Herringbone: Birdsfoot and/or colours optional Tailpiece: Brass Amplification: Optional LR Baggs fitted pickup Binding: Indian rosewood; maple optional Width: 15.3”(39cm) lge bdy, 14.2”(36cm) std bdy Length:37.5”(95cm) lge bdy, 36”(92.5cm) sml bdy Nut width: 1.4”(36mm) 8str, 1.65”(42mm) 10 str Scale: 23” 585mm
Sobell Guitars,The Old School, Whitley Chapel, Hexham, Northumberland, England NE47 0HB