Regal Octophone Natural

Regal began making these "8-in-1" instruments in 1928. The premise was that it could produce the "tone combinations" of tenor guitar, tenor banjo, ukulele, taro patch, mandolin, mandola, and mandocello.

Though a budget instrument, Octophones were somewhat lightly and delicately built, giving them surprisingly fine response. Ten or twelve years ago, they were easy to find in the marketplace. But, between their being slightly fragile and people also being reluctant to sell them now, they tend to be scarce. This one just received a neck reset, not unusual since it's a flat-faced neck/body joint secured with a length of 1/2" dowel. No reshaping of the joint was required, only a re-gluing.

It's 33.5 inches long, 10 5/8 inches wide at lower end, 3 1/8 deep at the end block. It has a scale of 21 3/8 inches. Changing the tuning is how you evoke the different instrumental voices. Spruce top, with what I assume is birch for the neck, back, and sides. No case, but will be well-packed in new box. Shipping $45 in CONUS. Free pickup.