REGAL OCTOPHONE 1928-1930 - Natural wood

REAGAL OCTAPHONE

The octophone (or octofone) is a stringed musical instrument related to the mandola family resembling an octave mandolin. It was marketed by Regal Musical Instrument Company, who introduced it 21 January 1928, as an "eight-purpose instrument".[2]

The name "Octophone" came from the idea that the instrument could take on the "tone combinations" of eight instruments, the tenor guitar, tenor banjo, ukulele, taro patch, tiple, mandolin, mandola and mandocello. Changing from one instrument to another was a matter of changing the tuning. The instrument came with an instruction book that told owners "how to use, how to tune and how to play" the instrument (this text is not included).

Construction: The instrument measures 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.

There is no label inside this instrument. Written inside, in pencil, is: “REGAL” Chicago, ILL”

I called Gruhn in Nashville, TN and they confirmed that this is typical signage for this instrument. I’ve used this instrument for solo engagements and it plays well and smoothly. It has a most pleasing tone. It is currently tuned down an octave from violin: G D A E

Comes in a Martin soft case that fits perfectly snug and protects. It has decorative carvings at the neck heel, an opal on the headstock, Schaller mandolin tuners that tune backwards, and inlayed decorative fret markers. A comfortable thin leather strap keeps the instrument perfectly balanced while playing.

Sold as is. No returns. You will enjoy playing this rare and collectable instrument!