Here’s a Rono acoustic/electric short-scale octave mandolin for GDAE tuning by Ron Oates of Boulder, Colorado. Bound Sitka spruce top with X bracing; bound Honduran mahogany back and sides. Top and back are arched, but not carved, resulting in consistent thickness with no dead spots. Body depth is 1.75 inches. Sunburst finish with 12 coats of nitrocellulose lacquer.
     Laminated Honduran mahogany neck with slightly radiused ebony fretboard and medium frets; 18.5-inch scale, the same as Ron’s 5-string baritone instruments. Ebony tailpiece, bridge, and headplate, Grover 18:1 gold-plated tuners. Solo soundholes.
     There is a pickup system built into the top braces, with twin acoustic sensors, one for treble and one for bass. Acoustically, the instrument delivers lots of bass and chop with very good trebles.
     Nut width is 1.375 inches; width at the 12th fret is 1.75 inches. Neck has a slightly rounded V profile. String gauges for octave GDAE turning are .050/.040/.028/.016. Price includes a plywood road case.
     See more photos, or for more information. $4,200 plus shipping. 48-hour approval period.