Big Celtic O
Built to play, not just to impress
Sweet highs. Deep lows.
WHAT IT IS
The Big Celtic O is a handmade mandolin with a wide-open voice and rich sustain. It blends the warm, sparkling tone of a European oval-hole design with the clarity and depth you want for modern playing on stage, at home, or in the studio.
WHY YOU NEED IT
If you find most F-style mandolins too sharp or tight, this gives you more space in the tone. Fuller lows, sweeter highs, and longer sustain.
It’s slightly warmer than the Big Celtic F, with a bit more natural resonance. The kind of mandolin that rewards light touch and expressive playing, but still holds up when you dig in.
WHAT YOU GET
A fully handmade large bodied oval-hole mandolin.
Wide, open tone with a strong low end and clear highs.
Premium tonewoods and expert voicing.
Custom detailing and finish options available.
Comfortable, expressive, and deeply musical.
WHY IT’S WORTH IT
Every instrument is built by me – no production runs, no shortcuts. Each design has been refined through years of feedback from professional players who rely on their instruments night after night.
You’re not just buying materials and labour; you’re buying the sound, playability, and longevity that come from over three decades of experience.
If you’re unsure which model fits your playing, I’ll help you figure it out. And if you want proof these instruments hold up over time, scroll down and read what players have said.
HOW MUCH IT COSTS
Prices include premium tonewoods, full customisation, and direct updates from me throughout the process.
If you’d like the current price list, scroll down and fill in the contact form at the foot of the page.
HOW TO BUY
If this sounds like your kind of instrument, let’s talk.
Use the form below to tell me a bit about what you’re after. Whether you’re ready to start or just want to explore the fit, I’ll reply personally.
- James Lummis, USA
Material
Soundboard – mature seasoned European spruce
Back and sides – there are many options - mahogany, maple, figured mahogany, wenge, ziricote or figured bubinga.
Neck - mahogany.
Fretboard - fine Sri Lanka ebony or ancient bog oak.
Bridge - rocklite ebano, ebony or maple.Hardware
Tuners - Gotoh 510
Frets - hand polished Evo gold frets
Nut and saddle - hand polished bone.
Tailpiece - custom made, hand polished solid brass.
Tailpiece - polished, lacquered brass.Dimensions
body width - 300mm
body length - 300mm
depth at tail - 50mm
nut width - 8st 34mm 10st 38mm
scale length - 347mm