Small Celtic O
A Celtic mandolin that tells your story
Focused tone. Clean projection. Built to perform.
WHAT IT IS
The Celtic O is a mid-sized, oval-hole mandolin designed for clarity and balance. It shares the design language of my Big Celtic model but delivers a more focused sound with strong projection. The back is curved rather than carved, giving it a smooth, open tone with a touch of natural compression.
WHY YOU NEED IT
If you’re after a traditional Celtic voice with a little more edge and cut—something that blends well in an ensemble but still stands out when needed, the Celtic O strikes that balance. It’s ideal for players who want a handmade mandolin that works just as well in quiet practice as it does in performance.
WHAT YOU GET
A handmade Celtic O mandolin with a curved back, carved top and oval-hole design.
Clear projection and balanced tone.
Choice of high gloss or satin finish.
Recent builds include:
• A high gloss Small Celtic O in European spruce and flame jarrah.
• A satin prototype in European spruce and maple.
Ships in a hard case, secured in a plywood crate for international delivery.
WHAT MY CLIENTS KNOW
They know that every instrument comes with a lifetime warranty. That this model draws from years of building both Sobell-style and original Forster designs. It’s shaped by direct input from players who wanted traditional tone. Just clean sound, clean lines, and rock-solid construction.
HOW MUCH IT COSTS
Prices start at US$7550
Includes case and secure shipping crate. Fully customisable build options available.
HOW TO BUY
If this sounds like the kind of mandolin you’ve been searching for, let’s talk.
Use the form below to tell me a bit about your playing and what you need. I’ll reply personally and help you decide if this is the right fit.
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 - 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.Dimensions
body width - 290mm
body length - 325mm
depth at tail - 50mm
nut width -8st 34mm 10st 38mm
scale length - 347mm