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.

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 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.

"My Forster O mandolin is very bright which cuts through really well and I didn’t have any problems hearing it in a session despite having two border pipes near me! My playing was more precise as I wasn’t accidentally hitting other strings when playing so that was much better than the other mandolins I have. I really like the wide neck which is something I hadn’t considered before. The actions works well for me and again this makes it an easy instrument to play. Very pleased with the mandolin so thank you. "

- Ken, Country Durham, England.
"There are so many things I could say because of how I feel about this instrument. Basically, over the top happy to have it in my life. Beautiful to look at, a joy to play and exceptional sound quality. I am so impressed by the exceptional artistry, quality of materials, superior craftsmanship and innovative design. It is a dream to play. I love its solid feel, its responsive, expressive voice, rich tone, dynamic range and lush sustain."

- Valerie, USA.
Small Celtic O jarrah top
Small Celtic O mandolin jarrah back
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Small Celtic O mandolin
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Small Celtic O mandolin-5
Small Celtic O mandolin-6
Small Celtic O mandolin-7

  • 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