When it comes to octave mandolins with dynamic tone, exceptional build quality, and an artisan’s touch, KR Strings' Octolindo series has long stood out. Now, with the launch of their newest carved-top Octolindo F-hole models, KR Strings elevates the game once again. Designed by master luthier Kilin Reece in Honolulu, Hawaii, these new mandolins represent the culmination of decades of instrument design and performance insight.
Whether you're a traditionalist seeking vintage warmth or a modern player exploring octave textures, the new lineup of Octolindo F-style mandolins offers something extraordinary. Let’s dive into what makes these mandolins the talk of the acoustic world—and why The Acoustic Shoppe is your go-to source for these boutique builds.
The New KR Strings Carved-Top Octolindo F Models
With the official launch of five new F-hole carved-top octave mandolins, KR Strings adds fresh sonic color and aesthetic refinement to its celebrated Octolindo family. These instruments blend Swiss Spruce tops, curly maple backs, and thin nitrocellulose finishes to achieve a vibrant, open voice that projects beautifully in solo or ensemble settings.
View the KR Strings Octolindo Maestro at The Acoustic Shoppe
KR Strings Official Announcement on Mandolin Café
Featured Model: Octolindo Maestro F
Sitting at the heart of this release is the Octolindo Maestro F, a premium carved-top octave mandolin built with select tonewoods and expert craftsmanship.
Key Specs:
Top: Swiss “Moon” Spruce (carved), Scalloped X-Bracing
Back/Sides/Neck: Curly Maple from the Allegheny Mountains
Finish: Ultra-thin nitrocellulose sunburst lacquer
Scale Length: 21.5"
sFingerboard: Radiused Ebony
Bridge: Custom Ebony by Cumberland Acoustics
Tailpiece: Custom nickel-plated brass by KR Strings
Nut Width: 1.38"
Body Dimensions: 9 ¾" upper bout, 13 ¾" lower bout, 17.5" body length
It comes housed in a deluxe hardshell case with optional premium gig bag, built for road-ready performance or studio reliability.
Complete Lineup Overview
Every new model in this lineup shares a commitment to playability, clarity, and long-term tone stability. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
| Model | Top Material | Back/Sides | Finish | Target Player |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Deluxe F | Swiss Spruce | Curly Maple | Varnish Sunburst | Collector/Boutique |
| Maestro F | Swiss “Moon” Spruce | Curly Maple | Thin Nitro Sunburst | Pro-Level Players |
| Deluxe F | Swiss Spruce | Indian Rosewood | Thin Nitro Sunburst | Advanced Musicians |
| Artist F | Swiss Spruce | Flatsawn Mahogany | Thin Nitro Natural | Intermediate Players |
| Scholar F | Swiss Spruce | Mahogany | Thin Nitro Natural | Emerging Players |
All models now feature the new nickel-plated KR Strings tailpiece, improving resonance and aesthetic elegance across the line.
A Legacy of Quality: Octolindo's Evolution
The Octolindo name has long been associated with responsive tone and ergonomic design. Earlier models—like the Octolindo S (flat-top) and Octolindo Plus—gained attention for their unique voice and high-quality materials at an accessible price point. Popular with Celtic, folk, and world music performers, these models combined flat tops with oval or f-hole options and a comfortable 21.5" scale.
Explore Past Octolindo Models:
KRStrings.com Shop - Octolindo Archive
Kilin Reece: The Builder Behind the Brand
Kilin Reece is not your average luthier. Based in Oahu, Hawaii, he draws from a deep well of instrument history, building and restoring pieces that span centuries and cultures. His passion for tone, attention to detail, and commitment to player-centric design come together in every Octolindo. That’s why these mandolins aren’t just instruments—they’re expressions of musical identity.
Each model is built with musician feedback in mind, offering clarity, projection, and the type of low-end warmth octave players crave—without the muddiness often found in lesser designs.
Why The Acoustic Shoppe Carries KR Strings Octolindos
As the #1 Mandolin Store online, The Acoustic Shoppe partners only with builders who meet our strict standards for tone, craftsmanship, and consistency. KR Strings’ new Octolindo models are a natural fit for our customers, offering boutique quality with approachable pricing.
We’ve worked closely with KR Strings to showcase these new models, and our in-house experts—including the Chapman brothers—have demoed and reviewed them across our YouTube Channel and live streams. If you're curious how these sound in real-world applications, check out our full breakdowns and comparisons.
Watch Our Octolindo Sound Review
Full Octave Mandolin Demo Session
Who These Mandolins Are For
If you're a guitarist looking to expand your tonal range, a mandolinist seeking deeper voicings, or a composer writing for extended mandolin family textures, the new carved-top Octolindo F-hole models offer exceptional tools for expression.
From string orchestras and bluegrass bands to Celtic trios and solo acoustic acts, the new F-models project warmth, clarity, and color. And thanks to a consistent 21.5" scale and intuitive neck feel, even newer players will find them highly playable.
How Octolindo Bridges Tradition and Innovation
What sets the Octolindo line apart—especially in this new carved-top generation—is how it balances traditional luthiery techniques with player-driven innovation. Kilin Reece didn’t simply design these octave mandolins to look great on a wall; he built them to solve real-world tonal challenges that players experience across genres. The carved Swiss spruce tops deliver fast response and warmth, while the body shapes and bracing patterns are tailored to optimize projection and sustain. Whether you’re backing up a fiddler in a string band or sitting in with a chamber folk trio, Octolindos provide clarity in the mix without overpowering the ensemble.
From a construction standpoint, this new F-hole series pushes further into professional-grade territory. While previous flat-top Octolindos offered excellent tone at approachable prices, they weren’t always built for the kind of high-pressure stage or recording demands that modern players face. The shift to fully carved tops and backs—paired with nitrocellulose finishes and upgraded tailpieces—marks a clear leap forward. These are not entry-level octave mandolins. They are serious, performance-ready tools for discerning musicians who expect their instrument to respond to nuance, dynamics, and long-term reliability.
Even down to the case options, it’s clear KR Strings considered gigging musicians. The inclusion of a deluxe hardshell case (with optional premium gig bag) reflects a commitment to durability and transport, especially for those navigating festivals, tours, or weekly studio sessions. It’s this kind of thoughtful, musician-first mindset that keeps Octolindo models in high demand—and keeps The Acoustic Shoppe excited to showcase every new release.
Order Yours or Reach Out to Learn More
All models are now available to the public through KR Strings and authorized dealers like The Acoustic Shoppe. We’re proud to be one of the first shops to offer in-hand demos and real-world feedback.
📞 Need help finding the right model?
Our team of mandolin experts is ready to guide you through fit, feel, tonewood preferences, and style.
