This octave mandolin has a satisfying tone, with good resonance and sustain. The finish is not perfect, but it's OK for this price point. The bridge isn't very good, and I've replaced mine with an ebony bridge, which is much better. I play mine tuned GDAD like an Irish bouzouki, and it's good for that style. Because it's a short-scale instrument it's very portable. It needs heavy strings to avoid any floppiness.