With a Mandola you are in between the two, and to be honest, I think you would be better off making it into a 10 string, rather than 8 string, to extend the range even more, as the in between scale length wouldn't compromise the instrument either sound wise or in play ability. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmYWSRMEF7k
Likewise if converting a electric guitar with standard width fingerboard, you might as well make a 10 string [If it's a bolt on neck] - not sure I'd trust a glued in neck to take the string tension for any great length of time before having to remove and reset the neck.
Even if it's just more convenient regarding string spacing, rather than thinning a necks width down to accommodate 8 strings properly.
Not so bad to do on a electric, but the string tension is right up there.
On a Mandocello 8 string it works out at 185lb of string tension on the bridge.
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