Trinity College octave mandolins

[Codger]

I'd like comments for and against Trinity College octave mandolins from people who have owned one. Just "tell it like it is," okay? I'm about to buy one by mail. Would that be a mistake.I can't afford the thousand dollar ones. What say you?

[Steve L]

You'd be wise to re- post this in the CBOM section. I think they're about the best octave/bouzouki selection at that price point.

[otterly2k]

Codger- though I haven't owned one, I have played a few, and have played many other OM's and have owned a few. I have also been following these conversations in the CBOM section for the past couple of years.

Consensus seems to be that the TC OM's are the best option at that price point. The ones I have played have been totally serviceable, having decent tone and playability. I would say, YES, a TCOM is worth $450. I don't think it would be a mistake at that price, assuming it is in good condition with no structural problems (e.g. no problems with neck angle, bowing, fretwear, etc.). You should expect that it may need some set-up work (like adjusting the intonation, action, neck relief, bridge and/or nut slots, etc.) in order to get the absolute most out of it. However, it could also be perfectly playable as-is.

KE

[Bob Denton]

I borrowed one for an Irish session in a music store in St. Louis and walked out with it. It's not a Sobel but well made, good, somewhat reserved sound but good neck and easy to set up.

I have played a number of other Pac Rims and prefer the Trinity. (I did some work at Trinity College...the real one) so maybe that was also a factor.

I did replace the tailpiece with an Allan, which has enhanced the tone and sustain and will take both loop and ball end strings.

Cya

[JEStanek]

Sound advice from everyone above. I think the TC is a great way to get your feet wet in the OM market. I have one and am glad to have it. I don't play well enough to warrant an upgrade but my next choice up would be used (either Weber flat top or one of the handmade ones see occasionally on the cafe for sale page). But that's ~$1000 - 300 for what I may hope to get out of the TC in a sale.

Jamie

[epicentre]

For the money I don't think you will get anything better.

Bought one a short time ago and really like it. Intonation was bang on and action was good. Very playable with great bass and a nice open treble.

Usually they come with a hard shell case. Truss rod is adjustable; whether it needs to be or not; nice, just in case.

Epi

[Max Girouard]

I bought one a few years back. It came set up fine but over the course of the summer due to the humidity, the frets started coming out of the slots and throwing the whole fretboard off. I had to have the frets serviced twice (basicly hammered back in)since then and it is now doing it again. The only other thing is that I thought the sound was really thin. Maybe a new bridge would improve that?

[otterly2k]

that's a sad story, Max...and I don't doubt that it has been your experience... but I haven't heard/read any other tales of such woe with the TC OM's. It's possible that you just got a bad one.
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[aimee]

Bought the 'zouk. Worth it.