Trinity College Mandolin owners...

**celtic_knut** · Jul-04-2006, 10:27am

I just did a search of the boards, and only found posts asking for info about Trinity College CBOM models, so please forgive me if I missed one on this topic...

I recently saw a black-face version of the Trinity College Mandolin over at Elderly's web site, which looks pretty sweet. The price is currently @ $450 at Elderly, but I might be interested in it when other retailers start carrying it and offer it for less than $400 with case (as some do for the blonde-top).

I wanted to ask any of you out there who might own a Trinity College mandolin -- or have played one -- to provide your feedback on its tone, playability, and volume, as well as your overall thoughts and advice regarding it.

**JEStanek** · Jul-04-2006, 11:46am

At $400 for a flat top the Mid Mo will be better for a hundred fifty or so more. I have the TC Octave and like it ok. If you ever had issues with the Mid Mo I'm pretty sure Mid Mo would be there for you much easier than TC (an import). That said, they seem to be one of the better import flat tops.

My OM was set up by the people I bought it from, plays nice, has an OK tone for what it is (large production, all solid flat top) it sounds good. I'm glad I have it.

Jamie

Jamie

**Steve L** · Jul-04-2006, 1:22pm

The only TC mandolin I've ever played had uncomfortable action and a quiet flatulent timbre that I didn't care for at all. #For $450, based on my admittedly limited experience, you could do a lot better. #Do yourself a favor...get a Mid Mo.

For what it's worth, I own a Trinity zouk and think for the money they are a pretty good deal.

**Eric F.** · Jul-04-2006, 2:05pm

Ditto to the above. I own a TC mandola. I like it. But for $400ish I would look for a Mid-Mo over the TC mandolin.

**Bob Denton** · Jul-05-2006, 11:59am

I have a TC Octave and added an Allen tailpiece that made a huge difference in sustain and tone. I can also use either ball or loop strings. It now has a better sound than instruments costing a lot more.

I is fitted with two Pick Up the World pickups which may have some effect on the tone.

I have no experience with TC mandolins.

**catmandu2** · Jul-07-2006, 2:05am

Ditto on the ditto above: I have both the 275 and 325 (mandola and OM). They're good for a pac-rim instrument (especially the OM), but if I were going to buy a mandola new I would most certainly bypass the TC and go straight for a Mid-Mo.

**epicentre** · Jul-13-2006, 10:02am

The only reservation I would have with a Mid Mo is that there is no adjustable truss rod, as there is in the TC.

Maybe not important. Maybe the necks never move.

Dunno.

Epi

**otterly2k** · Jul-13-2006, 12:03pm

no, but they do reinforce the neck. many builders find this suffices for short scale instruments. also, I've heard Mid-Mo will provide bridges of different heights if you need them, which can help with some adjustments that could conceivably be needed.

**EdSherry** · Jul-13-2006, 12:33pm

I think it is worth differentiating between the TC 'zouk and OM, on the one hand, and the TC mandolin and mandola on the other.

I've only played a few TC mandolins, but generally I have not been impressed. Thin tone, poor playability. In my opinion, you can do better (e.g., the MidMo).

I've never seen a TC mandola, so have no basis for an opinion.

The TC OM and 'zouk are among the best of the PacRim instruments (in my experience).

Re adjustable truss rods: I personally don't think it would be a problem with a mandolin-scale instrument. Martin made great guitars for years without adjustable truss rods.

**Paul Hostetter** · Jul-13-2006, 12:34pm

TCs depend on vintage. Early ones were made for Saga in Japan, and were later farmed out to Korea, where the quality really dropped. The early Japanese ones were made better, and some sounded quite good. The Korean ones were pretty lame. The recent ones are now made in China, and if they're like Saga's other Chinese-made instruments, they're probably the best ones yet.

**epicentre** · Aug-05-2006, 2:43pm

Welllllllllll;

Bought a TC. Good price. Have had it for 2 weeks now, and like it very much. The action is good, plays well, and the tone is great: lots of resonance in the bass and excellent intonation across the strings. Very sweet high end.

What swayed me was the adjustable truss rod and the good name of the dealer I bought it from. (local guy and stands behind all his sales). For the money, I think it would be hard to beat for playing old time and Celtic.

Very differing opinions re: adj. truss rods. These may or may not be necessary. I'm not a luthier, but: I had my first mando (cheap $100 approx)Johnson warp all ta heck, and I'm not taking any chances. Not saying ANYTHING bad about Mid Mo. They are probably a good mando. Just, IMHO, I like the TC.

(Ifn I get a chance to pick up a used one, I'll probably get a Mid Mo, cause...ya never know when you may need another mando..........dang MAS

**8ch(pl)** · Aug-06-2006, 5:43am

I played a Trinity College Mandola in Halifax about 5 years ago. The fellow that owned it had bought it 5 or so years before then, so I assume it was Japanese built. It was a very nice instrument.

I have had my Mid Missouri for 6 years, it was made in early 1998. I have never considered the lack of an adjustable truss rod to be an issue.

**catmandu2** · Aug-06-2006, 5:06pm

Originally Posted by (epicentre @ Aug. 05 2006, 15:43)

I had my first mando (cheap $100 approx)Johnson warp all ta heck...

No doubt. I've seen some of these Johnsons that appeared as viable instruments, until I picked them up. There is a sea of difference between them and Mid-Mos.

Congratulations on your new mando.

**aimee** · Aug-09-2006, 10:33am

Bought a TC 'zouk this past spring. It is pretty addictive to play- came set up nicely, I thought.

Never played a TC mando.

**Clyde Clevenger** · Aug-09-2006, 11:46am

I have a TC OM that is a wonderful couch instrument, but disapears when played with other instruments. I still like it and keep in right by the couch.

**VictorLouis** · Aug-09-2006, 12:43pm

TC has normally been placed at the top-of-the-class of the various brands that all seem to be clones of one another. Gold-Tone, Morgan Monroe, Fender, etc.

I've just recently received a TC dola from a Cafe member, and I am quite pleased with it. I also had occasion to try another one that was for-sale here locally. Based on the two, I can see why they get the kudos for their price class. While I was fully expecting intonation concerns above the 7th fret, it's not nearly as bothersome as my previous experience with a similar pattern of pac-rim octave mando.

I plan to buy a Cumberland bridge when I'm ready to change out the strings. This ought to kick it up a notch w/o undue expense.

**Jim MacDaniel** · Jan-07-2007, 12:14pm

I just played a TC mandolin and mandolin yesterday at 5th String in Berkeley, and thought they played and sounded quite nice for the money, with very nice fit and finish. I also definitely liked the tone and projection of the TC mandolin better the the MK F4's they also had hanging on the wall (but please note that there was a multi-instrument jam going on in the next room, so I couldn't do a more subtle comparison between them

)

Has anyone ever checked out any of the TC black-face models in person? (I've seen them in pics at Elderly's web site, but never in person.) If so, how did you like the looks in person when compared to the natural-face finish?

**cooper4205** · Jan-07-2007, 4:03pm

you could find an old flatiron pancake for around $400 or $500, they've been all over the place lately.

**jim simpson** · Jan-07-2007, 8:54pm

I just picked up a used TC octave and I'm very happy with it. It was used with the knot on the headstock. It doesn't say where it was made. Being used, it's hard to say how old except that it was in great condition. My nephew works at a music store that has a lot of used instruments. I had some things that he was interested in so he told me to come in and see if there was anything I might want. I wasn't expecting to find this octave but I'm glad I did.

**epicentre** · Jan-08-2007, 5:58pm

Here it is 2007, and I just tripped over this thread again

FWIW, still playing the TC mandolin and lovin it more. As much as a flat top can open up, it has (or maybe my ear has grown accustomed - whatever), and it seems the bass is better and the trebles, treblyer? Yep.

It gets played 3-4 times a week at various Celtic/Old timey venues, and has improved tonally. Still easy on the fingers, and the truss rod has not been needed (still glad it's there).

At present, am trying to pair it up with an F stye carved top for bluegrass playing. Could happen.

Its' big brother is however, for sale. Just can't do the stretch on the Octave Mando. It's a wonderful instrument, just not for me........shouldaknowed

Just a continued vote of confidence for Trinity College.

Epi.