Re: Let's Talk Trilliums
Hey, Niles -- I remember you played on the Trillium OM I brought when I was at Don's mando-building workshop (concurrent with one of your workshops). You seemed to enjoy it... must've pre-dated your cittern acquisition.
Shaun - One thing I've learned (and confirmed in my experience at the CBOM-o-rama) is that for most of us, once you get to a certain level of quality, the rest is about preference... Abrams, Nyberg (and for that matter, Dean, Baird, Crump, Spira, Bussman, etc.) are all excellent builders that will deliver high quality instruments with great sound, playability and craftmanship. I think it takes time to find the one whose voice is just right for you... made more complicated by how hard it is to find ways/places to compare.
That said, choosing one to go with and spending time bonding with it is a fine way to go. Either you'll eventually bump up against things that don't sit quite right, or you will grow more and more together... (just like any relationship, right?)
I had a Trillium for a while... it was gorgeous and sonorous and the only reason I didn't keep it was that I needed a shorter scale. I used the money from its sale to finance the Dean I have now. If my hands were a little bigger, I probably wouldn't have needed to make the change, although I have no regrets about it at this point. The two have different voices, but equally lovely.
I have no direct experience with Nyberg's instruments, but I will say that when I was choosing a luthier, I had it narrowed down to Dean and Nyberg, and that Lawrence was very professional and cordial in correspondence. Went with Dean for his very unique aesthetic. Again, no regrets, but have much respect for Nyberg as well.
Karen Escovitz
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Otter OM #1
Brian Dean OM #32
Old Wave Mandola #372
Phoenix Neoclassical #256
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If you're gonna walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!
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