Adjustable bridge for a TC bozouki

**Bob Schmidt** · Dec-01-2016, 8:38pm

I have had this Trinity College bouzouki since last fall. When I first got it the action was a bit low and it was buzzing so I glued a thin shim on the bottom of the bridge to raise it. during the summer the action seemed a bit high so I sanded most of the shim off, and with the cold weather (low humidity) I am getting a bit of buzzing again. Is this common, and if so is there an adjustable bridge suitable for this instrument?

**Marty Jacobson** · Dec-01-2016, 10:58pm

It's going to be hard to get an adjustable bridge with the bridge being so short. I recommend you make a set of two bridge inserts, and swap out the insert with the seasonal changes.

**Nevin** · Dec-02-2016, 9:55am

What Marty suggests is common on upright basses and works. Good idea.

**Bob Schmidt** · Dec-02-2016, 12:23pm

Thanks, It sounds like a simple fix and should only be needed every six months or so.

**Inklings** · Dec-05-2016, 12:10pm

How do you like the instrument? I've thought about their OM.

**VernBrekke** · Dec-05-2016, 9:03pm

New product alert: Flat or archtop mandolin bridges that adjust as low as .5 inches (original bridge with wedges). I have also done several custom cello bridges using the same concept. http://www.bridgerproducts.com/brekke_bridges

Vern Brekke
Bridger Products

**Bob Schmidt** · Dec-07-2016, 9:54pm

Originally Posted by Inklings

How do you like the instrument? I've thought about their OM.

It is not a bad instrument for the price. It plays well and has decent tone. It is a bit soft in a session without amplification. I play with someone fairly often that has a Trinity OM (shorter scale length) and he plays strictly rhythm and gets a lot of projection out of it.
I have heard a couple of carved top bouzouki's that seem to project well so I am thinking about making one.

**Paul Busman** · Dec-08-2016, 7:22am

I have a TC OM and like it a lot. The build quality is excellent, the wood is really pretty and it plays nicely. For my purposes, I'll never need anything better.

**multidon** · Dec-08-2016, 10:53am

My personal recommendation for improving the sound of a TC octave mandolin is new strings. Most people know the factory strings are not so good so they get a set of D'Addario J80s, which are 12-46. Some are happy with the sound from those but I find it thin and inadequate. A better choice is either the John Pearse medium Custom Octave Mandola set (14-48) or the D'Addario J72 Light Mandola set (14-49). I have a Fender OM (which is a TC clone) and the heavier strings made a huge difference for me!

Off topic I know, but just wanted to throw that in. My Fender has a factory adjustable bridge. I find I usually don't have to fool with it if I keep it humidified in the case insuring the winter months.

**Bob Schmidt** · Dec-09-2016, 11:03am

I sent Vern Brekke the bridge dimensions, and he can make an adjustable bridge for the instrument. I have convinced my wife that this would make a terrific christmas present!

**Inklings** · Dec-09-2016, 7:57pm

Thanks for the reviews - that is really helpful to hear how it sounds when playing with others.

**Bob Schmidt** · Jan-03-2017, 1:11pm

I just put the adjustable bridge on my TC bouzouki last night. It fits great and works well. Vern's craftsmanship and quality are top notch.This should take care of the seasonal adjustments that this instrument seems to need.
I will post some photo's if I can figure out how.