My wife wants to start playing the Mando and she has her eye set on the Trinity. I understand it's an Asian manufactured item and there are lots of other choices out there. However, I'm not in the mood to drop 1,000.00 (US) on a mandolin that may, or may not, get played.
I'm interested in your collective experiences with the Trinity product.
I think she should take a look at Lonestar Mandolins. They are handmade in a mountain village in Mexico. I have been performing with one for five years, and I will never lust after an expensive instrument again. For Trad Music, it's sound is unbeatable, just simple and direct.
Thanks muddflat......but, I was looking for some comments on the Trinity product. The lady says she wants a Trinity so I need to find out what I can about the quality of that particular instrument. I know they are made in Asia. I think they are solid tops....I'm just curious as to the opinion of mando players as to the suitability for a beginning player.
FWIW, I have a Trintiy College octive mandolin and my best friend plays a TC bouzouki in his band. I've moved up to a better instrument, but the TC was, and is, a good instrument. I have no specific knowledge of the mandolins, but I wouldn't hesitate to recomend their octive mandolin or bouzouki.
A great begginner into intermediate instrument. One of the best values on the market, especially in the bigger mando family. Although, for the same price you could probably buy a used Mid-Missouri which is American made and a step up from the TCs. In fact if you search "mid" on the mandolincafe classifieds you get two hits for used Mid-MOs both for $350 US. I would go for the Mid-MOs as they are a better value than the TCs.
It sounds like dangerous territory if the lady is "set on the Trinity" to the extent that others are not being considered. If you're looking at spending that sort of figure on any instrument then surely you (she) would want to (a) try before buying, and (b) try some of the options before settling on one.
I've been playing for just over a year on my Trinity College mandolin. It gets a lot of use, hours per day and I'm very pleased with it. It keeps in tune well. It isn't very loud in sessions (an advantage for learners) and it is well finished though not with much decoration.
Here's a link to info :http://www.andybanjo.com/cgi-bin/trolleyed_public.cgi?action=showprod_MM275OZ
Trinity are good begginners instruments.I started off playing a Trinity Mandola and still have it as a second instrument.It stays in tune and plays very well dont think you will go wrong.But you should pick up one for a lot less then 1000$
Trinity's are great but a great solid top handmade quality mandolin you will find from this man I have been to the house and played them and they are fantastic and the price is easier to swallow, hathway mandolins the M-1 is the cheapest
It isn't so much that others won't be considered, but there is a "what she wants" factor involved.
If the Trinity is a piece of junk, then we don't get one. However, if it's a good beginner instrument that will stay with her as her talent develops, then all is well and good.
From what has been posted thsufar, it seems that it will serve her purposes.
I played a Trinity mando, octave, and bouzouki a couple years ago in a local music shop, and I was not impressed. They sound thin and weak to my old ears. But if that's the sound she wants, okay. Playability (setup) was also an issue, but this could of course be adjusted. I agree with Unseen122 and others that for only marginally more $$$ you can have a much better instrument with the Mid-Missouri. Mid-Mo's are by far the superior instrument for the price range.
My oft-repeated complaint - where are you ? Not even a vague clue, no history, apart from the mention of dollars.
Why don't people leave a little history/personal detail, no matter how fictionalised or embellished to prevent identification, so we have a idea as to where you ar ( literally ) coming from ? I particularly mention this re obtaining a Paul Hathaway mando, as he's a London, UK, builder.
Quick answer - I believe that the instruments are badged as Trinity (College) to give them that irish cachet in the US; in the UK they are otherwise identical but called Ozark - work it out for yourself. There are other named instruments that seem to have the same pedigree, currently Korean I understand. The quality control is excellent for factory-made instruments, and one should serve well for a beginner, and you shoiuld be able to sell it on for a fair percentage of the price if it doesn't get appreciated.
I thought the mandos were originally £200+, shouldn't be $1000 or anywhere near that.
Incidentally, if you replace the supplied bridge with a Red-Henry pattern one ( I have spoken about this in the past ) you should noticeably improve both volume and tone on one - I make my own, but Red Henry will sell you one for, I think, $10 or so.
I know the question is for mandos but I have a TC bouzouki that I absolutely love playing. It doesn't have the full tone of some others that I've played and I will (eventually) upgrade. But for the price (my bou was $495) it's unbeatable and it plays beautifully. I guess it would be redundant to say it's a great beginners instrument (but I'll still say it).
I think the Trinity College bouzoukis and octave mandolins represent a good value at their price point because the quality of the very limited competition with those instruments is not as good. To get something better than a TC zouk or octave, youre usually paying at least twice as much and possibly waiting for it to be built.
I think this is somewhat less true of the (tenor) mandolas, but no true at all of the Trinity College mandolins. For $450, you can get a much better flat top mando from the aforementioned MId Missouri company, or for a bit more in the used market get a used Arches (Canadian), Parsons (US), Flatiron (US) or even a Freshwater or Moon (both from Scotland).
At around $800 you could even be looking at pretty good arch tops from Eastman and Breedlove.
I just don't want see someone to paint themselves into a corner with an instrument that they may ultimately feel they paid too much for. If you could turn up a used Trinity for $200-$250, that might be a different story, but I think the new TC mandolinsdo not offer a goood value in the marketplace. They tend to sound quiet and thin (in my experience), the fretboard's a bit narrow and the fretwire leaves a lot to be desired.
I am not willing to pay 1,000 dollars for ANOTHER MAKE of mandolin. Trinity mandos can be had for the 250 to 400 range (US) without much searching. My dilemna arises from a search for "better" mandolins. It seems the price goes for about 199 for absolute junk, to around 400 for the Trinity and then upwards fo 1500 and above for the next level.
My intent was to convey that I want to get a good mando in that 400 dollar range and that the Trinity was my wife's choice. If there is a better choice in the price range, then we'll give it a look. Sounds like the Mid-Missouri might warrant further investigation.
We're in the southeastern US. I've been playing fiddle for about 3 years. She's never played any instrument at all beyond childhood piano lessons. We're both republican, both former paratroopers, raise horses, have a son, I drive a truck, she drives a Volvo. I have a scar on my left knee.....any of this helping to determine if the Trinity is a good value for us?
We just purchased a Mid-Missouri this weekend and she loves it! We never did find a Trinity for a "hands on" experience but had heard so much about the Mid-Mo products that we decided to search for one.
The folks at The Acoustic Corner in Black Mountain, NC (USA) were fantastic. We bought the higher end Mid-Mo "A" style.
Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
My wife wants to start playing the Mando and she has her eye set on the Trinity. I understand it's an Asian manufactured item and there are lots of other choices out there. However, I'm not in the mood to drop 1,000.00 (US) on a mandolin that may, or may not, get played.
I'm interested in your collective experiences with the Trinity product.
# Posted on August 12th 2006 by ceolgaelach
Re: Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
I think she should take a look at Lonestar Mandolins. They are handmade in a mountain village in Mexico. I have been performing with one for five years, and I will never lust after an expensive instrument again. For Trad Music, it's sound is unbeatable, just simple and direct.
# Posted on August 12th 2006 by Dave McGrath
Re: Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
Thanks muddflat......but, I was looking for some comments on the Trinity product. The lady says she wants a Trinity so I need to find out what I can about the quality of that particular instrument. I know they are made in Asia. I think they are solid tops....I'm just curious as to the opinion of mando players as to the suitability for a beginning player.
# Posted on August 12th 2006 by ceolgaelach
Re: Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
FWIW, I have a Trintiy College octive mandolin and my best friend plays a TC bouzouki in his band. I've moved up to a better instrument, but the TC was, and is, a good instrument. I have no specific knowledge of the mandolins, but I wouldn't hesitate to recomend their octive mandolin or bouzouki.
# Posted on August 12th 2006 by Craymcla
Re: Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
A great begginner into intermediate instrument. One of the best values on the market, especially in the bigger mando family. Although, for the same price you could probably buy a used Mid-Missouri which is American made and a step up from the TCs. In fact if you search "mid" on the mandolincafe classifieds you get two hits for used Mid-MOs both for $350 US. I would go for the Mid-MOs as they are a better value than the TCs.
# Posted on August 12th 2006 by Unseen122
Re: Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
It sounds like dangerous territory if the lady is "set on the Trinity" to the extent that others are not being considered. If you're looking at spending that sort of figure on any instrument then surely you (she) would want to (a) try before buying, and (b) try some of the options before settling on one.
# Posted on August 12th 2006 by showaddydadito
Re: Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
I've been playing for just over a year on my Trinity College mandolin. It gets a lot of use, hours per day and I'm very pleased with it. It keeps in tune well. It isn't very loud in sessions (an advantage for learners) and it is well finished though not with much decoration.
Here's a link to info :http://www.andybanjo.com/cgi-bin/trolleyed_public.cgi?action=showprod_MM275OZ
# Posted on August 12th 2006 by Lurcherjohn
Re: Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
Trinity are good begginners instruments.I started off playing a Trinity Mandola and still have it as a second instrument.It stays in tune and plays very well dont think you will go wrong.But you should pick up one for a lot less then 1000$
# Posted on August 12th 2006 by Dphil
Re: Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
http://www.sagamusic.com/catalog/products.asp?CategoryID=2&FamilyID=3&BrandID=53 Here is a good idea of prices for them but shop around.
# Posted on August 12th 2006 by Dphil
Re: Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
Elderly Instruments has several Trinity College mandolins and bouzikis on their site. One Mandolin is $450.
http://elderly.com/search/elderly?terms=trinity+mandolin&x=13&y=12
# Posted on August 12th 2006 by Dakota29803
Re: Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
Trinity's are great but a great solid top handmade quality mandolin you will find from this man I have been to the house and played them and they are fantastic and the price is easier to swallow, hathway mandolins the M-1 is the cheapest
http://www.paulhathway.com/03.html
# Posted on August 12th 2006 by Ripthecalico
Re: Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
It isn't so much that others won't be considered, but there is a "what she wants" factor involved.
If the Trinity is a piece of junk, then we don't get one. However, if it's a good beginner instrument that will stay with her as her talent develops, then all is well and good.
From what has been posted thsufar, it seems that it will serve her purposes.
However, I'm still interested in feedback.
# Posted on August 12th 2006 by ceolgaelach
Re: Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
I played a Trinity mando, octave, and bouzouki a couple years ago in a local music shop, and I was not impressed. They sound thin and weak to my old ears. But if that's the sound she wants, okay. Playability (setup) was also an issue, but this could of course be adjusted. I agree with Unseen122 and others that for only marginally more $$$ you can have a much better instrument with the Mid-Missouri. Mid-Mo's are by far the superior instrument for the price range.
# Posted on August 12th 2006 by highdesertbob
Re: Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
This is the first time anyone has claimed that the Trinity is made anywhere else but Trinity College. Isn't that in Kentucky?Not Asia??
# Posted on August 12th 2006 by windybaer
Re: Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
And $1,000 is way too much for an instrument of any kind that you're sure about. IMNSHO.
# Posted on August 12th 2006 by windybaer
Re: Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
Not.
# Posted on August 12th 2006 by windybaer
Re: Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
My oft-repeated complaint - where are you ? Not even a vague clue, no history, apart from the mention of dollars.
Why don't people leave a little history/personal detail, no matter how fictionalised or embellished to prevent identification, so we have a idea as to where you ar ( literally ) coming from ? I particularly mention this re obtaining a Paul Hathaway mando, as he's a London, UK, builder.
Quick answer - I believe that the instruments are badged as Trinity (College) to give them that irish cachet in the US; in the UK they are otherwise identical but called Ozark - work it out for yourself. There are other named instruments that seem to have the same pedigree, currently Korean I understand. The quality control is excellent for factory-made instruments, and one should serve well for a beginner, and you shoiuld be able to sell it on for a fair percentage of the price if it doesn't get appreciated.
I thought the mandos were originally £200+, shouldn't be $1000 or anywhere near that.
Incidentally, if you replace the supplied bridge with a Red-Henry pattern one ( I have spoken about this in the past ) you should noticeably improve both volume and tone on one - I make my own, but Red Henry will sell you one for, I think, $10 or so.
# Posted on August 13th 2006 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
I know the question is for mandos but I have a TC bouzouki that I absolutely love playing. It doesn't have the full tone of some others that I've played and I will (eventually) upgrade. But for the price (my bou was $495) it's unbeatable and it plays beautifully. I guess it would be redundant to say it's a great beginners instrument (but I'll still say it).
# Posted on August 13th 2006 by MartySmith
Re: Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
I think the Trinity College bouzoukis and octave mandolins represent a good value at their price point because the quality of the very limited competition with those instruments is not as good. To get something better than a TC zouk or octave, youre usually paying at least twice as much and possibly waiting for it to be built.
I think this is somewhat less true of the (tenor) mandolas, but no true at all of the Trinity College mandolins. For $450, you can get a much better flat top mando from the aforementioned MId Missouri company, or for a bit more in the used market get a used Arches (Canadian), Parsons (US), Flatiron (US) or even a Freshwater or Moon (both from Scotland).
At around $800 you could even be looking at pretty good arch tops from Eastman and Breedlove.
I just don't want see someone to paint themselves into a corner with an instrument that they may ultimately feel they paid too much for. If you could turn up a used Trinity for $200-$250, that might be a different story, but I think the new TC mandolinsdo not offer a goood value in the marketplace. They tend to sound quiet and thin (in my experience), the fretboard's a bit narrow and the fretwire leaves a lot to be desired.
# Posted on August 13th 2006 by Steve L
Re: Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
I may have misled in my original post<<<
I am not willing to pay 1,000 dollars for ANOTHER MAKE of mandolin. Trinity mandos can be had for the 250 to 400 range (US) without much searching. My dilemna arises from a search for "better" mandolins. It seems the price goes for about 199 for absolute junk, to around 400 for the Trinity and then upwards fo 1500 and above for the next level.
My intent was to convey that I want to get a good mando in that 400 dollar range and that the Trinity was my wife's choice. If there is a better choice in the price range, then we'll give it a look. Sounds like the Mid-Missouri might warrant further investigation.
We're in the southeastern US. I've been playing fiddle for about 3 years. She's never played any instrument at all beyond childhood piano lessons. We're both republican, both former paratroopers, raise horses, have a son, I drive a truck, she drives a Volvo. I have a scar on my left knee.....any of this helping to determine if the Trinity is a good value for us?
# Posted on August 13th 2006 by ceolgaelach
Re: Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
Buy the Trinity. If she wants something better later, sell the Trinity and upgrade.
# Posted on August 14th 2006 by Craymcla
Re: Only Interested in Trinity Mando Opinions
UPDATE:
We just purchased a Mid-Missouri this weekend and she loves it! We never did find a Trinity for a "hands on" experience but had heard so much about the Mid-Mo products that we decided to search for one.
The folks at The Acoustic Corner in Black Mountain, NC (USA) were fantastic. We bought the higher end Mid-Mo "A" style.
Thanks for all the input!
# Posted on November 14th 2006 by ceolgaelach