First off, as this is my first post, I'd like to give a tremendous thank-you to the members of the discussion group. You have been an amazing resource/teacher to me.
My question for the group... I have recently been contemplating the purchase of a bouzouki or octave mandola. I'm not made of money right now and my playing ability does not justify contacting a proper luthier to hand-craft me a dream-in-wood-form instrument. However, I do not want a toy, but instead a legitimate instrument of a quality to carry my through the next few years as my playing improves. I hope that my choice of manufacturer will not disappoint me to the point where I might put down the instrument in frustration.
I would appreciate your thoughts on the Trinity / Ashbury line of octave mandolas and bouzoukis. Is there enough value for the money (for a beginner)? Do you have another suggestion?
Never tried them myself. If you've not already done so, subscribe to the "cittern list" and post the same question there. I assure you you'll get a flood of replies - they're a friendly bunch.
Mark
Folk of the Wood has some demo videos of Trinity College OMs and zouks. They don't mention the word "Ashbury" though and I've never heard in connection with Trinity College. Is it something new? Trinity college has been discussed a lot on the cittern list over the years. Opinions vary a lot. Nobody thinks they are great but the question is are they a reasonable starter instrument. I have only plunked on some a few times and would say yes but you really should hear some more informed opinions. http://www.folkofthewood.com/
I recently played a Davy Stuart from New Zealand. Due to the exchange you can get one of his for just a couple of hundred more in US$ for 2 to 3 times the instrument.
this range of instruments was originally designed in the UK about 15 years ago. they were made in Japan at that time and were only available under the Ozark & Trinity College brands. the economics went "pear-shaped" about 7 or 8 years ago and production ceased for a while. they went back into production in Korea about 5 - 6 years ago - initially with the Trinity College brand only. as is normal with korean made items, the brand names then began to proliferate as the producing factory began to sell them to more and more wholesale clients. in the UK, they are commonly available as Trinity College, Ozark, Vintage & Ashbury - i expect that there are other names in use in the USA. whilst they are by no means "top-grade" instruments, they are very good value for money (at least in the UK) as a decent beginner's instrument. they need careful setting-up to get the best out of them so be sure to buy one from a shop that does set-ups before putting them out for sale - most music shops don;t. the price in the UK is about £250 which is considerably cheaper than the most modest hand made item which is available in the UK.
FWIW I tried a lot of different brands, including the Trinity when I bought my ocatve mandolin, and I settled on a Petersen level 2, which is hand made, gorgeous, and sounds great. It blew all the others away on tone and volume. Cost was $1100. All solid woods, birdseye maple sides and back and a nice spruce top. Can't beat it for the price. They're available direct from Petersen in the USA and can be ordered from traditional music stores like Elderly Instruments
Trinity / Ashbury Bouzouki & mandola
Trinity / Ashbury Bouzouki & mandola
First off, as this is my first post, I'd like to give a tremendous thank-you to the members of the discussion group. You have been an amazing resource/teacher to me.
My question for the group... I have recently been contemplating the purchase of a bouzouki or octave mandola. I'm not made of money right now and my playing ability does not justify contacting a proper luthier to hand-craft me a dream-in-wood-form instrument. However, I do not want a toy, but instead a legitimate instrument of a quality to carry my through the next few years as my playing improves. I hope that my choice of manufacturer will not disappoint me to the point where I might put down the instrument in frustration.
I would appreciate your thoughts on the Trinity / Ashbury line of octave mandolas and bouzoukis. Is there enough value for the money (for a beginner)? Do you have another suggestion?
Thank you in advance for your replies...
Schy
# Posted on December 3rd 2002 by Schy
Re: Trinity / Ashbury Bouzouki & mandola
Never tried them myself. If you've not already done so, subscribe to the "cittern list" and post the same question there. I assure you you'll get a flood of replies - they're a friendly bunch.
Mark
# Posted on December 3rd 2002 by Dow
Re: Trinity / Ashbury Bouzouki & mandola
Folk of the Wood has some demo videos of Trinity College OMs and zouks. They don't mention the word "Ashbury" though and I've never heard in connection with Trinity College. Is it something new? Trinity college has been discussed a lot on the cittern list over the years. Opinions vary a lot. Nobody thinks they are great but the question is are they a reasonable starter instrument. I have only plunked on some a few times and would say yes but you really should hear some more informed opinions.
http://www.folkofthewood.com/
Steve
# Posted on December 3rd 2002 by SteveKendall
Re: Trinity / Ashbury Bouzouki & mandola
I believe that the same instruments were manufactured under both names... Trinity and Ashbury (See the Hobgoblin music site).
Have you heard of Tyler Mountain Irish Bouzoukis?
Schy
# Posted on December 3rd 2002 by Schy
Re: Trinity / Ashbury Bouzouki & mandola
I recently played a Davy Stuart from New Zealand. Due to the exchange you can get one of his for just a couple of hundred more in US$ for 2 to 3 times the instrument.
www.stuart.co.nz
Good luck!
# Posted on December 3rd 2002 by Danimmel
Re: Trinity / Ashbury Bouzouki & mandola
this range of instruments was originally designed in the UK about 15 years ago. they were made in Japan at that time and were only available under the Ozark & Trinity College brands. the economics went "pear-shaped" about 7 or 8 years ago and production ceased for a while. they went back into production in Korea about 5 - 6 years ago - initially with the Trinity College brand only. as is normal with korean made items, the brand names then began to proliferate as the producing factory began to sell them to more and more wholesale clients. in the UK, they are commonly available as Trinity College, Ozark, Vintage & Ashbury - i expect that there are other names in use in the USA. whilst they are by no means "top-grade" instruments, they are very good value for money (at least in the UK) as a decent beginner's instrument. they need careful setting-up to get the best out of them so be sure to buy one from a shop that does set-ups before putting them out for sale - most music shops don;t. the price in the UK is about £250 which is considerably cheaper than the most modest hand made item which is available in the UK.
# Posted on December 3rd 2002 by teetotaller
Re: Trinity / Ashbury Bouzouki & mandola
FWIW I tried a lot of different brands, including the Trinity when I bought my ocatve mandolin, and I settled on a Petersen level 2, which is hand made, gorgeous, and sounds great. It blew all the others away on tone and volume. Cost was $1100. All solid woods, birdseye maple sides and back and a nice spruce top. Can't beat it for the price. They're available direct from Petersen in the USA and can be ordered from traditional music stores like Elderly Instruments
# Posted on January 4th 2003 by ScottC