Hey guys,
I'm still looking for a bouzouki. I'm looking for the cheapest model to learn on that doesn't fall apart, and I've been told that Trinity College was the way to go. Someone mentioned (and I'm not sure how accurate this is) that I should be able to find a Trinity College bouzouki for around $300, but so far, the lowest price I could find was about $550.
Is Trinity College the way to go?
Are there any good sites to buy second hand bouzoukis?
Keep an eye on Mandolin Cafe (http://www.mandolincafe.com/)
and of course ebay and Craigslist.org. Even at these places used ones tend to go for more than $300, though you can get lucky.
I have carefully perused all available illustrations, and am unable to discern any appreciable difference between Trinity College, Johnson, and Ozark Pacific-Rim manufactured bouzoukis. It's just badge engineering as far as I can see. Some people claim that one 'make' is better than another, possibly because of better factory quality control, but they all look alike to me. The Romanian-built ones are not as good, lacking in volume and tone, as well as quality of finish.
Just keep looking out for the best deal.
I upgraded my Ozark ( how they are badged in the UK ) with a heavy brass tailpiece from the Far East on ebay, which cost about $25, and make my own bridges from maple, based on the pioneering designs by Red Henry, but he will sell you one for a very reasonable price.
Good luck !
I started with a cheap ozark then a friend loaned me his countryman which has a lovely sound. Although he wasn't in a hurry to have it back, I felt I had to get one of my own. After looking at lots of different makes, I finally bought.... another ozark, kind of middle of the road pricewise, but looked almost identical to the countryman and on par with sound. I'm really pleased with it. It pays to shop around because mine varied quite drastically in price from shop to shop.
I agree with the previous guy that most bouzoukis look very similar with minor differences.
Bouzouki Advice?
Bouzouki Advice?
Hey guys,
I'm still looking for a bouzouki. I'm looking for the cheapest model to learn on that doesn't fall apart, and I've been told that Trinity College was the way to go. Someone mentioned (and I'm not sure how accurate this is) that I should be able to find a Trinity College bouzouki for around $300, but so far, the lowest price I could find was about $550.
Is Trinity College the way to go?
Are there any good sites to buy second hand bouzoukis?
Thanks all,
Corey
# Posted on March 1st 2010 by vacoreye
Re: Bouzouki Advice?
Also, is there a much better name of bouzouki that I could get for a fairly small difference in price?
# Posted on March 1st 2010 by vacoreye
Re: Bouzouki Advice?
Keep an eye on Mandolin Cafe (http://www.mandolincafe.com/)
and of course ebay and Craigslist.org. Even at these places used ones tend to go for more than $300, though you can get lucky.
# Posted on March 1st 2010 by crickett
Re: Bouzouki Advice?
I got a Johnson Octave Mandolin for around $350 USD last year. I think they sell them on EBay alot.
The Johnson OMs are not that bad. remember that you can always upgrade the bridge and tailpieces
# Posted on March 1st 2010 by Nate Ryan
Re: Bouzouki Advice?
I have carefully perused all available illustrations, and am unable to discern any appreciable difference between Trinity College, Johnson, and Ozark Pacific-Rim manufactured bouzoukis. It's just badge engineering as far as I can see. Some people claim that one 'make' is better than another, possibly because of better factory quality control, but they all look alike to me. The Romanian-built ones are not as good, lacking in volume and tone, as well as quality of finish.
Just keep looking out for the best deal.
I upgraded my Ozark ( how they are badged in the UK ) with a heavy brass tailpiece from the Far East on ebay, which cost about $25, and make my own bridges from maple, based on the pioneering designs by Red Henry, but he will sell you one for a very reasonable price.
Good luck !
# Posted on March 1st 2010 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Bouzouki Advice?
I started with a cheap ozark then a friend loaned me his countryman which has a lovely sound. Although he wasn't in a hurry to have it back, I felt I had to get one of my own. After looking at lots of different makes, I finally bought.... another ozark, kind of middle of the road pricewise, but looked almost identical to the countryman and on par with sound. I'm really pleased with it. It pays to shop around because mine varied quite drastically in price from shop to shop.
I agree with the previous guy that most bouzoukis look very similar with minor differences.
Happy hunting!
# Posted on March 3rd 2010 by Gayl