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 ARCHIVED TOPIC: trinity college octave mando


Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.mandohangout.com/archive/21593

OTbanjopicker - Posted - 05/03/2011:  20:56:47


any one have one of these?  and if so how do they play and or sound?  


Rob Beck - Posted - 05/04/2011:  01:13:12


Hi OTbanjopicker,



I have one of these (branded "Ashbury" in the UK).  It was my first octave, so I had nothing to compare it with, but I would say it is reasonable for what I assume is an entry-level instrument.  It is easy enough to play, but  the strings do buzz a little (this I believe is pretty common on Octave Mandolins).  For the price I was happy with it.  



Regarding OMs in general. I did discover that although the tuning is the same as for a regular mandolin, the fingering can differ due to the longer scale length, and for me at least this caused problems moving from one instrument to the other, and as a consequence I no longer play the OM.  There is also not very much in the way of OM specific information out there!



Rob


Edited by - Rob Beck on 05/04/2011 01:34:04

Jim Yates - Posted - 05/06/2011:  11:15:47


I have one of the first generation TC OMs.  I like it a lot.  I've tried Sobels and some hand made instruments that were much nicer, but for the price and the amount I use it, the TC is great.  I had to change the tailpiece because the hooks of the bass strings straightened out and one broke from the tension of the strings.  I've also applied a pick guard, but I waited till the scratches started appearing on the top so I'd be sure to get it in the right place.



They later changed from a fleur de lis inlay on the peg head to a celtic knot, and later to a celtic cross.  I think they're now available with a black front.  I think Saga also has a TC OM with a carved top at a much higher price.



I keep mine tuned at GDAD (bass to treble) with unison strings.  I use d'Adderio mandola strings, since OM strings are not available in any local music stores.


Edited by - Jim Yates on 05/06/2011 11:19:31



TC octave mandolin
   

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