Trinity College TM-250 Standard Celtic Mandolin with Gig Bag - Natural Top

Bought this mandolin from indianaguitarman.com, and don't regret buying it at all. I was looking for a flat top mandolin to play Irish/Scotch music, and this mandolin rings very nicely with that music! I was looking for a shop online that could do a professional setup for this instrument. Indianaguitarman.com (Hoosier Guitar Company), did a wonderful job setting it up, plus the prices for this mandolin on their website runs around $660 (includes professional setup and hard case). I find this mandolin quite easy to play (much better action then my Loar LM-310F mandolin).

This is my second mandolin; I was looking for an intermediate instrument to replace my beginner Oscar Schmidt. This mandolin has a bell-like sound and is fun to play. The details are quite striking and I am pleased with it. The only caution is the bridge comes separate and not installed, but it's easy enough to install one's self. I did a quick Internet search on "install mandolin bridge" and found several videos and presentations on how to do it took me about an hour to get the intonation and tuning correct using an electronic tuner.

Where to start? Given that its always a risky deal to buy an instrument online, reading the other reviews swayed me. The first thing I noticed was the slipshod and sloppy packaging. Next up was the broken handle on the case (it dangles from one hinge). The instrument itself seems beautyifully constructed and finished, although the lacquor is somewhat thick. No big deal. The description claims closed tuning gears (they’re open gears), an adjustable bridge (no adjustment wheels). I’m going to take this thing to a shop to see if they can actually set it up, at this point I’m afraid to try it myself. Look, I wasn’t expecting a ‘27 Gibson F-5 for the price, but COME ON, GUYS... And update your description; and the pegs are plastic, NOT metal as claimed. Disappointed...

i purchased this mandolin after playing for a couple of years. I thought the price was fair for what i got. nice finish, easy set hard shell case. wider neck than my f hole mandolin, so a little easier to chord

Great sound, feel, good action, fit and finish is top quality, a very good value.