Bouzouki Brand Comparisons

Subject: octave mandolin/bouzouki
Date: Tue, 06 Apr 2004 20:23:51 -0400

Dear Folk:

Greetings Martyn,

I'm considering the purchase of an octave mandolin or bouzouki. Your site has several in the general price range I'm comfortable with - the Trinity College, Johnson and Morgan Monroe models. I've been playing bass guitar for almost 40 years and acoustic six string guitar for about 20 and I've just formed an acoustic traditional (mostly Irish) band and want to try one of these instruments in that context. I'd really appreciate a recommendation - and also what accessories are included and which would you suggest?

All three of these "Celtic" style models are essentially the same...in most respects...they appear to be all made at the same factory...the only differences are the appointments...you'll want to base your decision on what feel looks the best to you for inlays and pegheads...they're all three made with all solid woods...and they're all the same finish quality...the Morgan Monroe does have a beautiful inlay around the border on the front...however, currently, Morgan Monroe is discontinuing their line-up of octaves and mandolas...

As you can probably tell, I'm a little nervous about this purchase, especially since I don't know anyone who has one I can try - the music stores locally give me funny looks when I ask about them. But I tend to be able to get a decent sound out of anything with strings and frets, so it's worth a try.

You might also consider checking out our video samplers:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page319.htm

Best of luck to you in your research...Mickey

Thanks for your help. Martyn Wylde

Subject: zouks
Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2004 12:44:15 -0800

Hi Folk of the Wood,

Greetings Bob,

I have been looking for a bouzouki and researching on your site. If you had to choose between the TC-375 and the Johnson MA-400, which would you get? Do you have the MA-400 available? The Johnson seems to have a stronger voice. The coming form only listening to you video clips. Is this true in reality?

Well, it appears to me that they're made at the same factory...the have the very same features other than inlays...if one has a stronger voice, it could be just the fingerprint of the wood itself...there are three makes that look exactly the same other than inlays:
Morgan Monroe, Johnson, and the Trinity College...they're all considered Celtic bouzoukis...and all offer a tremendous value...you'll only want to make sure that it's set up correctly...and keep in mind, they will still have a slight rattle and buzz in them which is their character...

How in the world is Mickey able to play all those different instruments so well? After watching him play the zouk, icant see how someone could say the zouk is only an accompaniment instrument. You "ROCK" Mickey!

Wow! Thanks for the kind compliments...my forte is being a utility player...I'll never master any one instrument; notwithstanding, I enjoy playing them all...and have always loved the journey of learning a variety of instruments...

Keep on Pickin', Mickey

Thanks

Bob Tosi

Subject: Help me buy a bouzouki please!
Date: Sun, 21 Mar 2004 17:44:13 -0500

Greetings Jami,

I'm glad to assist:

Folk of the Wood... First of all, Thank you for leading me into the wonderful world of the mandolin and this family of instruments. My wife purchased a Kentucky A - style from you as a gift to me a couple of years ago. Last year I bought a Morgan Monroe Phantom. Having studied and played classical guitar for many years, I naturally have a deep love for acoustic music. The mandolin is such an absolute joy to play and is something I look forward to every day. This leads me to the following questions... I am very interested in purchasing a bouzouki from FOTW. I am leaning toward the Morgan Monroe M-OUKI since their mandolin has been so pleasing. Is the M-OUKI of the same quality?

Yes, the Morgan Monroe is of excellent quality...as is true with all imports, including your MM Phantom, it only needs to be properly set up...

I really don't know much about Trinity College instruments. Are they not made in China?

The Trinity College's are still being made in Korea as of today...and, as far as I can tell, they're all made in the same factory including the Johnson, the Trinity College, and the Morgan Monroe's...however, this may change in the very near future, for Saga is moving, and intends to be completely moved, their entire product line to their China factory.

We do have some Morgan Monroe bouzouki's in stock now...

How does the workmanship and sound quality compare to Morgan Monroe? I was also curious about the Johnson MA-500, something of a hybrid, isn't it?

The Johnson MA-500 is more of a medieval profile with a deeper body...it's a non-traditional body style that is unique unto itself...it would make a great zook for a reenactment since it looks so much like it should come from the middle ages...I believe we also have these in stock...

Now, for a comparison across the slate, the Morgan Monroe, Johnson Celtic and Trinity College have the exact same specifications only with differing appointments...so expect them all to have relative tonal quality and playability...

The MA-500 would stand apart as having a deeper tone...and not being a traditional celtic zook...

Mickey

Since I am unable to play and compare these instruments your insight and opinion is most welcome before I make my decision to purchase. Thank You! Jami Vause