Triggs Mandolins       

" Jim Triggs is a Master Luthier and my good friend. He built me one great Mandolin. It plays like a dream and roars like a lion. Quality and craftmanship at it's very best!"

Chris Hillman "The Byrds"  CA

"I can't imagine finding another new mandolin I would like better than my Triggs. The beautiful dark, satin sunburst finish gets a lot of attention right from the get go, and the tone cinches the deal. Dry, woody and "in your face". It always records great and cuts through a mix with just the right texture."

Bobby Clark, TN

"My Triggs mandolin represents the same characteristics that I love about my old mandolin...that bell-like tone, dryness, and clarity is no longer exclusive to the 1920s Gibsons.  In addition to the superb sound, Jim's craftmanship is second to none."

Wayne Benson

" Back in November I sold one of my Gibson Mandolins. Then I started searching for a replacement for it. I wanted something a bit different, but close to a Loar( which is way out of my price range.) I noticed a Jim Triggs Mandolin posted on mandolin cafe and decided to do a little research on Triggs Mandolins. I had heard of a Triggs, because Bobby Clark was playing one, and is really very happy with it. As I did more research on Jim Triggs I found that he has a long history with Gibson, in the Guitar, Mandolin and Art Departments. He was instrumental in bringing back the quality of the F-5L, and did the prototype of what is now the Sam Bush model. While with Gibson he documented over 30 Loar’s, and that became a big deciding factor for me, along with his price point. I also emailed Bobby Clark, and he gave me a great review on Jim, and Mandolin building in general, thanks Bobby. My first conversation with Jim about Mandolins convinced me that a Triggs was what I was looking for. I ordered the Mandolin. During the process, Jim and I talked regularly about what I was looking for in the Mandolin, and he emailed pictures of every step along the way. This was a very hands on experience for me, from talking about and choosing the back with Jim, to the finish, and coloration I was looking for. Not to mention what I learned about Mandolins from Jim, and he has great stories to share. I received the Mandolin a week ago, and it exceeded my expectations. The fit and finish is beautiful, playability simply great, and the sound is out of this world, especially for a new Mandolin. I think more Mando players should be aware of these fine Triggs Mandolins!"

Harry Koons, Cape Cod 

"Still in its infancy, only days from the setup bench. Very sweet sounding, articulate mandolin.  No more cramped hands....

What swayed the decision to go with a Triggs instrument?

First of all, the 'service-minded' response from Jim Triggs when the initial enquiry was made.  This, in combination with Triggs' history at Gibson and as an independent builder, swayed the decision.  During the manufacture, regular progress pictures and some informative phone conversations made the process enjoyable and rewarding, not to mention the anticipation factor as pickup-day approached.

As their website slogan states, the mandolin I want, with the tone and price I want.  All things considered, it was a smokin' deal, compared to some of the other builders I courted initially, some of whom wanted nearly four times the price I ultimately paid.  At my level of skill such a price was unjustifiable.

The fit and finish on the instrument is beautiful, the top and back recurves are broad and thin a la the '23 Loar period.  Small details like the tapered headstock and tiny forward curve of the front body point add to the vintage appointments.  The neck is 1 1/4 at the nut, more like a '37 "Hoss", which has proven a boon to hand comfort for my meaty mitts.

The thin nitro finish is already curing such that the woodgrain is showing thru, while maintaining its lustre.  Once fully cured and pounded on for a while, this already-sweet-sounding and loud F5 will likely be even better. "

Mike Bromley. Alberta, Canada

"What do I think of the mando? Man, Where to start? I guess you can sum it up with me being tickled shitless! But seriously, I honestly feel like I've been given a killer deal on a fine instrument. It sounds as good as my Fern, that's for sure. Again, Thanks for everything. It's been a pleasure doing business with you."

Jim White, VA

"I am the very proud owner of a 2003 Triggs and I
 couldn't be more pleased. I knew of Jim's history at Gibson and after
 reading what he did to turn their department around, I knew I wanted it. I
 sold my Weber and have never looked back. It has that deep growl of a 50
 year old instrument. Beyond that, when I had some questions, Jim spent
 a good 45 minutes of his busy time on the phone with me (a basic
 nobody) offering me answers and even a few tips as well. A great instrument;
 a great guy, how can you beat that!"

Alan Gelman    Florence, Montana