Hello...

Like many posts, I'm looking to purchase a mando to add to my guitar collection...I've been doing the research and really want to add another Collings to my collection...However, I could use some help from you all...

I like the look of the F series, but like the price of the A series...People say the F's have a more open/robust sound to the A's...Granted the MF5's all have Adi tops, but the MF has their select spruce top...Is it the Adi top that really makes the difference? Would I be better off spending a little bit more for the MF vs. the MT/MT2 considering I like the looks of the F? Should I just get a good A and then pony up later for one of the high end F's?

Thanks

LB,

I A/B'ed the MF-5 Collings vs. the MT-2A in the music store and honestly could not tell the difference between the two. IF anything, the MT2 had a clearer or 'less complex' sound; which may be preferred by some. Blindfolded, they both cover the dry, woody tones associated with bluegrass with equal ease. I did not think the cost of the MF-5, more than double what an MT-2A would cost is worth the extra bucks. To me, it is like paying for looks, not functionality. But this is not to say that I don't like the look of the MF-5;, it's just not worth my bang for the bucks.

I do have a mint condition MT-2A for sale in the classified. I will consider trades for Collings guitars or other small shop acoustic guitars. PM me if interested,

Kenny

Kenny...

Thanks for the input...Did you custom order your MT-2A? How much less are those than the MF5's? I couldn't find your posting for the MT2A...Are you looking for a trade or would you sell it?

I'm also thining about the MF,but not sure how much I'm giving up sound quality wise for the look of the F...

LB, you have a PM.

Kenny

Having played both the MF5-V Deluxe (one that has been well broken in) and my MT2-V (with Adirondack top), I can say that I am VERY glad to have the MT2V and the extra cash. In fact one could buy 2 MT2-V customs and still have cash left over. But sonically, and in terms of playability, the A style is exceptionally good.

The scrolls are great and in certain circles one needs to play an F style to fit in, but you can't get a better mandolin than a MT2V. BTW, it is absolutely worth the $$ to go for varnish on the mandolin.

Clem

Thanks for the info...I'm leaning to the MT-2s, because I'm having trouble justifing a huge upcharge for a strap-hanger...Scroll envy will have to be tamed...Any other input would be greatly appreciated, because I'm going to pull the trigger early this week and would hate to make a bad decision...Thanks

I test drove both MT's and MF's and also found very little if any sound difference. I have been very happy with the MT and it still consistently surprises me. I get to play with some pretty nice mandolins and the bottom end Collings barks with the best of those and has a sweet tone in general. I have also played a few MT-2A’s and they were equally nice. I can’t say the sound was significantly different, but they obviously have lovely fit and finish details.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SealCove,

LB,
This weekend I just bought a new MT with a gloss top. I think it's about $100 or so extra as to what you'd pay for the matte top MT. To be honest, I can't tell the difference in sound between the MT and MT2. But I'm just now getting into the mandolin so I'm not the best source! I thought getting the gloss top was a great compromise at a fairly minimal expense. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks for all the input...I made my decision and I'm going to pick up a new MT2...I tossed around the idea of getting a used one, but decided the slight savings wasn't worth the difference of getting a new one...I'm just hoping scroll envy won't creep in again...I can't afford another mando or guitar come to think of it...