I've been thinking a while now that I'd like to give the mandolin a try. Like the guitar, I fully intend to stay with the mandolin if I get started. Would I be crazy to buy a Collings mandolin as a starter? If I had known when I started playing guitar almost 4 years ago what I know now I believe I would have bought a Collings guitar to begin with. I'm thinking I should do that now with a mandolin. What could I expect to pay for a gently used Collings A style mandolin?

Being a guitar player for 35 years and an absolute beginner at mandolin, I just went through this same quandry and wound up getting a new Collings MT-2 (birdseye). So, I say go for it. Sure, it's far better than a beginner like me deserves, but the Collings' workmanship is so beautiful, their mandos, like their guitars, are awfully hard to resist. Used MT-2s seem to be priced in the mid- to high-2K range. During the first year or two of production, Collings also made the MT-1 which was lower priced. Although no longer made, I have seen used ones occasionally for less than 2k.

Thanks for the input CW. I played around with a new MT-2 today at a local shop and decided I'm definitely going to go for it. I figure I'd end up with a Collings within a year anyway so I might as well cut to the chase and start with a Collings. I'm going to look around for a used one for a little while. If nothing turns up I'll just have to buy a new one.

I am of the mind that within reason you should get the best instrument you can afford from the start. I would highly recommend any Collings mando. I looked seriously at the MT, MT-2, & MF after having my mind set on a Phoenix Bluegrass. After deciding I did not need a scroll I went with the humble MT. I could not tell the MT apart from the MT-2 in terms of sound and I like a matte finish. Try them all and I am pretty sure you will find one that sings to you!

Douglas
SealCove, Maine

I couldn't agree more with the advice given. Having been thru that cycle more times in my life than i care to admit, i can tell you first hand that you're FAR better off starting with a quality instrument. You have nothing to lose, really. If you find you love playing mando (and you will ) then you have a good, solid instrument to grow with you. If you decide you hate mando then you have something you can get most of your money back from. It's a win-win deal that you do not get if you buy cheap pac-rim stuff.

Collings mandolins seem to hold their value and even their "sellability" better than many independent builders. Obviously the big independent guys (Nugget, Gil, Dude, Montleone) hold their value and even increase in value but outside of them, shopping a used mando built by an independent builder can be a challenge.

I agree that a buying quality instrument is the way to go and there is no better bang for the buck than an MT.

"I fully intend to stay with the mandolin if I get started."

then go f'rit, no question.

Come on Allen, you're just messing with us. You knew the answer to this one before you asked, right?

How could you possibly go wrong with a Collings mando? I bought a used MT2 for my 14 year old. No regrets. He's sitting here playing a Bach Sonata as we speak, and doing a pretty decent job.

As Mr. Compton would say, Life is good,
Bill

Bill: Glad to hear your son is enjoying the Collings. I knew he would!

I have since picked up a Collings MT2 that is deep burgundy in color and has a varnish finish. It's a true sweetheart of a mandolin and the tone is all there.

Allen, good luck with your new Collings! (hint, hint!)

Jim Roberts
Manhattan, KS (for now)

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

Jim, didn't know you were on here. Good to hear from you. We have really been happy with this mando.

Bill

Allen,

Didn't I hear you say this weekend that you have a new MT? Do tell!

--David

I'm glad you all seem to consider Collings an appropriate starting mando, as I just bought an MT2 yesterday. I was an easy walkup from the Eastman models to the Phoenix and Collings -- the tone and playability were simply superior, and I knew I had to have a fine instrument if it was to compete successfully for playing time against my guitars. Heh - the same thing happened a couple of years ago when I picked up a banjo: from a Gold Star to a Ramsey in a strum and a heartbeat.

So my first question is how to attach the strap? I meant to have the guys at the Emporium put it on, but what with changing the strings and closing time I plumb forgot. I got one of those Long Hollow Leather soft straps, but the thin leather tie is too tight to fit behind the nut, and I wouldn't want it to get in way of my left hand, anyway. Am I not seeing some obvious solution? Is it possible to get a strap pin installed at or near the heel? 'Cause I really want to stand up!