I've been looking for a used MT for my first mandolin but can't seem to find anything except new. The MT-2 on the other hand is very easy to come by, and at very reasonable prices. Recently 2 went for around 2k and there are others available in the low 2s. Is the MT really more desirable for some reason, or is it just a fluke of timing?

Would you go with a new MT with the wide neck or a used MT-2 fro your first purchase?

A used MT-2 is a GREAT buy and more complex sounding than the MT. I like the wide neck too. If you can be patient, try and find a used MT with a wide neck.Many dealers keep wanted lists and check the mandolincafe regularly for used ones.

the MT has an engelmann top, and the MT-2 has an adirondack top. very different sounding. to my ear the MT has a softer, rounder, woodier sound, and the MT-2 has a louder, clearer, brighter sound with better sustain. the MT-2 is also sweet sounding if you now how to coax it. i have both, and i thought i'd sell my MT when the MT-2 arrived. i haven't done it yet.

the MT is an excellent entry-level mandolin, but you should probably try both. finding a used wide neck might be difficult... too new.

How much wider are the wide necks and would it make a big difference to a beginner (like me!)?

I think the wider neck is only 1/16th wider at the nut. I went to try one out thinking it would be the ideal thing for me.
Truth is, I could see and feel the difference, but when I started playing it just didn't really make a difference.

That may sound confusing but it's the best way I can put it.

I sold my MT-2A because the neck size was too small for my hands, although it sounded great and looked really nice. The online pictures of these instruments do not do them justice. See one in person and they really look great.

I play a Breedlove Cascade now with the 1 3/16" nut. Just 1/16" wider makes it much easier for me to play.

quote:

Originally posted by RickS:
Truth is, I could see and feel the difference, but when I started playing it just didn't really make a difference.

couldn't have said it better myself. my biggest problem is the pickin' hand, not the other. i'm used to the neck width now.

My MT2V is one of the finest sounding and playing mandolins I've ever encountered. And its been played and A/B'd with some of the finest mandolins ever built, A's and F's--Collings, Nuggets, Monteleones, Gibsons, Red Diamonds and always been held in high regard (if not awe).

IMHO, no one builds a better A-style mandolin than Collings. And, while I appreciate the craftsmanship and the "chop factor," I don't feel the need for a scroll. Whichever way you go (MT or MT2), it's a keeper for sure. Oh, and varnish IS worth the $$ and wait.

Hard to beat an MT2-V. I previously had a Brentrup 21V and it was fantastic, but the Collings was the keeper for me.

Seth

simple truth is the strap worked better with my F model but seems like the MT's sound better than most F models although I'm not complaining as for my F model, I bought it for looks and havent looked back. LOL

FWIW, I just listed my MT-2 wide neck in the classifieds. It's a great little mando.