well, it's been a while since forumites started buying these little beauties. is everybody still happy with their purchase? any for sale? i'm thinking about placing my order, and just thought i'd ask.

This is a tough ne Peter. I love the Oval but it really is SO different from my MF that it's hard to describe a comparison.

The Oval is much more open and airy sounding. Does not have the cut or "bite" to it the F does. I did some pick experimenting and found one that really shines with the Oval, and gives it a bit more snap and chop to it. I really like it for playing along with our little jams doing simple songs and folk type music. It plays great. Not sure on the wider neck just yet. This may sound odd, but I can see the difference and feel the difference in the necks. But when I start playing it really doesn't make any difference. Does that make sense ?

The F has more cut and chop to it, a sharper sound all the way around. In more upbeat jams the F shines as it can hold it's own and cut through with a lead if needed.

I have had my F for almost two years now. Though I am not really much of a Mando player, it ends up getting used quite a bit. IF I had to pick just one to keep, it would be the F At least right now it would.

If you can afford to keep both then by all means I highly recommend an Oval. They are just different enough to give you a little broader range in tone and style. The build is typical Collings, but the looks and appointments are a cut above the "standard" F models. Really nice instruments. If you are just gonna play with the Grassers, skip the Oval and keep your F.

thanks for the comments, rick. i already own a mt-2v, and that one can handle almost any kind of music. i've owned a gibson f-2 (oval) in the past, and sold it only because i didn't like the neck (short and chunky). i do like the oval hole sound. especially for classical music. i think the wider neck would help me there. i'm thinking of getting a black top in engelmann... haven't decided on the binding. i agree with you that if you can own only one mando, the normal f-hole models are the best. but these collings mandos are such great bargains, why not have two?

quote:

Originally posted by peter p:
i agree with you that if you can own only one mando, the normal f-hole models are the best. but these collings mandos are such great bargains, why not have two?

EXACTLY. And if my pitiful retirement stays solvent I will indeed keep both. My Oval is in the honey/amber color with tortis bindings etc. Pretty enough to hang on the wall as art when not in use.

peter, please buy the blonde oval hole at acousticmusic.org before i do something very stupid.

Mary, Ithought you already had your "Oval" ?

You must have MAS worse than I have GAS.

LOL

who me????

quote:

Originally posted by marymary:
peter, please buy the blonde oval hole at acousticmusic.org before i do something very stupid.

sorry. no can do. i have to sell this first --> mandola
besides, i've never had much luck with blondes. i'm thinkin' black top, w/engelmann. hold the flourish. i haven't decided on the binding.
mary, you need to think varnish. mf-5.

peter, i have a brentrup varnish F5. not sure there is room at hacienda mm for another right now.

i wonder if collings would varnish one of these oval hole mandos for me. my mt-2v is amazing. and just gets better and better,

peter, i have already asked and they say, yes....so peter, what are you waiting for???

why indeed... now that i know about the varnish option.