Guitar has been my instrument for 25 years, and I'm fortunate enough to own three Collings guitars (a Braz/Adi D2H, Hog/Adi CW, and a Koa/Adi OM3). However, I'm getting interested in picking up the Mandolin, and of course would look to a Collings for a new acquisition.

I could use advice on the differences in tone between the MT and MF models. There are obvious physical differences, but what about tone? Your thoughts would be appreciated

Thanks!

Kevin

I have an MT and I have played a number of MFs. Aside from one being an A and the other being F, the construction of the two is very similar. I A/B tested a few and to me the tone was nearly identical. I have seen in said that the MF has an Engleman Spruce top, but Collings list both as "Select Spruce Top". Both are excellent.

Since I read your question I have been trying to remember any differences in the two I have owned.
But I traded my A for the F a while back, and I've slept since then so I just can't really remember.

Frankly, I played a bunch of Collings Mandos that day and found them all to be similar, but they were not alike at all. I picked the F I thought had the best "chunky" sound to it, and my friend bought an MF 5 that was just unbelievable pretty, but I thought sounded "twangier" than the F I bought

I have freinds that swear the A style Collings sounds better to their ear, but I just can't say that myself.

Best you go play some for yourself.

More generally, I started a couple of threads at mandolin cafe last year, trying to find folks to say why F-styles mandos are "better" than A's. Didn't get any takers. The overall opinion was that the differences are cosmetic, and, all other things being equal, an A should sound as good as an F. Cheers!

B

Thanks for your feedback on the MT v. MF tone. I started calling some dealers to hear what they had to say as well, and it is all consistent with thoughts presented here. Now I can have some fun visiting these stores and trying out some of these beautiful mandos

Kevin

all the F models i've played had a louder, more penetrating treble, better chop, and are great for a bluegrass band. they'll cut thru all the guitars and etc. the A models seem to have better balance, high to low strings, and i think they're better suited to solo work. i've been told that the MT is the only model with an englemann top; the other models have red spruce tops. i have both an MT and MT-2, and they're very different: the MT-2 is brighter with more sustain, due to the top (and varnish). still, i can't bring myself to sell the MT! it's a best buy. an F model is different yet again. better try 'em all!

Everything else being equal A's & F's sound just about identical. The scroll adds nothing sound related; its about style and a place to attach your strap. This subject has been exhausted over and Mandolin Cafe.

In December of 2005 I asked Alex about the top wood used on my 2004 MF s/n 229. Here is his reply. Of course this was a yeaar and a half ago so there could have been a change.

FWIW I absolutely love my MF It gets better every time I play it. I've never played an MT but I do own an early (2002) MT-2 with the old Gibson sty;e tail piece. The 2 sound great but different. the MT-2 is brighter while the MF is more woody.

Alex said.

Thanks for your email. All of the MF's have Adirondack spruce tops. The only model that we build that doesn't have an Adirondack top is the MT, which has an Engelmann top. I hope you are enjoying the mandolin. Please let me know if you have any further questions.

kevin:

you also might want to try the *new* wider neck on the collings mandolins. i haven't played one yet, but being a guitar player, you may like it better than the "standard" width.

the other thing you might notice about the adi top models is that they can really deliver when you "lay in" to them. you can appreciate this since you own some fine adi top guitars.

I like the MT-2 better than the MT,MF,or F5 but it's all good with Collings wood.