Hey, I'm interested in the MT-1, which predates the MT model that is now available. It is similar in that it is Engleman and maple and satin finished. It is different in that it is ivoroid bound, both top and back (not an option at the time--2000). Can anyone tell me how it compares to the current MT? Thanks, Dan

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dmargo1045,

Dmargo: I have not personally played an MT-1. I know in the early days of Collings mandolins they only offered an MT-1 and an MT-2. I have heard recording of a band called the Waybacks and they have a hot picker named Steve Nash that plays a MT-1 on their first two albums. Check out the Waybacks and hear Steve burn it down with the MT-1. Chuck

Steve's a heck of a basketball player too

Actually, it's James Nash, nice guy, and incredible picker.

When Collings first started making mandos, I ordered a blond MT-1 from Cotten Music, but before it came in, I backed out and bought a 000-1A instead. Still have never seen an MT-1 in person.

Bill

Bill: I always wondered how one guy could be so talented in both music and basketball.

After months I finally contacted Collings. They only made 21 MT-1's, with Adirondack tops, Alex sez. Then they introduced the MT-2.

I think the Collings person might be mistaken about all the MT-1 tops being adirondack. I've owned 2 of the 21 MT-1's and the first one I bought was advertised as Englemann and the second , which I still have, was advertised as Red Spruce and was $100 more. I bought both from Gryphon Music (at different times) and at the time I bought the Adirondack model they explained that an Adirondock topped MT1 was unusual thus the $100 price jump.
Also I seem to remember that most of the advertising at the time the Collings mandos were first introduced described Englemann tops and semi-gloss finishes but both of mine came with full gloss finishes.
I think Bill Collings himself may be the only one who can say for sure which wood was used.
Either way both were/are great sounding mandos.

Michael.

You were right on the money. I showed my MT-1 to Bill Collings and he said, yep it's Englemann. He said that he had about a hundred nice sets of Englemann at the time that became mandolins. Whatever, it is a beautiful sounding instrument.