I am considering getting one or the other, I want it to sound woody, dynamic and smooth.Any thoughts?

I have one of each. I bought my 2004 MF #229 new from Cotten Music. I believe it was the first MF Cotten received. It sounded great right out of the case and over the past 3 years it’s opened up beautifully. I would describe it as being very woody and smooth. It has a nice bark but its also very mellow and warm.

I got my used blond MT-2 # 209, also a very early model with the original Gibson style tailpiece from Gruhn’s last December. It was in new condition so I think the first owner played it very sparingly. It’s defiantly brighter with a more ringing and less mellow tone.

Some qualifications. The MF has been played a lot and is very open. I’m sure it will continue to open up and get louder and warmer.

The MT-2 is still a little tight and stiff. Clearly it has not been played as much and the MF and will continue to open up and improve as I play it. I’m also considering replacing the tailpiece with a newer Collings style tailpiece.

I’m not a bluegrass player for the most part. I play swing, Dawg music, some rags and a lot of Jethro Burns stuff. I use Thomastik-Infeld medium strings on both mandolins. You should contrast my comments with those of someone who uses more conventional round wound strings. They can make quite a difference in tone.

I love both mandolins but if I had to choose one I would probably go with the MF but strictly because I prefer the more woody, mellow tone.

Good luck with your search.


My Collings
MF and MT-2 Mandolins
C10 Maple custom
O1asb
OM1ac
OM2h Koa

i don't have an MF, but have played half a dozen. i own an MT and MT-2V. the MT is woody and warm. the MT-2V is louder, more focused, with a better sustain. i use d'addario J74s. my advice is to play as many of these models as you can. they all have different personalities, even within the same model.