Howdy, I've got the itch to try and learn mandolin. I know the smart play is to not concern myself with a Collings at this point, but I happen to have a strong affinity for Collings guitars so I've made up my mind to start big. (hopefully it will inspire more practice too). My kids are all interested in music, so if nothing else I'll be able to leave them FINE instruments on down the line.
My question is this..... I would think the wide nut option would be beneficial to a beginner (who has played guitar for a long time). Should I get caught up in limiting my search to wide nut?
Also, I don't play much bluegrass... probably just learning chords and licks to accompany folk and rock and some bluegrass songs... Would the Oval suit that style better? (plus i think it comes with the wide nut, correct?

Ideally I'd like to find a used MF or a used MF-O . also looked at the MT-O.

If anyone has any thoughts or leads. I'd appreciate it.
cheers

2 things...I wouldn't limit myself to just a wide nut option...try them both and see if one feels better than the other. Secondly,a used Collings MT is THE screamin deal in a quality mando.Used MT-0's might be tough to find since they've only been out a short time.Sometimes a great deal can be had on a used MF or MT2.Any used Collings mando is the way to go if you're on a budget or just testing the mando waters.Either style should work for the context of use you described.

I agree with everything C.C. says, particularly regarding wider nuts and the MT as a great deal.

Incidentally, I bought an MT as an absolute beginner on mandolin. The quality of the instrument definitely helped me get over the steepest part of the learning curve and keep me motivated. I don't think you're nuts at all to shoot for something at that level, particularly if you've got a history with good quality guitars.

Enjoy the search.

MT all the way. They sound great, look great, and play great. Some days i like my MT as much or more than my MT2's that I love. They are Engleman spruce topped(MT's). Ive seen them go really cheap in this economy, like 1250. That is hiway robbery. Wide nut allows a bigger rounder neck. Some people like this. Keep in mind that MT's have a fairly rounded neck already. They are not a sharp V-neck like some mandos. Good luck with the world of mandolin.

I think from what you write that an Oval hole would possibly suite your playing better, but that is just me and what I find doing the same kinds of music. An MT with Eng top would not be a bad idea either. There is a used MT2O at Hill Country right now if you want to get an idea of price etc.

The wide nut issue is not as much of an issue as you might think. I have both, and have played both back to back. I can see and feel the difference, but once I start playing it just doesn't make any difference. If that makes sense.

I too started learning on a Collings Mando, and I think you are right to buy the best you can afford. It will play and sound better than a cheaper entry level Mando, and you will like it and play it more and learn quicker.

Rick, I don't agree with you on the oval hole thing. Ovals are more suited to folks that have played mando for a decade than a newbee. Just my opinion though. I've actually waited almost 25 years to get my 1st one. As per the wider nut, it is a moot point. Don't worry about it. I have " fat sausage like fingers", and it never made a difference from day one.

thanks folks,
so it doesnt sound like the wider neck will neccesarily flatten the learning curve... correct? darn. i'm always looking for the easy way.

another question. is the neck profile the same on the MT and the MT2? only differnce is the gloss?? because if so, I actually prefer the satin.

KK, I'll agree to dis-agree with you about the Oval holes. If it suites you style of playing or music go for it. I have only owned a Mando for 3 years or so, the Oval for about 1. I find it much more suited to my playing and music that I do.

For pure BG, I pick up the old MF. Don't quite understand why you say it would be better for a more seasoned and polished player ?

Rick, there are probably about 15 'F' hole mandos for every oval. I know that the 'F' hole ones were the ones I was brought up on, and as such, it's just what my 'ear' wants to hear. Up northern Canada, when I started, the ovals were quite marginalized. In the early '80s, oval hole F style mandolins, no matter what the year, could not be sold for more than about $1000. The F style 'F' hole mandos were going for three or four times as much. Does'nt take anything at all away from the ovals at all though. Celtic sounds great on them. So actually does a lot of bluegrass, and jazz too. .... Actually, after rereading this post a few times, I should add that whatever sounds good to your ears is the right thing to buy. I'm pretty sure that if Lloyd Loar had been way more interested in making oval hole instruments, I would be in your shoes right now Rick. The 'F' hole mandos are just what became popular is all. I think I need to get unstuck from some of the ways I think about things. Thanks Rick!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kerry Krishna,

quote:

There is a used MT2O at Hill Country right now if you want to get an idea of price etc.

One just sold on the mandolin cafe for $2400!

You really won't know what feels most comfortable for you until you can play a couple. I have an MT2 and MF with standard mando scales. I recently got an MT Oval and I have to say the neck on the oval is the most comfortable for me not because of the width but because the scale is slightly shorter. It's a little easier for me to make some of the pinky stretches. Although I love the oval neck I I'm completely happy with the standard neck on my other Collings.

I'm also not a bluegrass player. I think if I were in your position I would look for the best used MT I could find and learn to play it. Once you develop your technique and get a better feel for your style you can always trade for an oval if that's what you really want.

I think people who go from guitar to mando (as I did) get hung up on the small neck. It's not a big deal. Just take a look at some Mike Marshall videos. He has really large hands / fingers. Its mostly a matter of developing technique.

I've played guitar all my life, and the standard neck of my MT was so easy to play that the width was not a factor.

I strongly agree with the advice to go with an A style ( MT or MT2; note topwood difference), as the premium you pay for an F is not reflected in superior sound except, perhaps, at advanced levels of play. Great little mandolins, a used MT might end up being a lifer, rather than a starter. Good luck!

Bryant