OK, one other question from a mando newbie--

How many of you have had Collings put pick guards on your mandolins (I have an MT on the way)? Is it necessary, dependent upon style/aggressiveness of play, etc.?

I see many without them, but a fair number (looking on line) that have them. I'd rather do it before there's a problem if I need to, rather than after I've scratched it up.

Any advice appreciated.

i think style and agressive play *might* make a difference, but the fretboard is a ways away from the top of the mando, so i don't know...
many players end up taking a pickguard off the mando, because they like resting fingers on the top of the mando while they play (a tremolo, for example).

Thanks. Honestly, just based on my very limited experience of an hour or so with the instrument, that was beginning to be my impression.

I'd really have to be hammering the thing to dig into the top. It is much different than a guitar. I almost can't imagine maintaining playing control if I was going at it that hard. Just don't want to do anything stupid as a beginner that I'll regret later...although, given my other life experience, I usually learn best about the third time around, I think.

quote:

many players end up taking a pickguard off the mando, because they like resting fingers on the top of the mando while they play (a tremolo, for example)

I let someone play my MF5 at a jam and it came back with a serious pinky rash (note to self: look at other player's instrument when he asks to try yours). The pickguard installed on my MT2 protects from pinkies and picks, and I like what it does for tremolo.