i traded a guitar to Steve at Acoustic Music Works this past week for a used MT2v he had there with a very flamey back.......you'll see it on his website here:

http://www.acousticmusicworks.com/MT2V963.html

i'd been eyeing it for some time so, when the opportunity for the trade came up i hesitated at first and then thought- "i'm a yutz!" and promptly called steve back.

i have to say, whoever played if for the last year or so really did a great job opening it up for me. it's loud and crisp and everything that anyone could ask for in a mandolin. i play a variety of styles including jazz and this suits them all. none of that tight new mando sound either.

i've got some boo-tiki mandos, and Collings is right up there with them.

i cannot say enough good things about Steve either.

Did you get a chance to play the new MT2 O there? Just curious as to what that one sounds like. SO the v, I take it you are now an official member of the Collings varnish club

i've not played the oval hole, but will probably purchase one soon. i have a lot of faith in bill and his people. i am quite sure that they are super mandos.

yes, and now i am a member of the varnish club. these are great mandos.

congrats mary. i've had my mt-2v for two years now, and it continues to amaze me. you're right when you say that it's "everything anyone could ask for in a mando". it's my MAS cure. when i think about the new oval hole mandos, i get out this varnished birds-eyed beauty, and play. it's all the mando i'll ever need. i wish i felt this way about *any* guitar i have.

peter, i have to agree, i go through more guitars than anything. right now i am in the process of again culling down the guitar collection.