View Full Version : Smart A model
cgwilsonjr
Mar-24-2005, 5:34pm
I am considering a Smart A model. I have a nice Collings MT-2 that needs a varnished companion. Has anyone played both a Smart and Collings? Which one would have more bluegrass chop? My goal is really to have two fine A models: one lacquer and one varnish. Any insights would be appreciated.
A year or so ago, I spent the better part of a day at Mandolin Brothers and played every mandolin.. F and A.. they had in the store. I came away fairly clear that the Gibson Monroe F Model and the Collings A Model were the nicest in the shop. Obviously, just my take.
Since then, I've played 3-4 Collings A and several Collings F model instruments.. and have always been very impressed.
A month or so ago, I received delivery on a Smart A Model that I ordered in 2002. It is a killer and.. while I retain a very high respect for Collings.. the Smart mandolin is simply in a different class. I could send you some pics on email if you'd like.
I would encourage you to talk to Lawrence about what you're looking for in an instrument and see what sort of feeling you have about that chat. He's a very laid back guy and you can be assured you'll get an absolute world class instrument if you go that route.
I think I saw a Smart A in the MandoCafe classifieds?.. if that guy would do a 24-48 hour 'satisfaction' deal.. you couldn't go wrong taking a look at that compared to the Collings you might have already been able to play?
And.. you won't be making apologies if you opt for a Collings either.. you're in a high class dilemna.. and maybe your lacquer and varnish goal let's you do both.
Good luck.
SternART
Apr-12-2005, 9:58pm
Lawrence can build to suit whatever sound you are looking for, I've always asked him for a more complex tone,
rather than a more cutting BG type sound, but I've played other instruments built in my batches, that were specified
more in that direction.
And if you are concerned about chop, my A model with f holes is an incredible rhythm instrument.... chops or more varied types of rhythm....
I'm in Lawrence's current batch, for a pair......mandola and mandolin!
Here are my two Smart A models: http://www.smithfowler.org/music/mandolin/smart/
Chip Booth
Apr-13-2005, 9:01am
Art, you just love to flaunt those pics and get us all riled up now don't you http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
SternART
Apr-13-2005, 9:11am
Mandotater et al,
Clearly I'm a big fan of Lawrence's talents & skills, or I wouldn't
keep making the pilgrimage up to McCall, ID
Wait till you see the ones Lawrence is bulding for me right now!
A matching pair.....futuristic looking 2 points.....dola & mando
timothy.c.hicks
Apr-13-2005, 11:21am
Collings will make a varnished A if you are interested in a matching pair.
cgwilsonjr
Apr-13-2005, 2:43pm
Thanks all. I went ahead and got on Lawrence's wait list. In 2 1/2 I'll be good to go.
Im getting a headache. I would never get a collings. Those and Eastmans are not on my page.
No offense on my remarks. Just kidding around. Collings are good mandos. But i do not care for Eastmans much. Just wanted to let out some steam. Had a long hard day today.
fatt-dad
Apr-13-2005, 3:59pm
Im getting a headache. I would never get a collings. Those and Eastmans are not on my page.
O.K. but what would you get?
Mandobar
Apr-13-2005, 4:12pm
right now a friend of mine has his collings #65 MT2 model for sale. the chop on that mandolin is the best i've heard on any collings mandolin.
Gibson to answer your ? fatt-dad. I like Collings fine. Ive had a long day and i just had to quit running my website. I just dont have enough time to do it.
I am blessed beyond belief in owning two of Lawrence's mandolins, an A & an F (see them here http://out2lunch.lunarpages.com/mandolins.htm ) and each is absolutely superb! I'd have to agree with JEP's comments ... I recently paid a visit to Mandolin Bros, played evey high end instrument in the store including several Collings and while they were nice, they didn't come close to either of my Smarts.
I'm saving my pennies now for one of his mandolas. I got to play one on Lawrence's recent visit to NY and it was beyond mind blowing!!
Lawrence has "cracked the code" in building stellar instruments and should certainly be at the top of the list for anyone looking for "the" instrument.
straight-a
Apr-14-2005, 7:16am
Very, VERY nice, Wayne! Thanks for posting those.