Collings MT2?

[Rick Schmidlin]

I played a MT2 today at McCabes in Santa Monica. I thought I had to have a F model but a MT2 seemed to impress me also. How do they compare in sound to the MF 5s?


Thank all for you help.

Rick Schmidlin

[250sc]

Even though Collings instruments are very consistant every one will sound a little different and some will sound exceptional. Play everything you can put your hands on and choose the one that gives you what you want at the price you feel is appropriate.

[MandoCowboy]

I have both MT2 and MF5. Similar Collings sound on both, but the "A" is more light and airy, and the "F" is more dark and woody. For me it's a nice contrast and I can enjoy a different tone without having to adjust to different necks as both are the same.

[Jack Roberts]

I played that same instrument at McCabe's. May I offer an observation? It is very difficult to determine how an instrument will sound playing them in the little tryout room at McCabes. There are too many guitars around, and all the resonances make any instrument sound good. Rick, did you play it in the tryout room, or did you take it to the back and try it on the stage?

I was thinking the only way to really try an instrument was to ask them to let me play in the back office. Did you try that F5-G? been sitting there a long time...

Jack

[Rick Schmidlin]

I tryed it in the back by the stage. I am still considering the MF5 from Greg Boyd also. I played a F5G at Westwood Music that was pretty nice. How does the one at McCabes rate?

Best,
Rick Schmidlin

PS

The Weber Fern sounds nice but I have never tryed one.

[rixter]

I played a MT2 alongside of an MF5 yesterday. Have to say that the MT2 sounded like it needed some time to open up, whereas the MF5 sounded full and mature from the start. Really fantastic sound and played smoooth. My own MT2(2years old) sounds more like the MF5 than the newer one that I played did. Sure had me counting up my assets, though I wouldn't want to part with the one that I have.

[Jack Roberts]

Well, it sounds like you did a proper audition, Rick. I really liked the MF thay have (or had) there. Less decoration and cost than the MF5, but I liked the sound more than the MT2, mostly for volume and sustain. The F5-G is kind of "orphaned". I imagine if it were set up right with good strings, it would sound fine, but it has really strange strings on it, almost like they've been painted or something.

Still, I think my next mandolin will be a Red Diamond...

Jack

[hotpick]

I have a Collings MT2, MF and MF5. I've got to tell you, you can't make a wrong decision! Within approximately two weeks of steady playing their sound matures. It's all great! I've been told you can chop easier forms of chords on an F style manolin but I haven't experienced that myself.