Gibson or Collings?

[ffxcowboy]

Looking at the MT Collings and the Gibson F9. Both are plain looking but dynamic mandolins occupying the two ends of my finance range. I've played the F9 which I loved, but not the Collings( impossible to find in my area - DC). Should I just buy the F9 or seek out Collings somewhere and get on the bandwagon with them?

[JiminRussia]

Mandoln Brothers has an MT for a right around $1,800. I've [I played it and several others in their shop and in my honest opinion it is the best sounding mandolin thay they have under $3,000. It isn't mearly as plain as you might think either. I would consider it understated. The matte finish is great and the wood in this one is very nice. Give them a call and maybe they'll give you an approval period. If you do buy it I'll be eating my heart out, but I just can't do it right now. By the way I have no financial interest in Mandolin Brothers. I just happen to really like the folks there and that mandolin in partiular.

[jim simpson]

Appalachian Bluegrass in Baltimore is listed as a Collings dealer. I would expect them to have at least one in stock. I played an MT yesterday at Acoustic Roots in the Philly suburbs. It sounded great and I liked it's looks too. They had recently sold the MF I was going to see but another one is coming in soon. Big difference in price between the MF and the F9 also big difference in sound. I think I could get past the look of the F-9 if they sounded better to me but so far the examples I've tried did not speak to me. I have yet to play an F5-G that hasn't impressed me, same with all models of Collings.

[Jack Roberts]

I played an F-9 and a MF in the same day over the weekend. They both sounded terrific, and I would be happy with either one, but the MF was perhaps a little nicer. But it was a bit more money.

Anyway, the wife said "we'll see" to both of them, which means "No". I think she wants me to bring home a paycheck before I buy anything new. I suppose that's reasonable.

[Furnman]

As it happens I just ordered a slightly used MT, after hotly pursuing A9's for about 2 months. It's a long story, but the main reasons for my quick switch were:

1) To get a radiused fingerboard
2) I need fretboard markers (I guess this makes me lame, but when I do need to look at my LH fingers, it's my fingers I'm needin' to look at, not the binding)
3) Better tuners (I'm led to believe)

I'm in the same boat as you, where I'm essentially buying it w/o the benefit of playing it. I expect to receive it tomorrow or Monday... I'm excited but have to admit to some trepidation before playing it (I do have a 48 hr approval on it... you should make sure you have one as well - any reputable dealer will accommodate). I can tell you that Appalachian Bluegrass in Baltimore (Catonsville) does have an MT-2 currently in stock, but not an MT (I live in Severna Park, MD).

Good luck on your choice... don't think you can make a bad one, but the MT just seemed right to me for the reasons above.

[Flatpick]

Gibson F9.....

[mandodon]

If you go with a 9-series Gibson, start doing some excerices to strengthen your tuning hand. Those tuners are dogs...sticky and tense.

[ffxcowboy]

Furnman, I agree, the radius fretboard is nice - having encountered it on the Breedloves I've played. The fret markers would help as well. I am leaning towards finding a Collings MT because of the super fit and finish, the tone, and the playability. But the F body is so attractive, I fear the MT will only make me happy for a short while. I want a mando that I can brag about! I'm so shallow...

"I want a mando that I can brag about!"

Then that should eliminate the F9........ #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

All kidding aside, kudos for buying American!

[Mandobar]

there is a used collings MT at maple leaf music in brattleboro, vt........if anyone
is interested.

[Big Joe]

We have changed the tuners we use on the F9 and A9 a while ago and I think you will find the newer ones much better. They use an 18:1 ratio, so they are a little slower, but that also makes them a little more accurate. Just thought I would let you know since someone did mention the tuners. The Schallers have been problematic but the Grovers have been great. Thank you.

[mandodon]

Excellent move. I must've tried an A-9 that had the older tuners.

[straight-a]

My A-9 has the Grovers. Holds it's tuning superbly. When I change strings, I just touch the screws in the back to ensure that they are snug (not tight!). Stays in tune best of any mandolin I've owned and most that I've played.

[Mando Dan]

I have played and owned several mandos with Schaller tuners and I say there is no comparison to the new Grovers. I recently recieved a Moon Beam with the Grover tuners and it is still in tune from the day I recieved it. Hands down I would go Grover over all.

[Nick Triesch]

Could someone post a pic of the new grovers? Can you buy them on the street or are they made only for Gibson? Nick

[Jeff Baldwin]

I think you should play a MT before you decide. To compare Collings A to a Gibson F like comparing apples and oranges. They are both great mandos. I like both
but chose a MT for a number of reasons. The details and workmanship of the Collings are better - but then it also costs more than a comparable Gibson (A9). I like the neck (its a 'V")- but many people dont. I like the sound - it sounds different - not better-just different than the Gibson. But first you need to decide if you want an F...if its a criteria, the Collings MT is not a contender...and the Collings F is about double the cost. If a scroll is part of your want, for whatever reason, get a scroll..youll be happy. If you want to consider an A do try an MT

Have fun choosing a mando...I did

[Furnman]

In reference to Mandobar's post, I was the buyer of that MT from Maple Leaf Music in VT. Sorry.:)

[Walter]

The Collings MT is more expensive than the A9, and less expensive than the F9. #Either way, the MT is a better overall mandolin. #Radiused fingerboard, big frets, better tone, and a better mat finish.

The other big consideration for you is that the Collings mandolins are much more consistant in tone and quality than the Gibsons. #Much less risk if you're buying without trying.

I think the MT is the easy choice.

[markdavenport]

I have a Collings Mt and live in
Northern VA... bought mine at
Acoustic Axis in Alexandria...
ask for Steve