Mando Comparisons

[softshell]

I had the chance today to taste-test some mandolins today, something I don't get to do often. It was a Collings MT-2, a Weber Gallatin with the maple upgrade, a straight Weber Gallatin with the mahogany back, a Weber Yellowstone, my own Rigel G110 and my own Parker A-style. First off, the Webers were nice but not my cup of tea. I thought they were a bit muffled and weak with the Maple Gallatin being the nicest one. The Collings MT-2 was real nice, sounded great and easy to play. The Parker and the Collings were similar in appearance with the Parker seeming more handmade. The Collings had more bottom fullness but the Parker had more punch and bite, both sounded great, just different. The Rigel and the Collings were similar sounding with Rigel having slightly more bottom fullness and the Collings being slightly woodier. The Parker was actually louder than all of them. Just goes to show you why we need different mandolin makes in our collections.

[Michael Lewis]

EACH mandolin is different than the next. You can compare 10 of the same model and you will find differences in each one. So you need to play each one to find if it "talks to you".

[ab4usa]

Softshell,

If you were in Catonsville, that MT-2 has been there for months. The previous two flew out the door but I think that one lacks that special "Collings) something.

[softshell]

Do you mean that they get better than that? Yes, I was in Catonsville.