Collings Birdseye/Italian A5 Comparisons: V vs lacquer

[Luna Pick]

I'm kind of been looking at these mandos, and that combination of woods sounds intriguing.

I haven't played either, much less compared them. Has anyone played both varnish and lacquer versions. Notable differences in addition to the usual V vs L nuances?

I see the mandos available, but not in the same store. Is the V "worth" the $1,000 more? What is the diff in these two? Appreciate any thoughts.

[Mandobar]

I have both lacquer and varnish versions of birdseye and italian mt2's. I also have a lacquer MF5 in the same configuration. The varnish is worth the extra $ in my opinion. I will caution you, Collings is no longer taking new orders for italian topped mandolins. I believe they have depleted their current stock of this wood, and are looking for a new source. So, if you are interested in one of either variety, I would not hesitate too long to make a decision. I have only seen a few MT2vs with italian tops. I bought a second one after a dealer told me the had halted orders on them. I really wish I could have gotten an oval hole in varnish before they stopped taking new orders.

There is a sweetness to these mandolins, and after stringing the lacquer one I have with mangan monel strings, I have to say, it sounds awesome.

[Luna Pick]

Perfect, thanks. As you may know there is one V at TME, one L at Carters. Both stunning and tempting. Lucky to have you as a resource since you have both, thanks for the response.

[lenf12]

Has anyone played both varnish and lacquer versions. Notable differences in addition to the usual V vs L nuances?

To my mind, the usual V vs L nuances is where the subjectivity creeps into the discussion. Most players/listeners can't tell the difference between a thinly applied lacquer finish and equally thinly applied varnish/FP finish. This is one of those situations where you have to play them both side by side and let your ears decide. I do agree with mandobar's post above however.

Len B.
Clearwater, FL

[Jerry Byers]

I bought a Collings Birdseye/Italian MT2V from TME and totally agree with Mandobar on her assessment. I've owned MT2's (older versions), MF-5, MF5V Deluxe and a MT2V and thought that MT2V was the best sounding out of the bunch. It was a league above any Collings I had owned or heard. I unfortunately sold the MT2V and regretted it.

This year I saw the MT2V with Birdseye/Italian Spruce at TME and bought it, hoping that I got the old MT2V tone back. It didn't happen. It was better. That wood combination with the varnish hits a magic spot and is definitely worth the cost of upgrades. It has a sweet high register, even tone across, and it has a nice woody bark when you need it. If you listen to the MT2 Birdseye/Italian Spruce video at TME, it sort of sounds like that, but the varnish adds more complexity to it.

If you can find one to try out, I highly recommend it. Don't wait too long though.

[Mandobar]

The new one at TME is now on hold.

Jerry, that was mine. I miss it, but four was a bit much, even for me. Enjoy it!