Thanks for the advice

[JoeD]

Just wanted to say thanks to those who pitched in with advice last week. After checking out everything I could find locally in a price range from low-end imports to a friend's varnish finished MF-5 Collings, I purchased up a Collings MT yesterday. I'm an absolute beginner on mandolin, but I've learned enough on guitar to understand how a really fine instrument can inspire a player to keep improving. Can't wait to start working on those double-stringed callouses now.

[Santiago]

Best of luck. Your starting with a great-sounding instrument.

[otterly2k]

Great choice, Joe... that'll keep you for a good long while, those are high quality instruments.

[Avi Ziv]

Joe - you've done well. I was in the same position as you (years ago) and wondered what level instrument to start with. I finally decided to start with a Flatiron A5-Artist and never regretted it. I still play it and love it. The Collings was an excellent choice.

Enjoy the Path
Avi

[Professor PT]

Man, I wish I'd started on such a great mando. Then again, MAS would probably sink in sooner or later to some degree.