Collings neck reshaped

**carolynbeth** · Feb-26-2004, 1:12am

A while back, I had posted a question in the builders section on the wisdom (or potential lack thereof...) of reshaping the neck on a Collings A -- which has a pretty pronounced "V" shape, for those of you who haven't played one before....

Well, I went ahead and had it done -- just got it back today and it's AWESOME!!!!

Bill Collings was kind enough to send my luthier a neck piece from the same model mandolin, so we could see exactly how much we could take off without hitting the truss rod (between 1/32" and 1/16" is all).

I know some folks prefer a V-neck, others aren't bothered by it one way or the other, but this was my only complaint about an otherwise wonderful mandolin. My luthier did a fantastic job...the neck is smooth as a baby's bottom and plays like buttah!

Sorry this post is so long, but wanted to say a big thanks to all who gave their advice and helped me with this decision--I am one happy camper! I'll post some pics, as soon as I can put it down long enough.... # #

Carolyn

**mandolooter** · Feb-26-2004, 7:25am

Sounds like a happy girl to me! Im glad it went well and that the results are what ya were looking for...now ya got no excuses not to be blazing on the thing next time I see ya!
Jeff

**Jim Roberts** · Feb-26-2004, 8:28am

That is one sweet Collings you have, Carolyn, and hope to see it again this summer at the Symposium in Santa Cruz!

**duuuude** · Feb-26-2004, 9:29am

Great to hear, CarolynBeth, so glad it turned out how you wanted, and what a nice guy that Bill Collings is to do that! Definitely looking forward to hearing & seeing the both of you again at the 'Berry.

**carolynbeth** · Feb-26-2004, 11:25am

Hey Jim....so you're going to Santa Cruz too? that's awesome! It'll be great to finally meet face to face ...

duuuude and 'looter, thanks for the comments and I'll certainly pass it around at 'Berry...can't wait! ....you'll have to let me know what you think.

I'm really pleased with how it came out -- what a difference! 'course, now I have one less excuse for why I'm not a better player....

Carolyn

**Michael H Geimer** · Feb-27-2004, 9:37am

Yea! This is all great news. I remember how nervous you were at the idea of someone hacking away at your Collings. I'm glad you finally enjoy the feel of the neck. Also, sounds like you're going to the Festivus this year - spring or fall? (I went for the All Festivus Pass, myself)

Maybe I'll get a chance to play it this year? <g>

- Wild Man Benignus

**carolynbeth** · Mar-01-2004, 11:56pm

Yes, it was a bit nerve-wracking.....I was trying not to imagine the luthier having a big sneeze just as the jig saw cut into the neck...ouch!!!

But it's all over now, my baby's back and better than ever...

So you went for the All Festivus pass eh? you really are a wild man

...I'll be there in the fall -- if all goes according to plan -- so by all means take 'er for a spin!

Carolyn

**G&Cmando** · Mar-02-2004, 12:18am

Carolyn,

Just out of curiosity, who did you have do the work?

Patrick

**carolynbeth** · Mar-02-2004, 12:45am

Greg Mirken at Shade Tree Stringed Instruments. Little mom and pop shop in Laguna Niguel, CA. He's a good guy and very meticulous. He wouldn't touch my mandolin until he talked to Collings first....It took a while for him to get to it, but it was worth the wait!

Carolyn

**mandopete** · Mar-02-2004, 9:14am

Carolyn,

I too have had the same thoughts about my Collings MF-5. I'm curious about the neck, did you have it refinished or is it still bare? I saw Ken Cartwright's black-face MF-5 at Wintergrass and the neck on it appeared to have been re-shaped. Do you know how much material was removed?

**carolynbeth** · Mar-02-2004, 11:44am

Mandopete, the finish on the neck had already been removed by the previous owner -- which made the decision to go forward with the repair a little easier. I've left it bare -- I really like the feel of it, and have gotten used to the look....

The luthier shaved off between 1/32 and 1/16 of an inch, just enough to take the "edge" off. Doesn't seem like much at all, but it really does make a difference, particularly near the nut where the neck was sharpest.

All things considered, it wasn't that complicated or expensive to do, so for me it was well worth it...Good luck with yours!

Carolyn

**VaFrank** · Mar-02-2004, 12:39pm

Carolynbeth:

What didn't you like about the Collings neck?

Frank

**mandopete** · Mar-02-2004, 1:25pm

Carolyn

Thanks for the response! #For me the Collings neck has a very pronounced V-shape, much more than my other 3 mandolins (Flatiron, Smart and Brock). #I've been concerned about this since I bought it and for the most part I'm fairly used to it.

When I pick up one of the other mando's though, they just feel a little more comfortable. #I've played a few that have the finish removed from the back of the neck and I agree that is sometimes preferable, especially if your hands sweat and tend to "stick" to the neck.

My other concern was relative to lowering the value of the instrument. #In speaking with Ken Cartwright he felt that this would not affect the value too much and it appears to be a fairly common modification. #I noticed that David Long had the finish removed from his mandolin when he was here in town.

Looks like I may take the plunge, wish me luck!

**carolynbeth** · Mar-02-2004, 2:56pm

Originally Posted by

What didn't you like about the Collings neck?

Frank

It had a pretty sharp V -- almost keel-shaped, to be honest. Maybe it's just the shape of my hand, or the way I hold the neck, but it just wasn't as comfortable to play as my other mandolin, a Weber -- which also has a V-neck, incidentally, just not as sharp as the Collings. I've heard that the newer Collings' aren't quite as sharp (mine's a few years old), but I haven't played any of them, so can't speak from personal experience....

I noticed your other post on the pro's and con's of V necks. Like most everything about a mandolin (or anything else for that matter) it comes down to personal preference, and what feels comfortable to you. There are many people who prefer V-necks -- obviously, otherwise no one would build them that way -- and others who just get used to it and aren't bothered by it one way or the other. But if you think you might be bothered by a V neck, there are plenty of other mandos to choose from that have rounder necks, so you might be better off with one of those. Hope that helps.

Mandopete, best of luck to you! let us know how it turns out.

Carolyn