View Full Version : Collings blacktop MF
Scott Tichenor
Apr-29-2004, 4:23pm
Just stopped by Mass Street Music for the first time in awhile. They have what they believe is the first blacktop MF (http://www.massstreetmusic.com/catalog/show_indv.cgi?item=01936&img=1). It doesn't photo very well, but gosh, what a sound. Unusual, cool, thought everyone might enjoy a peek. It won't last long and I certainly don't mean to help sell it... not that it'll need help.
mandopete
Apr-29-2004, 5:01pm
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
I'm not totally familiar with the Collings mandolin product line, but I have seen a black topped MF-5. #This one belongs to Ken Cartwright and I took this picture at the mando tasting at Wintergrass.
jim simpson
Apr-29-2004, 5:07pm
Scott,
Thanks for the tempation. I love black tops. I recently tried the MF and was really smitten. I wonder if this will be offered as an option?
I think it would be cool if Gibson offered the F-9 with this option. I don't believe it would be a copy cat move as they have a long history of black topped mandos.
Cripes!! Thanks a lot, Scott. I'm already practically ready to leave the wife and kids for an MF... now THIS! Arrrghhhhhhh......
mandopete
Apr-29-2004, 5:26pm
Hey Zeek - nice cut on your link, sounds good!
Now that's one fine lookin' STRAP on dat der mandolin, yes sir!
Scotti Adams
Apr-29-2004, 6:29pm
..yea Alan..the MF really sets it off doesnt it?
grsnovi
Apr-29-2004, 6:32pm
A matte finish black top will show EVERY fingerprint!!
Ditto what Mandopete said.
Mandobar
Apr-29-2004, 8:52pm
i have a variety of "blacktop" instruments and believe it or not the gloss tops show more fingerprints than a varnish or flat finish.
Scott Tichenor
Apr-29-2004, 9:04pm
I'm not totally familiar with the Collings mandolin product line, but I have seen a black topped MF-5. #This one belongs to Ken Cartwright and I took this picture at the mando tasting at Wintergrass.
Yes, that was purchased by my friend Jim Roberts locally and eventually sold to Ken. MF-5 and MF are not the same product from Collings. Plenty of blacktop MF-5s, but this should be the first MF. Minor diff, but just pointing that out for clarity. This page (http://www.collingsguitars.com/mandolins.htm) on the Collings web site describes the differences.
grsnovi
Apr-29-2004, 9:12pm
I don't know, I looked long and hard at my MF tonight and just can not imagine it with a black top...
mandopete
Apr-30-2004, 11:23am
I'm not totally familiar with the Collings mandolin product line, but I have seen a black topped MF-5. #This one belongs to Ken Cartwright and I took this picture at the mando tasting at Wintergrass.
Yes, that was purchased by my friend Jim Roberts locally and eventually sold to Ken. MF-5 and MF are not the same product from Collings. Plenty of blacktop MF-5s, but this should be the first MF. Minor diff, but just pointing that out for clarity. This page (http://www.collingsguitars.com/mandolins.htm) on the Collings web site describes the differences.
Yeah, noticed the binding was different right away and assumed that this must be a different model. I think the names MF and MF-5 could be a bit confusing tho'
delsbrother
Apr-30-2004, 2:42pm
I think it would be cool if Gibson offered the F-9 with this option.
According to Dale, they already have:
http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin....=14887; (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=12;t=14887;)
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
ericwall
Apr-30-2004, 4:15pm
I was fortunate to play this a Ken's shop a few months ago and it really is a killer. The neck (if I remember) has the lacquer removed and the sound is loud. I mean loud- but clear. It has all the makings of a real hoss. I just couldn't make up my mind as the price was a bit too high for me and I hadn't pictured myself with a backfaced instrument (no idea why). But a great instrument nonetheless (as all Collings appear to be).
Best,
Eric
Hey Zeek - nice cut on your link, sounds good!
Thank ya much, mandopete! I gotta get my banjer picker over and get him on the track.
Mando Medic
May-02-2004, 2:44pm
Too late to drool about the black top MF-5 at my shop. Just before Wintergrass I adopted it and have been playing it non stop. It is a wonderful instrument. I keep a flannel cloth in the case to wipe it off when I finish playing and it keeps fingerprints off. I heard Mike Conroy from Montana playing a MF5 and knew it would be a great replacement mandoling for me after having to sell my MM. Thanks to Jim Roberts for making it possible for me to have a great instrument. Kenc