Opinions please

[Mark53]

I have been looking for a mando. The Gibson F-5G and the Collings MF are pretty much in my price range. Any opinions or experience with either of these?

Is the F-5G as good as the F-5 Fern? If I had my way , the Fern is the way I would go, but, after the reality check the other models are more realistic for me.

Thanks for the help.

[mandoJeremy]

Hi Mark, the F-5G is a great mandolin but if you really want a Fern check out this one on Ebay that ends soon. I think it is in your price range.Gibson (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10179&item=3746451109&rd=1)

[Yellowmandolin]

I have an F5-G and love it. I also have played a few Ferns and Collings. The tone in the others is really bright. I liked the collins better then the Fern though. I really like the mellow tone in the F5-G and the great chop. The Fern and Collings did not seem to have the depth in the chop as the F5-G, but I'm sure that indevidual instruments are different.