GHS A240 are decent but reasonably priced sets. Better strings for bowlbacks are Dogal Calace RW92b Dolce. Medium strings will destroy these lightly...
In 1983, Flatiron announced their carved instruments. I traveled to Mandolin Brothers to try out the two A-5s they had. One was A5-1 and the fancier...
Let us know how it works out. I actually stick a piece of thick stick-on felt in a line under the cover. It won't slide down all the way but it stops...
So, when you played the Collings mandolin for the first time, what did you think? If you loved it, go for it. As Mary noted above, they are in demand...
As I noted above, we can discuss this until we are all blue in the face. IMHO there is probably something of a slight changing in the wood structure...