Introducing the New Collings MT Torrefied

Collings just sent out this email to their list subscribers, sharing word for word. Customer gallery images here.

Introducing the New MT Torrefied

We’re excited to announce torrefied Sitka spruce as our newest tonewood offering for our popular MT series. We’ve experimented with a number of torrefied woods over the years and have found Sitka spruce to be an excellent fit for this instrument, creating an impressive balance of openness, projection and solid midrange warmth with a dry, woody tonal character. It provides an extremely quick response for softer, more delicate passages, yet offers plenty of head room to dig in for a throaty, bluegrass bark.

Sometimes informally referred to as "baked" tonewoods, the thermal process of torrefaction changes the structural composition of the wood by crystalizing the resins within. This effectively hardens the material while also reducing the overall weight. These structural changes happen naturally over time as wood ages, which many believe to contribute to the tonal character of cherished vintage instruments. While we believe there is no “magic bullet” for great tone, we’re having a hard time containing our excitement for this particular combination.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLUc...ature=youtu.be

Attachment 170091

I have the one that was sent to TME. It is eye opening for sure. The tone is very dry, with less overtones than a standard MT and even an MT2 with Adirondack. Very very cool.

What's not to like about that! Thanks for sharing.

Wow.. it sounds fantastic!

Yet another home run for the folks at Collings, and Yum..

I just took delivery of a brand new Collings MT2V with torrefied Adirondack top and I can definitely say there really is something great about the torrefaction process on tone wood. It's hard to describe the tonal differences, but a more mature sound comes to mind. As said above, less overtones and clearly focused pure notes. The mandolin feels alive and the G and D strings when played, you can feel the vibrations in your gut and the sustain seems to never stop. Also, up the neck on the A and E strings is just so clear and melodic. I'm normally a sceptic when it comes to these "gimmicks" as I've called them in the past, but the first time I played this one was an eye opener. I'll go on record saying there's really something to this torrefaction process applied to tone wood. I'm no longer a sceptic but a firm believer.

Putting my mandolin in the oven now...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by OldSausage

Putting my mandolin in the oven now...

---

Remember not to overdo the garlic.

It's a gorgeous instrument, and the quality of the sound on the video clip is fantastic. Does anyone know what this model is set to retail for?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by OldSausage

Putting my mandolin in the oven now...

---

Remember, you'll have to find a way to have no oxygen in the oven when baking or you'll cremate your mandolin and then you'll have to find an appropriate vase for the ashes. Decisions decisions......

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KMaynard

I'm no longer a sceptic but a firm believer.

---

Thanks, KMaynard. It it is true, then: The proof of the pudding is in the eating!

I think there is a mandolin player that put his mandolins in the oven.
Remember reading an article years ago but can’t recall his name.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ancient

I think there is a mandolin player that put his mandolins in the oven.
Remember reading an article years ago but can’t recall his name.

---

Frank Wakefield

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mandobar

Frank Wakefield

---

That sounds about right!

Ron, it appears the top upgrade will be about $250.

I spent a few minutes playing a new Collings MT Torrefied at Gryphon today. I think the descriptions on the Collings and Gryphon websites are accurate so I won't repeat but I will say it's a pretty special sounding mandolin and if I was in the market I would strongly consider one. Amazing sound for the price. NFI etc.

The torrefied process has been around for a while, with many guitar builders utilizing it.

Why did it take so long to be utilized by mandolin builders? Regardless, glad to see it finally has. Luddites not withstanding..

Count on Collings to be innovators, yet again.

It sounds incredible! My next mandolin will be an oval-hole. Anyone know whether the torrefication works equally as well one an O vs F-hole?

Great clip above!

I never paid torrefied wood much attention, but when looking for the old J 45 tone for less money, the only new guitar that came anywhere close was the J45 vintage. In fact I upped my budget because of it. Ended up the runner up to the 65 Epiphone Texan I bought. So count me a believer.