Collings MT Review
Hi, Everyone:
I'm tickled silly to report that I have acquired Collings MT (#A3335). It is used and was for sale at Hill Country Guitars, where I paid $2,000 for it shipped. I know I probably could have done better on the price here on the Cafe, but the timing was right, so there you have it. Anyone know the year of this mandolin, based on the serial number?
My first impression are WOW! I have played MTs over the years, either in a shop or because a friend had one, and I always liked them very much. I found them to be responsive, comfortable to play, and to have a smooth and loud tone. That's what what A3335 is for sure. This is my first time putting a few hours in on a MT though, and I have lots of observations. I picked it up yesterday at 1 p.m., was practicing with it with my band by 2, gigging with it on the radio by 5, playing another gig by 7, jamming with a friend by 9:30, and picking on it at home util about 1 a.m. So, I got some good time on it for sure.
First, it's very loud and without using much attack at all. The volume is built into the instrument. I was taken aback by the low end, as was my fiddle player buddy, who is also a mando-geek who has played a Summit F for years. It woofs like crazy. It also reaches a kind of sonic breaking point at times if I really focus on pulling the sound out in such a way. That can happen while playing chords or while playing single notes.
I'm finding I have to modify my attack a bit because I'm used to driving a mandolin pretty hard. I attribute this to playing adirondack-topped mandolins for the past few years, but also playing mandolins that weren't made with the same amount of expertise. One exception is the Red Line A5 I am selling, which is a very well-made mandolin. Still, this MT has a combination of responsiveness, playability, tone, and volume that is special. I am going to enjoy getting to know how best to approach it.
It's going to be great playing this mandolin over the next few weeks and months. I play again tonight and play a weekly gig every Wednesday (Zeno's in State College at 7 p.m.). My group, Crooked Line, also has a few festivals this summer, so between those, other gigs here and there, and the weekly gig this MT is going to get worked. I'll try to get on here and give updates as they seem necessary or of interest.
Congrats, Coolings, for making a really great instrument that is still somewhat affordable. The MT is a great idea, and you're pulling it off!
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Originally Posted by Jill McAuley
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