Apitius or Collings?

[Jdavani]

Which mandolin should I get if I don't have a chance to hear either. I'm interested in the mf5 and apitius' vanguard and classic models

Though I haven't played mandolin in years, I just want to get back into it. Would I be making a bad decision by going with one of these expensive models?

[MikeEdgerton]

You wouldn't make a mistake going with either. Obviously if your considering these you have the financial resources. I don't know how long the waiting period is for one from Oliver. That's about the only thing that would influence my decision if it was me.

[Eric Hanson]

FWIW
I have not ever played an Apitius, but I do have a 2009 Collings MT2V. It has a Red Spruce top and hard maple back. The fit and finish are quite remarkable. Tone is warm, but powerful. It responds well to both a light touch in the evening, and a hard pounding to pull out the strong Chords when desired.
I would be VERY hardpressed to ever part with it.
I would say you wouldn’t go wrong having either of them.

[Jdavani]

Do you think there's a difference in the collings mandos that were made in 2009 and the ones made now?

[Steve Ostrander]

They are both great mandolins, but I would never spend the kind of money you are talking about without hearing and playing. Because I would always wonder....

[Jdavani]

well apitius would have to make it and the closest shop that has any good mandolins is a 5 hour drive away

[Michael Neverisky]

Though I haven't played mandolin in years, I just want to get back into it. Would I be making a bad decision by going with one of these expensive models?

My $.02, buy a used Collings which will hold it's value if things don't work out. I observed recently that my Collings has a retail price today which is $1k higher than when it was purchased.

[Jdavani]

yeah but don't you think the same can happen with apitius? and why do you think collings would still go up?

[Tom Sanderson]

I think that the new Collings come with the Collings vintage style cases. That could be the reason for the increased price as the new cases are about $800. .

[dorenac]

Just another opinion. One of the best sounding mandolins I've heard among many is the Apitius that belongs/belonged? to Pete Frostic, formerly of Old School Freight Train. As I say I don't know if he still owns it or not, but it certainly stood out to my ears when I listened to that band. If you can get a chance to hear them you will hear what I mean.

[Jdavani]

https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/125275#125275

What do you guys think of this?

[Northwest Steve]

Can't really help you with your decision but that mandolin is gorgeous. I like the fact it has something different and subtle for the inlay. My Grandparents were wheat farmers so always thought if I ever had a mandolin built I might like to have a wheat inlay. Here is a varnish Collings that seems like a decent price -
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/126083#126083

And to confuse you more this Duff seems to be a good value?
https://www.mandolincafe.com/ads/125071#125071

[Scott R]

I was at Carters in Nashville yesterday and played an incredible variety of Mandolins. Every Collings was consistently good, so I don’t think you can go wrong with a Collings in any way shape or form. Buy used and your investment is secure.

That said, the one mandolin that surprised me was the Apitus that is currently in stock at Carters. Amazing tone and sustain.

I wouldn’t buy a Mandolin that expensive without playing it for hours—I think a 5 hour drive is a solid investment of your time

[Jdavani]

I was looking at that apitius online. do you think it was as good as an mf5?

[Jdavani]

oh now i can't decide between two collings and an apitius lol

[Mandobar]

I think that the new Collings come with the Collings vintage style cases. That could be the reason for the increased price as the new cases are about $800. .

The new case comes with f hole models only (but not MTs), and is $500 with new instrument purchase. What Michael states is true though. You used to be able to but a new gloss-top MTO for $2450 when they first came out. Now they are well over $3k.

As for pricing, there is a clear expectation of 10% off list on new Collings instruments (although there are dealers who in their desperation will bend the rules, however I know Collings frowns on this and has taken action on some). While it’s not 100%, this affords the brand a fairly expectation on used models. As always, there are exceptions. It’s a strong brand, and some models are fairly scarce. That said, a dealer will take a Collings mandolin in trade on most transactions, which is more than can be said for other brands. Consequently you can generally predict what you will get on resale and or trade. This has been my personal observation over the last 10+ years.

[Jdavani]

and what's the difference between a mf5 and a mf5v? is it just the varnish? and what makes the collings deluxe? the pickguard?

[Mandobar]

And mf5 is lacquer, the mf5v is varnished and comes standard with a pickguard.

[Scott R]

I bought my first mandolin sight unseen, and loved it. After playing dozens of other instruments, I realize now how darn lucky I was that was the case.

Best advice in this thread so far is to go play them. Being in the store and willing to buy an instrument like this is also handy for seeing how much a shop might work with you to make a sale. If you want to save on the sales tax, you can always have them ship it home to you...

[Jdavani]

what's the difference between lacquer and varnish?

[Michael Neverisky]

If you want to save on the sales tax, you can always have them ship it home to you...

Only, I think, if your home state does not collect sales tax. Like my home state of New Hampshire.

My open offer to the forum: feel free to ship all new mandolins to my house!

[Chuck Leyda]

If I had over 5k to spend I would take the 5 hour trip.

[mandroid]

I think Aptius is Canadien, are you there?

[Mandobar]

what's the difference between lacquer and varnish?

These are questions that can only really be answered by playing these models in person.

[MissingString]

I fully concur that the 5-hour drive is well worth the investment.

Just to add to the difficult decision, I own a Collings MF5-V and to me it is really a spectacular instrument. It calls me to play daily and is quite difficult to put down. Fit & finish, playability and sound are all there. If a herd of buffalo ran through our town and trampled said instrument, I would not hesitate to purchase exactly the same mandolin again (after much saving).

As far as Apitius goes, David Benedict plays one in recent times and he sounds incredible with it (live and studio). I'm sure 99% of that tone is David's skill and taste but his endorsement of Apitius says an awful lot to me. I'm sure you can't go wrong here, good luck.