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Thread: Introducing the New Collings MT Torrefied

  1. #1
    Administrator Mandolin Cafe's Avatar
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    Default 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.



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  3. #2

    Default Re: Introducing the New Collings MT Torrefied

    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.
    "your posts ... very VERY opinionated ...basing your opinion/recommendations ... pot calling ...kettle... black...sarcasm...comment ...unwarranted...unnecessary...."

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    Registered User mtucker's Avatar
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    Default Re: Introducing the New Collings MT Torrefied

    What's not to like about that! Thanks for sharing.
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    Default Re: Introducing the New Collings MT Torrefied

    Wow.. it sounds fantastic!
    Follow the Flatt Stanley Incident on Facebook

    Listen to original tune "When You Fly" by my old band The Kindreds

  7. #5
    rock in rôle Paul Statman's Avatar
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    Thumbs up Re: Introducing the New Collings MT Torrefied

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

  8. #6

    Default Re: Introducing the New Collings MT Torrefied

    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.

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  10. #7

    Default Re: Introducing the New Collings MT Torrefied

    Putting my mandolin in the oven now...

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  12. #8

    Default Re: Introducing the New Collings MT Torrefied

    Quote Originally Posted by OldSausage View Post
    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?

  13. #9

    Default Re: Introducing the New Collings MT Torrefied

    Quote Originally Posted by OldSausage View Post
    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......

  14. #10
    rock in rôle Paul Statman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Introducing the New Collings MT Torrefied

    Quote Originally Posted by KMaynard View Post
    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!
    Last edited by Paul Statman; Aug-09-2018 at 10:20am.

  15. #11

    Default Re: Introducing the New Collings MT Torrefied

    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.

  16. #12

    Default Re: Introducing the New Collings MT Torrefied

    Quote Originally Posted by Ancient View Post
    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
    "your posts ... very VERY opinionated ...basing your opinion/recommendations ... pot calling ...kettle... black...sarcasm...comment ...unwarranted...unnecessary...."

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  18. #13
    rock in rôle Paul Statman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Introducing the New Collings MT Torrefied

    Quote Originally Posted by Mandobar View Post
    Frank Wakefield
    That sounds about right!

  19. #14

    Default Re: Introducing the New Collings MT Torrefied

    Ron, it appears the top upgrade will be about $250.
    "your posts ... very VERY opinionated ...basing your opinion/recommendations ... pot calling ...kettle... black...sarcasm...comment ...unwarranted...unnecessary...."

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  21. #15
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    Default Re: Introducing the New Collings MT Torrefied

    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.

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  23. #16
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    Default Re: Introducing the New Collings MT Torrefied

    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.
    Chris Cravens

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  24. #17
    Registered User Al Trujillo's Avatar
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    Default Re: Introducing the New Collings MT Torrefied

    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?

  25. #18

    Default Re: Introducing the New Collings MT Torrefied

    Great clip above!

  26. #19

    Default Re: Introducing the New Collings MT Torrefied

    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.
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