Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 27

Thread: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

  1. #1
    Registered User Doug Brock's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    KC MO
    Posts
    625

    Default Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    I'm planning to buy a used mandolin this week, none of which are where I can play them. (I have about eight candidates from five different stores, lol, but not all candidates are Collings.)

    I'm looking for opinions from players who own or have played a reasonable number of MF and MT2 mandolins. I've played one MF and two MT2's in the past year and liked both models. I do love a scroll, so the MF would have that in its favor, but with the MT2 being the top of the MT family and the MF being the bottom of the F family, am I losing any volume/tone by going with the MF? Am I mainly losing the glossy back and sides as well as the extra binding and headstock inlay? I managed to play an MT2 and an MT in one store last fall and the MT2 did seem to have a more refined tone. Would the MF be closer to the MT?

    Any opinions appreciated! (Unfortunately, I do understand that models vary from instrument to instrument, but I keep reading that Collings seem to be pretty consistent.)
    Doug Brock
    2018 Kimble 2 point (#259), Eastman MD315, Eastman MDA315, some guitars, banjos, and fiddles

  2. #2
    man about town Markus's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Madison, Wisconsin
    Posts
    1,970
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    Not sure about the MF vs MT2 but I bought a used MT2 a year ago and absolutely love it.

    Significantly better than the new MTs locally IMO, esp in the upper registers.

    Tried it out at the same time as one of Ken's and it had such presence and cut in jams that it was the one I kept. Very happy with the call as I have found a lot of great tone.

  3. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Markus For This Useful Post:


  4. #3

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    Don’t at least some of the higher end MTs feature European spruce? That and cooked tops will affect tone. I’ve played the range of MFs many times at Gryphon, and there has always seemed to me to be a very slight something extra as you go up the line. Subtle but there. But the power of the scroll is strong and I’d have no problem with an MF.
    Silverangel A
    Arches F style kit
    1913 Gibson A-1

  5. The following members say thank you to Br1ck for this post:


  6. #4
    man about town Markus's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Madison, Wisconsin
    Posts
    1,970
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    Quote Originally Posted by Br1ck View Post
    Don’t at least some of the higher end MTs feature European spruce?
    Yes. Mine is billed as `Italian'. It's really something, esp now that it's been properly broken in.
    Collings MT2
    Breedlove OF
    Ellie eMando
    Schmergl Devastator

  7. #5
    Registered User Mike Romkey's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Bettendorf, Iowa
    Posts
    525
    Blog Entries
    9

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    My advice is go for the MT2. They're fine instruments. I had one and miss it. I bought a used MF online a few years back expecting it to be equal or better than the MT2. I was disappointed in the tone and traded it away. I have a Pava Player (kind of an A5 design, I think) and I've been playing it a lot lately. You'll get more tone for your money in that price range with a good A, probably.
    '20 Ellis A5 Tradition, '09 Gilchrist Model 1, “July 9” Red Diamond F-5, '12 Duff F-5, '19 Collings MT2, ’24 A2-Z, ’24 F-2, '13 Collings mandola, '82 D-35, Gibson Keb Mo. http://www.bucktownrevue.com

  8. #6
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Saint Augustine Beach FL
    Posts
    6,633

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    That MF-GT at mando Mutt looks pretty sweet. I saw you put an add inquiring about used Ellis A styles, looks like two popped up in the classifieds recently.

    Good hunting!
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  9. The following members say thank you to Charles E. for this post:


  10. #7
    Registered User Nick Gellie's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Orgiva, Spain
    Posts
    1,438

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    I would go with the MT2

    I am finally getting my used MT2 after it spending three months in Barajas warehouse with ADTPostales in Madrid. Boy did I have to lots of phone calls and messages on their message board before it was finally cleared for delivery. I am still to wait for it clear the coronavirus affected area of Madrid before it head finally into the country. Have to be careful with corona virus latching onto cardboard boxes - they can last there for up to 24 hours. It may take that long to get to me anyway. Precaution is better than a cure so they say. Will be handling it carefully. Don't watch to catch no coronavirus. No sirree!
    Nic Gellie

  11. #8
    Registered User Mike Romkey's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Bettendorf, Iowa
    Posts
    525
    Blog Entries
    9

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    You were looking for an Ellis? Then think about the Pavas as well. (Which I referred to above.) I had an Ellis A for a while in the catch-and-release program. It was nice but not the sound I was going for at the time. The Pavas come out of the Ellis shop. I can't honestly tell you what the difference is between the two beside the name.
    '20 Ellis A5 Tradition, '09 Gilchrist Model 1, “July 9” Red Diamond F-5, '12 Duff F-5, '19 Collings MT2, ’24 A2-Z, ’24 F-2, '13 Collings mandola, '82 D-35, Gibson Keb Mo. http://www.bucktownrevue.com

  12. The following members say thank you to Mike Romkey for this post:


  13. #9
    Registered User Mike Romkey's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Bettendorf, Iowa
    Posts
    525
    Blog Entries
    9

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    Feast your eyes. NOT FOR SALE! PM me if you'd like a sound file. (Not sure how I managed to post three versions of one photo.)

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Pava Player.jpg 
Views:	258 
Size:	1.22 MB 
ID:	184443Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Pava Player.jpg 
Views:	258 
Size:	1.22 MB 
ID:	184443Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Pava Player.jpg 
Views:	258 
Size:	1.22 MB 
ID:	184443
    '20 Ellis A5 Tradition, '09 Gilchrist Model 1, “July 9” Red Diamond F-5, '12 Duff F-5, '19 Collings MT2, ’24 A2-Z, ’24 F-2, '13 Collings mandola, '82 D-35, Gibson Keb Mo. http://www.bucktownrevue.com

  14. The following members say thank you to Mike Romkey for this post:


  15. #10
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Saint Augustine Beach FL
    Posts
    6,633

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    How goes the search Doug? Have you narrowed it down?
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  16. #11
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Oct 2018
    Location
    Southern Indiana
    Posts
    21

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    I have a Collings MT torrified and love it. I went Nashville to get an MF and walked out of Carter’s with a Northfield F5s instead, it just felt and sounded better and was way less expensive.
    Northfield Big Mon
    Collings Parlor 1T
    Breedlove Legacy Concertino
    PRS JA-15
    PRS S2 McCarty 594 Slimline
    Emerald X7
    Emerald X10 Slimline
    Rainsong Black Ice
    Collings I30

  17. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Rashi63 For This Useful Post:


  18. #12

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    I am curious. You indicate that you like the Northfield more than the MF you checked out. How does your Northfield compare with your MT torrified? Or is it apples and oranges - i.e. both good in their own way?

    Quote Originally Posted by Rashi63 View Post
    I have a Collings MT torrified and love it. I went Nashville to get an MF and walked out of Carter’s with a Northfield F5s instead, it just felt and sounded better and was way less expensive.

  19. #13
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Saint Augustine Beach FL
    Posts
    6,633

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    I had the same experience last year at Avenue Guitars in Colorado. Played a beautiful quilted Collings F-5 (10 K if I remember) then played a Northfield F-5. The Northfield had tone in spades over the Collings. I did not buy either one as I already own a Girouard.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  20. #14
    Registered User Doug Brock's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    KC MO
    Posts
    625

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    Quote Originally Posted by Charles E. View Post
    How goes the search Doug? Have you narrowed it down?
    It was TOUGH! So many tempting choices. I ended up buying a two point Kimble.
    Doug Brock
    2018 Kimble 2 point (#259), Eastman MD315, Eastman MDA315, some guitars, banjos, and fiddles

  21. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Doug Brock For This Useful Post:


  22. #15
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Saint Augustine Beach FL
    Posts
    6,633

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    Good on you!!! Enjoy.

    Oh, when you get it, we want pics and sound clips.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  23. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Charles E. For This Useful Post:


  24. #16
    Registered User Denman John's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Denman Island, BC Canada
    Posts
    663

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    Quote Originally Posted by Doug Brock View Post
    It was TOUGH! So many tempting choices. I ended up buying a two point Kimble.
    I think you’ll be very happy with the Kimble! I’m amazed that the Kimble at Greg Boyd’s is still there ~ it’s a wonderful sounding and playing mandolin at a great price. If I were in the market for a great F ...
    ... not all those who wander are lost ...

  25. The following members say thank you to Denman John for this post:


  26. #17
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Oct 2018
    Location
    Southern Indiana
    Posts
    21

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    Quote Originally Posted by ABmando View Post
    I am curious. You indicate that you like the Northfield more than the MF you checked out. How does your Northfield compare with your MT torrified? Or is it apples and oranges - i.e. both good in their own way?
    Great question. They are "different." There is something very special about the terrified MT - from the beautiful Maple and finish to the smell and the notes seem to explode off the soundboard.
    Northfield Big Mon
    Collings Parlor 1T
    Breedlove Legacy Concertino
    PRS JA-15
    PRS S2 McCarty 594 Slimline
    Emerald X7
    Emerald X10 Slimline
    Rainsong Black Ice
    Collings I30

  27. #18
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Saint Augustine Beach FL
    Posts
    6,633

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    Quote Originally Posted by Denman John View Post
    I think you’ll be very happy with the Kimble! I’m amazed that the Kimble at Greg Boyd’s is still there ~ it’s a wonderful sounding and playing mandolin at a great price. If I were in the market for a great F ...
    Just went to their website, don't see it listed.

    Doug, is that the one you bought?
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  28. #19
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Fort Lauderdale, FL
    Posts
    3,859

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    Quote Originally Posted by Charles E. View Post
    Just went to their website, don't see it listed.

    Doug, is that the one you bought?
    It’s this one: https://gregboyd.com/product/2006-wi...ersari-2-of-5/
    1924 Gibson A Snakehead
    2005 National RM-1
    2007 Hester A5
    2009 Passernig A5
    2015 Black A2-z
    2010 Black GBOM
    2017 Poe Scout
    2014 Smart F-Style Mandola
    2018 Vessel TM5
    2019 Hogan F5

  29. The following members say thank you to pheffernan for this post:


  30. #20
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Saint Augustine Beach FL
    Posts
    6,633

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    Sorry about that, missed the reference to the F. My brain was still on the two point.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  31. #21
    Registered User Doug Brock's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    KC MO
    Posts
    625

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    Quote Originally Posted by Charles E. View Post
    Just went to their website, don't see it listed.

    Doug, is that the one you bought?
    I bought it from The Music Emporium. Doesn’t show sold, but is scheduled for delivery tomorrow.
    https://themusicemporium.com/mandoli...two-point-2018
    Doug Brock
    2018 Kimble 2 point (#259), Eastman MD315, Eastman MDA315, some guitars, banjos, and fiddles

  32. #22

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    that is because they are such a good store, they are making sure you are happy when you receive it. (You may have to wait before opening!)

    Quote Originally Posted by Doug Brock View Post
    I bought it from The Music Emporium. Doesn’t show sold, but is scheduled for delivery tomorrow.
    https://themusicemporium.com/mandoli...two-point-2018

  33. The following members say thank you to ABmando for this post:


  34. #23
    Registered User Denman John's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Denman Island, BC Canada
    Posts
    663

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    Quote Originally Posted by Doug Brock View Post
    I bought it from The Music Emporium. Doesn’t show sold, but is scheduled for delivery tomorrow.
    https://themusicemporium.com/mandoli...two-point-2018
    That is a beautiful looking mandolin! I’m looking forward to hearing your impressions when you get it.
    ... not all those who wander are lost ...

  35. The following members say thank you to Denman John for this post:


  36. #24
    Registered User Doug Brock's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    KC MO
    Posts
    625

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    Quote Originally Posted by ABmando View Post
    that is because they are such a good store, they are making sure you are happy when you receive it. (You may have to wait before opening!)
    I was quite impressed with my experience so far (and their photography is simply amazing! I never tire of looking through the images of their instruments).
    Doug Brock
    2018 Kimble 2 point (#259), Eastman MD315, Eastman MDA315, some guitars, banjos, and fiddles

  37. #25

    Default Re: Collings MT2 vs MF-GT?

    Good point about the photography! Check out the photography on my MT2-V I bought from Music Emporium: https://themusicemporium.com/mandoli...pruce-wide-nut

    Quote Originally Posted by Doug Brock View Post
    I was quite impressed with my experience so far (and their photography is simply amazing! I never tire of looking through the images of their instruments).

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •