So I felt there weren’t enough videos of the waterloo wl-m mandolin online.
I took one for the team and the mandolin community; I purchased the waterloo from the Mandolin Store. As always, purchasing from them went smoothly and the price was right.
The mandolin showed up yesterday. It is beautiful with immaculate construction, as to be expected from a Collings instrument.
I wanted a travel / campfire mandolin so that if it got stolen or broken I wouldn’t be too upset.
My impression of playing this mandolin:
It is certainly different than a modern mandolin.
The neck is fairly bulky and reminds me of an old Gibson but more comfortable. I think it’s because of the V shape .
The string spacing is wider than what I am used to. It makes it easier to play single notes. I could see how this would be good for Irish and old time sessions.
The sound is round. You can definitely strum this mandolin and get away with it. I was surprised with the tone. It is completely subjective but the notes are clear and loud. The highs have a sweet tone. The midds are strong and the lows are not overwhelming.
If playing the blues it sounds like it would have been used in an old jug band. It also can produce beautiful tone and clarity while playing fiddle tunes.
It has all of the appeal of an old instrument with the benefits of reliable, solid construction. It feels so well made. It’s a loud instrument. I would like to hear how this will hold up in a jam. It’s louder than I expected .
It is fairly comfortable to play. Takes a little getting use to the flat back and top along with the string spacing but I got used to it pretty quick.
All in all, very happy. It scratches that itch and is a nice addition to my collection.
Here’s some iPhone Video.
https://youtu.be/Ybcu2S99EZY
https://youtu.be/Td8_w_PJQDo
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