GHS A240 are decent but reasonably priced sets. Better strings for bowlbacks are Dogal Calace RW92b Dolce. Medium strings will destroy these lightly...
In 1983, Flatiron announced their carved instruments. I traveled to Mandolin Brothers to try out the two A-5s they had. One was A5-1 and the fancier...
So, when you played the Collings mandolin for the first time, what did you think? If you loved it, go for it. As Mary noted above, they are in demand...
As I noted above, we can discuss this until we are all blue in the face. IMHO there is probably something of a slight changing in the wood structure...
This will be an argument that will never be settled. Just check for the number of threads on the subject. No difference whether a mandolin or violin...