Collings love

[mandocaster]

I know that some people say that Collings mandolins are built by soulless robots, but my MF-5V has a lot of soul. I particularly love the sweetness of the high register, the cut of the middle, and the thump of the lows. I assume there are a few fans out there? Their least expensive A model sounds amazing, as well.

[JeffD]

I have loved every Collings I have tried. I especially like the MT.

Actually I have yet to meet anyone who didn't like Collings mandolins, and if the reviews on here are any indication there are many who love them.

[JeffD]

And you have a real beauty there.

[Mike Bunting]

I know that some people say that Collings mandolins are built by soulless robots,

I've never heard that. Who says that?

[JeffD]

The Collings MT is the one f hole mandolin that, to my ears, closely resembled the sound of an oval hole. I was in Pickers Supply, in Fredericksburg VA, and heard someone playing on a mandolin. Thought it was an oval hole and was surprised to see it wasn't. I then tried an MT, and, its a real real nice instrument.

[mandocaster]

I've never heard that. Who says that?

Well, swipes are made at the CNC stuff.

[Russ Donahue]

I've had reason to talk with folks at Collings of late and found them to be quite proud of their work and exceptional in terms of customer service.

The MT I own has the voice of an angel, and I enjoy the same experience that Jeff describes above every time I pick her up to play...

[Stok]

I love the collings mando sound. Not that big of a fan of their guitars actually. But a collings mandolin is probably what I'm gonna buy when ever I feel like I've gotten good enough to deserve one, I guess it's my dream mandolin, I want one very similar to yours

[Caleb]

Collings is my dream mandolin (someday!), and having taken their factory tour, I can tell you for sure there is plenty of soul involved. Lots of bench time and talent involved every step of the way. It actually looks like a very cool place to work and be a part of. I was there over two hours, was treated very well, and didn't really want to leave.

And, beautiful mandolin, by the way, mandocaster!

[F-2 Dave]

I love my MT.

[Michael Weaver]

Yeah using a CNC machine to take the grunt work out doesn't seem soulless to me. I think if most guys could get their hands on a CNC machine I don't think they would say that. It still leaves a ton for the luthier to do....but less than not having one. I've never seen a CNC machine that built an instrument by itself. It's also a lot more accurate allowing for persistence. Every Collings I have played I have liked. I'm sure yours wouldn't be any different.

Edit: by the way. I have heard the exact same thing.

[Douglas McMullin]

I have never played a Collings mandolin, guitar or uke that I didn't like.

[Bradley]

That is a beautiful instrument and will hold its own with anything made today or yesterday. For my ear some of the lower end Collings are too bright but when you start getting to the MF5 and above everyone I have played is flawless and sound great. Collings mandolins deserve more recognition and I believe they will get it when a few Pro players are seen with them. Look at what Steffey did for Northfield and Daley, he put them on the map big time.

[bassthumper]

Although I have'nt advertised it yet.... health issues dictate I sell my Collings MF.... it's one of the earlier (older) Collings and has been described as a BEAST... it deserves new strings and someone to play the taters out of it on a regular basis.... before I put her in the classifieds perhaps one of ya'll may be...or know someone who may be interested... presently I'm in a hospitol and the MF is safely guarded in another state... logistics could be overcome.... let me know...

[oldwave]

Beautiful instrument, they are exquisitely made and are very responsive. I love my birds eye maple MT-2, I plan on buying an Mf-5 to match it some day. You are a lucky man.

[yankees1]

Thank Tom Ellis as this is where Mr Collings learned to make mandolins !

[devildog]

+1 on loving my lefty MT. Wonderful construction, sound and action. My second one. The first was wide nut and I prefer the standard width i have now.

[Zissou Intern]

Well, actually, I believe you can thank Mike "Nugget" Kemnitzer, for it is he who mentored Bill Collings through the initial mandolin building process. Nugget also helped Bill get all the spec's dialed into his CNC machines and hand built the first two prototypes for the Tim O' Signature models.

[Mandobar]

Thank Tom Ellis as this is where Mr Collings learned to make mandolins !

I've heard different stories, Nugget, Kimble, ……now Ellis.

[StevieBGoode]

My wife and I took the Collings shop tour a few weeks ago. Didn't see any soulless robots. Saw some CNC machines and a large number of skilled craftspersons.

-- Steve

[ellisppi]

When Bill started to develop the Collings mandolin, he did consult with Nugget, Gilchrist and Kimble. As most of you know, he spent 6 years working in my shop beside me 1980-86, but I don't how much he learned from me, probably how NOT to do it.

[John Soper]

I'd put a smiley on my thanks if I could... you do a lot that's right.

[Russ Jordan]

The first Collings mandolins were sold in 1999. On Kimble website, Will says he started building in 2000. How much Kimble input into Collings mandolin development could there have been?

[Ivan Kelsall]

For some folks,the mere thought of having anything other than human hands doing all the work doesn't gel. Similar thoughts have from time to time been levelled at Bruce Weber's outfit. I'd still think my Weber "Fern" sounded superb if most of the work had been done by CNC milling - it's the end result that counts,not the process whereby it gets there !. Your Collings looks like a super instrument,as have been the few Colling' i've seen myself - enjoy it & forget what the 'detractors' say,
Ivan

[pheffernan]

The Collings MT is the one f hole mandolin that, to my ears, closely resembled the sound of an oval hole. I was in Pickers Supply, in Fredericksburg VA, and heard someone playing on a mandolin. Thought it was an oval hole and was surprised to see it wasn't. I then tried an MT, and, its a real real nice instrument.

That observation interests me because the Collings MT was my gateway drug to the world of f-holes. Coming from a guitar background, but not a bluegrass one, I started off with familiar flattop constructions and oval holes; even when I was ready to make a more significant purchase, I focused on a vintage Gibson and found my snakehead. I bought the Colings more out of curiosity, comforting myself that I had a lengthy approval period, but by the time that date arrived, there was no way I was returning it.