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Thread: mandolin comparison of three high class F 5 mandolins

  1. #1
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    Default mandolin comparison of three high class F 5 mandolins

    Hi picking fellows,

    here is a short comparison of a Collings MF 5 deluxe varnish, a Brentrup M 23 varnish and my well worn Collings MF 5.
    I recorded it with a pair of Schoeps MK 4 microphones to a Pendulum MDP-1 preamp. No processing, only pure recorded sound.
    I'm interested what you hear.

    Best,
    Bob

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3ti...A6siAsPOSnaFrg

    Ellis F5 Special Deluxe custom
    Anton Krutz F5
    Lawrence Smart H 5 Mandola
    Gibson K 2 Mandocello
    Northfield mahogany arch top Octave Mandolin

    guitars, banjo, dobro, weissenborn, pedal steel, fretless bass, upright bass

  2. #2
    Registered User Jeff Budz's Avatar
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    Default Re: mandolin comparison of three high class F 5 mandolins

    #3 sounds the best to me! Just a little darker and sweeter. #2 sounds a little buzzy. #1 and #2 are a little midrangey sounding.

  3. #3
    Registered User Eric Hanson's Avatar
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    Default Re: mandolin comparison of three high class F 5 mandolins

    That Brentrup is one POWERFUL mandolin! It seems to project the best, to my ear. Yes a little bit brighter. But in no way do I find it to be harsh to the ear. Just a wonderful sounding mandolin.
    The MF5, #3, does have a nice projection also. The tone is a bit more dark and woody. Definitely the tone of a well played Collings.
    Thank you so much for sharing this with us!
    Eric Hanson
    Click #016/ Born on 2/29/08 - Sold to the next Conservator of this great mandolin!
    The search has ceased! (At least for now)
    Collings A-Style
    White #29R : Oh my!! This one is so AWESOME!!

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  5. #4

    Default Re: mandolin comparison of three high class F 5 mandolins

    Could be the strings, but #2 sounds "jangly" to me and not quite the texture and soul I hear in #3. I also like #1. It has nice tone and character. My picks would be in this order: #3, #1, #2.

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  7. #5
    F5G & MD305 Astro's Avatar
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    Default Re: mandolin comparison of three high class F 5 mandolins

    Doing some serious hair splittin here.

    The biggest difference I hear is the wonderful voice and accent.

    Would you read me a bed time story ?
    No matter where I go, there I am...Unless I'm running a little late.

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  9. #6

    Default Re: mandolin comparison of three high class F 5 mandolins

    Pick the one that sounds the worst to you and send it to me. You won't play it much anyway.
    Silverangel A
    Arches F style kit
    1913 Gibson A-1

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  11. #7
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    Default Re: mandolin comparison of three high class F 5 mandolins

    I liked all three but concur that they were all a bit mid-rangey. Of course that means cutting through the mix in a band. And I also agree that the 2nd was the most powerful. #1 was louder than #3, but #3 had the woodiest tone.

    That's what these old half deaf ears heard.
    Blessings

  12. #8
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    Smile Re: mandolin comparison of three high class F 5 mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by Br1ck View Post
    Pick the one that sounds the worst to you and send it to me. You won't play it much anyway.
    Hey Br1ck,
    two of them are actually for sale - so you can pick the one you like best.
    Ellis F5 Special Deluxe custom
    Anton Krutz F5
    Lawrence Smart H 5 Mandola
    Gibson K 2 Mandocello
    Northfield mahogany arch top Octave Mandolin

    guitars, banjo, dobro, weissenborn, pedal steel, fretless bass, upright bass

  13. #9
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    Default Re: mandolin comparison of three high class F 5 mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by Astro View Post

    Would you read me a bed time story ?
    Why not, if it can be about marvellous mandolins.
    Ellis F5 Special Deluxe custom
    Anton Krutz F5
    Lawrence Smart H 5 Mandola
    Gibson K 2 Mandocello
    Northfield mahogany arch top Octave Mandolin

    guitars, banjo, dobro, weissenborn, pedal steel, fretless bass, upright bass

  14. #10
    formerly Philphool Phil Goodson's Avatar
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    Default Re: mandolin comparison of three high class F 5 mandolins

    Quote Originally Posted by mando-bob View Post
    Hey Br1ck,
    two of them are actually for sale - so you can pick the one you like best.
    But I like the one not for sale.
    Phil

    “Sharps/Flats” “Accidentals”

  15. #11

    Default Re: mandolin comparison of three high class F 5 mandolins

    I most certainly don't want to actually PAY for them. Just keep the case so it looks like you still have it. I can afford a case.
    Silverangel A
    Arches F style kit
    1913 Gibson A-1

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