Collings MF5 O Mandolin

The MF5 O is Collings' fully appointed oval hole F-style model. The larger oval sound hole and extra mass of the F-style body produce rich and vibrant tone that is well suited for jazz, swing, classical, celtic and old-time styles. With a high gloss lacquer finish and elegant curves, this mandolin is a class act.

Why am I carrying mandolins at CR Guitars? Well, I personally love mandolins, and I have found that there are many guitarists out there who also play (or would love to play) mandolin, but in general feel frustrated by the mandolins that are available. Guitarists have come to expect a certain level of playability, a perfection in the set up and intonation of their instrument. That said, to get the quality they expect, many guitarists I have talked to felt that they had to spend $25,000 or more for the quality instrument that would deliver all they wanted.

So I decided to carry a small number of mandolins that any guitarist could pick up and feel immediately at home playing.

Bill Collings was the obvious choice because of his deep history and absolute mastery of making acoustic and archtop guitars.

This is Bill Collings' top-of-the line mandolin, and when you consider Bill's mastery of instrument making, that fact alone should tell you a lot about this instrument. Bill started out with acoustic guitars, and he didn't mess around, paying attention to detail and craft and finally became a true artist making acoustic guitars with remarkable consistency.

Then he moved to electric guitars with the same passion. And they're remarkable, too.

His first production mandolins became available in 1999, and brought all of his guitar making skills and commitment to perfection in the smaller scale of the Mandolin.

This one is truly exceptional.

While working with Collings on this model, I chose a center hole instead of the more common F holes because I feel it makes the instrument more versatile, with a warmer "big body" tone that the player can feel and appreciate as much as the audience. As ever, the craft in this instrument is second to none, In fact, I own several mandolins by custom makers that cost four and five times as much as this mandolin, and I put this instrument in the same league with those of the best of the custom mandolin makers.

The sound and balance of this mandolin just jump out at you, with a full, rich and incredibly balanced tone that is astonishing. This mandolin is the benchmark for bell-like tones and quality of voice. The sound just fills whatever room you are in, and there is a soulfullness in its tone that reminds me of the best guitars I have ever played.

I have never thought of comparing a mandolin to a piano... I mean, just the difference in scale, you can't expect a mandolin to resonate like a grand piano... right? Well this little mandolin seems to defy physics, with a resonance that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. It really has to be heard and felt to be believed.

The flame maple back and sides and flawless finish work make you think you're holding a fine vintage violin. The scroll is amazing, clean through and though, and a very difficult thing to achieve for an instrument maker.

All of these qualities don't come cheap, of course, but if you play mandolin and want a world class instrument that you will never out grow, that will be a remarkable partner for every musical journey you make, this is the one.  And pure mandolin players can benefit from all Bill's attention to playability too, so this is not just for guitarists! It is just a fantastic playing, amazing sounding mandolin for anyone, anywhere playing the mandolin.

The only problem I see with this mandolin is that wherever it finds a home, whether with a pure mandolin player or a guitarist, it will be difficult to do anything else but play this instrument when you get it.... so set aside some serious time if this mandolin comes home with you, because you won't want to put it down.

If you'd like to find out more about this item, just call or e-mail me. It would be my pleasure to talk to you about it.

ABOUT COLLINGS GUITARS
Bill Collings moved from Ohio to Texas in the mid 1970’s. Spurred by a lack of interest in medical school, this move enabled him to combine lifelong interests in both guitars and tools into the challenge of stringed instrument building and repair. After a couple of years in Houston, several guitars and a few banjos later, he headed west to southern California. Making it only as far as Austin, where he shared shops with fellow luthiers Tom Ellis and Mike Stevens. From there, he set up his own small shop in a wooden "one car" garage. His reputation for outstanding quality and meticulous attention to detail quickly spread. In 1989, he rented a 1000 square foot space and hired two helpers. Fast forward to present day where Collings craftsmanship is respected by professional and amateur musicians alike…anyone on the quest for quality. Some of these include artists; Keith Richards, Lyle Lovett, Pete Townshend, Emmylou Harris, Andy Summers, David Crosby, Chris Hillman, Joni Mitchell, Don Felder, John Sebastian, Lou Reed, John Fogerty, Tim O'Brien, Pete Huttlinger, Kenny Smith, Brian May, Joan Baez, John Prine, Nigel Tufnel of Spinal Tap, and Steven Spielberg to name a few. You owe it to yourself to try one.