When I was looking to upgrade from my first mandolin in 2007, I immediately thought of Collings because of the great tone and craftsmanship of their guitars and mandolins I’d played up to that point. I ordered my MT2 A-style mandolin with a few variations from the instrument’s standard appointments, including a one-piece maple back, tortoise binding, black tuning buttons, and no fretboard inlays.

Of late, I’ve been playing a lot of mandolin in an Americana/roots band with guitar, fiddle, upright bass, and drums, and the Collings works well in that setting, often amplified with an L.R. Baggs Radius pickup. It has a great low bark for accompanying songs and other soloists, and a nice high end for my own solos and melodic work. I also play the Collings in Irish sessions and in a duo playing old-time and Irish tunes.

Other than having a strap button added and nine frets replaced due to six years of fret wear, the MT2 hasn’t needed any work. It’s been a great, versatile mandolin and I’m sure it will continue to serve me well for many more years. collingsguitars.com

Collings MT2 Quilted Maple Mandolin A great A-style mandolin built with premium woods. Read More

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