Collings MF5 #61 We're quite thrilled actually to have received our first Collings F Model mandolin. It came in just as clean as a whistle, which was no real surprise. We've been carrying Bill's guitars for 10 or more years, and we can't honestly remember seeing a craftsmanship flaw. Certainly a tribute to his tenacity as a quality builder. The same day we received the MF5, we also received likely the best D1A that we've ever had... so the level of intensity continues at the Collings factory. This instrument is georgeous in every respect, including the tone. I would have to say that the tone is similar to their A Models. Lively pop evenly all over the neck. The arched fingerboard is a marvel that plays beautifully way up into Chris Thiele land. There is plenty of volume, but the Red Spruce tops do take a while to achieve their full potential. It's a harder species of spruce and a little slower to totally open up... that being said, it sounds GREAT right now. Note the tailpiece, of Collings design... a very elegant solution. $8000 with hardshell. feel free to email us right here, or call us at (970)925-7492. Great Divide Homepage Acoustic Shop Electric Shop The Studio Musician's Hotline Who's Who The Bluegrass Connection The Mandolin Page