2010s Collings MT2O Round-Hole A-Style Mandolin

Overview: It's very hard to argue with a Collings. They're beautifully-made instruments and every single one I've played has had a great sound and an even better feel. They've also been very reliable for their owners up here -- needing less adjustment than other makes. Whether the sound of a particular instrument is or isn't for you is the main question, though, right?

This one feels rather Gibson-like in the left hand, though the radius board and bigger frets give it a thankfully-modern adaptation. It sounds an awful lot like a modern A-style Collings, though the round soundhole and altered bracing does mean it's a little warmer and rounder in sound than its F-hole brethren. It's definitely not in the "old Gibson" territory, exactly, but maybe half-way there. That's alright with me, though, as I find that while the older Gibsons sound terrific, something with a bit more edge and snap in the upper-mids like this guy has means that you will be heard a bit more when picking with others. That's a win!

This guy also has a K&K acoustic pickup (no batteries needed, good hot output right from the pickup) fit with an endpin jack installed at the tailpiece.

Repairs included: I just had to wipe it down and give it the tiniest setup. It's playing spot-on and ready to go.

• Weight: 2 lbs 2 oz
• Scale length: 13 7/8"
• Nut width: 1 3/16"
• Neck shape: medium V
• Board radius: 10"
• Depth at first fret: 0.90"
• Depth at seventh fret: 1.01"
• Body width: 10"
• Body depth: 1 3/4"
• Top wood: solid, carved spruce
• Back & sides wood: solid flamed maple, one-piece, carved back
• Bracing type: x
• Bridge: ebony adjustable
• Fretboard: ebony
• Neck wood: maple
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16”
• String gauges: 34w-10 lihts
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: medium-narrow

Condition notes: It's very clean with the exception of the lightest of playwear here and there. There are a couple light scratches near the endpin. I added a K&K pickup for the owner so it has a jack at the endpin area. There was a strap button fit to the side of the heel but it's gone, now, and the hole has been filled. Someone added an armrest and string-dampening grommets at some point.

It comes with: It's got its original hard case.

Consignor tag: JCOF