2019 Collings MF5 O Birdseye Mandolin Used

$9,250.00

Details

We’re big fans of oval-hole mandolins here at Gryphon and one of our favorites is the MF5 O from Collings. This mandolin takes the classic F-style oval-hole mandolin and updates it in some important ways. It still has the smoother, rounder, more bubbly tone we all know and love but the fingerboard has a radius and slightly wider 1 3/16" width nut making it easier to play. Another difference which you can’t see is that the top of the oval-soundhole Collings is X-braced, while the old Gibson has a single horizontal brace just below its soundhole. The thinner X-braced soundboard, with a larger vibrating surface, delivers a lot more volume and a bigger, more open tone. We still love those vintage Gibsons, but the new versions of the old style deliver the characteristic sweet tone with volume to spare.

We don't use terms such as "like new" lightly, the original owner of this Collings was extremely careful, although the very lightest of fret wear suggests it did get at least some playing time. The one-piece birdseye maple back is a visual delight and with all those eyes lookimng back at you you'll never be alone when practicing! Birdseye maple is hard and difficult to carve, so Collings charges an $800 premium over standard fiddleback figure. This lightly used example ain't cheap, but a new version would set you back almost $12,000 and take at least a year to deliver. Includes the original hardshell case, which is in equally clean condition.