Collings MF Deluxe Carved Top Mandolin (2014)
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Collings MF Deluxe Model Carved Top Mandolin (2014), made in Austin, TX, serial # 1564, Cremona Brown Sunburst finish, maple back and sides, Engelmann spruce top; maple neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
This is a very clean and somewhat unusual example of one of the best regarded modern F-5 descendants, the Collings MF Deluxe. The Deluxe is the middle model in the MF line, basically an upgraded MF with a higher grade finish on the top. This particular mandolin was specially built with an Engelmann spruce top, designated on the label as "MF-Dlx-E". This is an unusual feature for the model and according to Collings would have been a special order as the time.
The hand-written serial number is #1564 indicating the instrument was built over 10 years ago in 2014, when Bill Collings was still at the helm of his company. It has the traditional Gibson-derived Scroll-body F-5 format with a carved F-hole spruce top echoed by the headstock. The carved one-piece back, sides and neck are beautifully flamed curly maple, with a satin finish. The beautifully tight grained Engelmann top and headstock face are finished in thin gloss lacquer.
The craftsmanship and sound of this mandolin are exceptional for a modern instrument in this price class; this one has been played very little and is just beginning to be broken in. It already has a superb sonic range from a classical whisper to a bluegrass bark, and will only improve with more play time.
Overall length is 27 1/2 in. (69.8 cm.), 9 15/16 in. (25.2 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 13/16 in. (4.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/8 in. (29 mm.).
This custom ordered mandolin is now over 10 years old but appears to have been played very little. It remains extremely clean, all original and very well cared for. Overall the finish shows just some tiny handling marks, mostly very light scuffs. The deep Cremona brown finish shows great rich color with no fade. The frets show virtually no wear and playability is excellent, with a sound just starting to mature 10 years in. It resides in the original HSC. Overall Excellent + Condition.
This is a very clean and somewhat unusual example of one of the best regarded modern F-5 descendants, the Collings MF Deluxe. The Deluxe is the middle model in the MF line, basically an upgraded MF with a higher grade finish on the top. This particular mandolin was specially built with an Engelmann spruce top, designated on the label as "MF-Dlx-E". This is an unusual feature for the model and according to Collings would have been a special order as the time.
The hand-written serial number is #1564 indicating the instrument was built over 10 years ago in 2014, when Bill Collings was still at the helm of his company. It has the traditional Gibson-derived Scroll-body F-5 format with a carved F-hole spruce top echoed by the headstock. The carved one-piece back, sides and neck are beautifully flamed curly maple, with a satin finish. The beautifully tight grained Engelmann top and headstock face are finished in thin gloss lacquer.
The craftsmanship and sound of this mandolin are exceptional for a modern instrument in this price class; this one has been played very little and is just beginning to be broken in. It already has a superb sonic range from a classical whisper to a bluegrass bark, and will only improve with more play time.
Overall length is 27 1/2 in. (69.8 cm.), 9 15/16 in. (25.2 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 13/16 in. (4.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/8 in. (29 mm.).
This custom ordered mandolin is now over 10 years old but appears to have been played very little. It remains extremely clean, all original and very well cared for. Overall the finish shows just some tiny handling marks, mostly very light scuffs. The deep Cremona brown finish shows great rich color with no fade. The frets show virtually no wear and playability is excellent, with a sound just starting to mature 10 years in. It resides in the original HSC. Overall Excellent + Condition.