I recently acquired a 2012 build Collings MF, expecting it to be an upgrade to my c. 2024 Lafferty LA. Right now I am hugely disappointed, as the Lafferty is head and shoulders above the Collings in playability, tone quality and volume. The market value is, of course, the inverse of this. Both are maple with Spruce tops. So I'm looking for advice, figuring something must be off with the Collings. Is there a luthier in Northern California (other than Gryphon music, whom I know) whom I can trust for advice?
I am very new to mandolins, but very experienced when it comes to guitars...I collect and play high end guitars. I have also built four guitars (meh quality) and four Ukuleles (OK quality). To me the Collings looks like its set up OK, and while I haven't put new strings on it, the existing strings (D'Addario 11-40s) are sup[posed to be fairly new and look like they are.
The mandolin itself is in virtually new condition. Help!
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Mando Hangout. All Rights Reserved.
