Collings MF5 Carved Top Mandolin (2003), ser. #333, black tolex hard shell case.

Collings MF5 Model Carved Top Mandolin (2003), made in Austin, TX, serial # 333, Cremona Brown Sunburst finish, maple back and sides, spruce top; maple neck with ebony fingerboard, black tolex hard shell case. This is a fairly early example of one of the best regarded of all modern F-5 descendants, the Collings MF5. The hand-written serial number on the label is #333, indicating it was built exactly 20 years ago in 2003 when Bill Collings was still at the helm of the company and mandolins were the new prestige project. It has the traditional Gibson-derived Scroll-body F-5 format with a carved F-hole spruce top echoed by the headstock. The carved two-piece back, sides and neck are fantastic tight grain flamed curly maple. The craftsmanship and sound of this mandolin are exceptional for a modern instrument in this price class; this one has apparently not been played that much over the last two decades and is feeling like it is just starting to be broken in. The sound is powerful with a superb range from a neo-classical whisper to a sharp bluegrass bark. 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 mandolin looks to have been played a bit, but remains clean, and well cared for. Overall the finish shows just some small handling marks, mostly very light scuffs and dents. The deep Cremona brown finish shows great rich color with very little fade. It is set up with a Brekke adjustable ebony bridge, otherwise remains original. The frets have been recently lightly dressed and playability is excellent, with a sound still maturing 20 years in. It rests in the original black HSC with some sticker decoration. Excellent Condition.