Collings MF5-H 2002 - Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Here is an early Collings MF5, Serial Number #11, so from the first year of Collings offering an F model. I asked Collings about the "H" suffix in the model code and they said that "the H in the model code stands for Hard maple (birds eye)." Its a one-piece Birds eye maple back and matching neck (as opposed to Western or Big Leaf maple which Collings also used. The one-piece Birdseye maple back is a visual delight and with all those eyes looking 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. There is a little shirt button wear to the back, and very light finger scuffs to the top since there is no pickguard. The previous owner had other high quality mandolins and so while this has little fret wear its been pampered throughout its mostly 20+ year life as indicated by the Calton case.

Specs:

Year:2002

Top Material: Adirondack Spruce

Back and Sides: Birdseye Maple

Fingerboard: Ebony

Neck Material: Birdseye Maple

Bridge: Adjustable Ebomy

Bracing: Tone Bars

Frets to Body: 14

Total Frets: 22

Scale Length: 14 7/8"

Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Nut Width: 1 1/8"

Tuners: Schaller

Case Type: Calton

Case Color: Black

Serial Number : 11