Collings MT2 O Oval Hole Mandolin – New

We’re big fans of oval-hole mandolins here at Gryphon and one of our favorites is the MT2 O from Collings. This mandolin takes the classic A-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. Collings has also subtly changed the body shape so that compared to vintage A style mandolins, the neck has more frets clear of the body which gives your left hand more room.

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.

The MT2 O has a high-gloss lacquer finish and ivoroid binding around the top, back neck and headstock. Built with select Red spruce (Adirondack) and eastern maple, these mandolins produce a warm, rich, and vibrant tone that is well-suited for celtic, old-time, classical, and jazz styles.