Even in their least example mandolin model Collings continues the standard of perfection of design and execution for which they are famous. The top is so close-grained as to create eddies and pools of medullary rays (cross-silking), the maple on the sides, back and neck is supremely curly and striped. The ebony fingerboard, elevated off of the body, is inlaid with 6 pearl dots of diminishing size, comes to an offset indent at bottom that echoes exactly the asymmetrical shape of the striped-ebony overlaid headstock. The bridge is ebony, adjustable and two-piece; the tailpiece is the proprietary Collings quick-load type; the ebony truss rod is spear-point. Tuners are “Elite” brand and convey just the right amount of prewar angst; the face is bound in tortoise shell celluloid. The sound is rich, woody, dark, penetrating and as traditional as a bluegrass mandolin gets. We are proud of our Austin, TX supplier for making such a professional instrument so beautiful and affordable. This one has the standard 1 1/8" fingerboard width at the nut.