Collings has expanded the number of options on their mandolins recently, and this Merlot color is one of our favorites. With a gloss finish on the face, ivoroid binding on the top edge and ebony pickguard with matching binding, the result is a classy look of reserved elegance. The Adirondack soundboard gives this F model a lot of headroom and a powerful chord chop when you're playing back-up, but it's also capable of a smooth melodic tone, especially if you move your pick closer to the end of the fretboard.