In the prewar Depression era, the flat-top/flat-back, round soundhole design was a simple and cost-effective method to deliver rich, resonant mandolin tone. Because these mandolins were generally cheaper than their more ornate carved-top cousins, their sound influenced pivotal generations of Americana, country, blues, swing, and a variety of other traditional styles. As soon as Collings started the Waterloo line, we hoped they'd consider introducing a mandolin, so we were absolutely stoked to see the new WL-M at NAMM 2019! The WL-M features an elegant pear-shaped body with a flat top, flat back, and a round soundhole. Its voice is clear and resonant with creamy mid-range and a looser, more bass-oriented sound. Nevertheless, it doesn't lack the front-end bite needed to chop and cut through an ensemble mix. The WL-M is constructed with all solid woods and in a ladder-braced design, which contributes to its dry and articulate vintage chime. But as you'd expect from Waterloo, cutting-edge modern features set the WL-M apart from true Depression-era mandolins. Its fully-adjustable truss rod and compound-radius fingerboard allow for modern-day playability and setup flexibility. Top: Solid Spruce Back & Sides: Solid Mahogany Bracing: Prewar-inspired ladder design Neck: Solid Mahogany Nut: Ebony, 1-3/16" Fingerboard: Compound-Radius East Indian Rosewood Neck Support: Adjustable Truss Rod Tuning Machines: Golden Age Restoration Finish: Vintage Sunburst w/ Tigerstripe Pickguard
