Collings guitar owners club

I tried to research but I didn't find any Collings guitar-owners club here, so I am starting one.I absolutely love these guitars. Please post pic's and videos of Collings electrics, acoustics, mandolns, ukuleles. I'd love to discuss the different models as well.
I am starting with a picture and a couple of videos of my Collings Soco deluxe.
Here it is taking a nap with my Mctinturff taurus standard
http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt72/Bear_007_2009/DSC00440.jpg
Here is video of it with and overdrive sound in a fusion setting
-PAmHwCuETA

Here it is with a clean sound in a jazz-setting
QL2Z_ez8F8c

No other Collings owners on this board?

Wide nut D2HA

Collings D-1. Typical bluegrass cannon...

I play a Collings 0002H. It looks like this, although this is a stock picture from Google images:

http://cdn1.gbase.com/usercontent/gear/2841842/p1_u4ts5s4ey_so.jpg

Thanks for getting in this thread guys. I hope to own a Collings acoustic one day, It would probably be an om with a cutaway. I like the look of that OOO2H.

I've owned and played a Collings D1A, a Collings D2H Brazilian, and I still own a Collings MF Mando! All very high quality stuff!

I've owned and played a Collings D1A, a Collings D2H Brazilian, and I still own a Collings MF Mando! All very high quality stuff!

That's very cool, their mandolins are highly regarded.
Pics?

I have yet to post any pics on a forum... Probably should learn how to.

I have a 95 custom D3H that I just love

I have a 95 custom D3H that I just love

How does it sound now compared to when you first got it?
I bet it has opened up nicely!

Now this is a club that I would like to join. Unfortunately, I don't see it happening anytime soon. Four decades ago and then some, I started playing guitar on my father's old archtop, and so I have a weakness for them. And that CL Jazz is just mighty tempting! :mrgreen:

Now this is a club that I would like to join. Unfortunately, I don't see it happening anytime soon. Four decades ago and then some, I started playing guitar on my father's old archtop, and so I have a weakness for them. And that CL Jazz is just mighty tempting! :mrgreen:

I tried a CL jazz-one of the best guitars I have ever played!
I have my eyes on the new Eastside lc hollowbody now.
I hope you can join the club soon!

I tried a CL jazz-one of the best guitars I have ever played!
I have my eyes on the new Eastside lc hollowbody now.
I hope you can join the club soon!

Thanks for the thought.

Personally, I don't think this thread has near enough pics of Collings guitars, so I'm gonna post one, and of course it's gonna be a pic of the CL Jazz that I'm GASing over. Since I don't have one of my own (yet?) it's a borrowed pick, but still...

https://musicpage.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/groups/group_photo/photo/4f075dff4ee1ab0001000154/cl_jazz_home.jpg

While I'm GASing, I'll just confess to this catching my eye in the June issue of Guitar Player:

http://htmlimg4.scribdassets.com/3gk1oqbuo01acvei/images/133-737933c8f4.jpg

I used to live about 10 minutes from their factory and I didn't realize that there are free factory tours until I moved. I'm still mad about that -_-

I used to live about 10 minutes from their factory and I didn't realize that there are free factory tours until I moved. I'm still mad about that -_-

I would be mad too!
Thanks for the picks guys, keep em' coming.

I've owned three Collings: D3 (eir/sitka); 0003 custom (Bz/Engelmann); DS2G (eir/German)--12 fret slot head beast--now my main guitar (5 years). The others were sold to buy the next. What have I learned? Don't much care for Sitk, I was afraid to take the Brazilian out of the house (didn't really give the Engelmann top the chance to get sweet); I LOVE German tops. Took 2+ years of hard playing to open up. Worth the wait. Some day would like to own a CJ, but not a big fan of mahogany so maybe koa with German top. Collings are real grown up guitars, built to play out. Love em. Sold my Martin D35 of thirty years to buy my first Collings, no regrets!

You sold a Martin D-35 you had for 3 decades? :shock: Man, I don't think I could do that. I'm sure the Collins is great, but sentiment and familiarity would compel me to hold on to it and fund the Collins another way. You're made of sterner stuff than me, I guess.

If I were to receive an extremely large check in the mail tomorrow, I'd buy a 290, a 360, and an I-35. Until then, I will be very content with my D2HG.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c232/drjordan/IMG_0079.jpg

Great stuff guys. I got to play three new Collings models this weekend the Eastside lc(16' fully hollow), the I-35lc(has been out for a while now-Bill Frisell just started playing one) and the 16' soco lc. All great guitars.

If I were to receive an extremely large check in the mail tomorrow, I'd buy a 290, a 360, and an I-35. Until then, I will be very content with my D2HG.



I'm with ya on the 290, any one of them in the series, really, whether single or dual P-90s, or single or double cutaways.

Now as for the 360, that asymmetrical lower bout doesn't appeal to me.

http://www.collingsguitars.com/Instruments/images/360/tv/2_L.jpg

And yeah, if I could afford it, the first Collings I'd get is a CL Jazz.

Pix someday, but I have a D2hMhA (mahogany D2hA), OM2hsb, and an MT-1 mandolin from 1999. I've visited the factory twice, they are great people with great products!

You're from Massachusetts and you've visited the factory twice? Did make the trip twice from the Northeast, or did you used to live down this way? So the tour is interesting enough to visit more than once? What does the tour entail?

Did some jamming with my Collings Soco Deluxe over at the NY amp show the other day, at the East Amps booth. Great amps.
BFKQYJA1Qwk

Have a Mahogany Clarence White I bought new in '93. Adi top. They stopped calling them Clarence Whites a few years back and Collings now refers to them as Collings Winfields (CW). Dream guitar. Goes to my daughter in my will.

Hi here's my OM3C Sorry for poor pics (if this even works! How tough is it to post pics on here?)

Not that tough actually !

Now I know how to (oops!) I will post some better ones, she deserves it!

Hi here's my OM3C Sorry for poor pics (if this even works! How tough is it to post pics on here?)

That's really nice! I am really lusting for an OM with a cutaway!

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/attachments/guitar-owners-clubs/130535d1339411378-collings-guitar-owners-club-small-p1030950-jpg

That headstock in this pic looks like it has almost no taper to it whatsoever. Is that accurate, or just my perception?

Yes, It does have hardly any taper and a very unusual Brazilian overlay. I am away on holiday at the moment but later next week I can post some much better, clearer photos and the exact dimensions of the headstock (and any other features that may be of interest to anyone out there).

Thanks for your comment

You sold a Martin D-35 you had for 3 decades? :shock: Man, I don't think I could do that. I'm sure the Collins is great, but sentiment and familiarity would compel me to hold on to it and fund the Collins another way. You're made of sterner stuff than me, I guess.

LGOberean: hard to believe myself. Thing was the guitar seemed to be getting QUIETER the longer I owned it. New strings, different strings didn't seem to help, plenty of saddle left (hell original saddle never adjusted), straight neck, etc. Even with Brazilian three piece back this thing sounded murky for some reason. Then one day I visited Westwood Music in LA and got left in a room with about ten Collings of various shapes and every dang one of them sounded sharper, cleaner more resonant than my D35. I left that room changed. Went back a few days later to try and trade it in and there were already two used D35s in stock. Apparently because of the lighter bracing (like a 000) to compensate for the boomy three piece back, some of the old dreds literally beat up those top braces. What I heard, and I had been around that guitar a long time, were those braces getting weaker. The guitar WAS changing sound. Great strummer, not so good on clear leads and no singing highs.
Seemed to me that Collings had refined the Martin deep rich sound to accentuate clear mids. Decision wasn't easy and the day I sold it another guy bought it right away. Weird feeling that. Still no regrets. Just my experience.

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/attachments/guitar-owners-clubs/130535d1339411378-collings-guitar-owners-club-small-p1030950-jpg

That headstock in this pic looks like it has almost no taper to it whatsoever. Is that accurate, or just my perception?
Hi the headstock is 70mm at the top and 47mm at the nut. It is about 154mm in height. Not much taper at all Better pics to follow real soon.

Hi the headstock is 70mm at the top and 47mm at the nut. It is about 154mm in height. Not much taper at all Better pics to follow real soon.

Beautiful headstock!

Thanks a lot. It is unusual I believe. I'm away again but home on Sunday and I WILL post some decent photos of the guitar. Honest!:cool:

Man I am really wanting a 290 in white or tv yellow. $ 2500 is a lot of coin though. Maybe for a grad school graduation gift to myself.

You mean this...http://www.collingsguitars.com/Instruments/option_images/290_vintage_white.jpg ...or this...http://www.collingsguitars.com/Instruments/option_images/290_tv.jpg ?

Does that also include the single P-90 290S, or the double cutaway single pup 290DC S?

A Collings owner/lover here!

Here's some pics of my OM3 C Still not good enough though, will take some better ones and post them.

Frampo

A couple more...

Wow! Four words: BEE! YOU! TEE! FULL! :grin:

LrXAfCEF4us

Here's the last batch. Got a bit carried away. Sorry about the reflections in some pics real amateur photographer here! Hope you like them.

Frampo

Another 4

and some more

and 4 more

Home at last........


Thanks

I've had one for a few years - just another TV Yellow 290:

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o82/JohnC62/2010Collings290073.jpg

It was really my only guitar for the past 18 months; my old Lead II is "retired" and the other guitars went while trying to get my own consulting business of the ground. Since returning to the land of the employed I've also added a Select Tele, but that's for a different owner's club:wink:.

My CL Deluxe:

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh521/meanmud/CL11554-1.jpg

My I35LC:

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh521/meanmud/I35LC11053-6.jpg

and last, my 290 DC S:

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh521/meanmud/Collings.jpg

... and last, my 290 DC S:

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh521/meanmud/Collings.jpg

This guitar really appeals to me for some reason. The ultimate in simple elegance, I guess.

But I don't know why Collings chose the designation 290 DC S. Seems to me like it should be called a 190 DC. But they didn't ask me for my opinion (go figure :wink:).

This guitar really appeals to me for some reason. The ultimate in simple elegance, I guess.

But I don't know why Collings chose the designation 290 DC S. Seems to me like it should be called a 190 DC. But they didn't ask me for my opinion (go figure :wink:).

Evidently the name "290" on the original version came not from the 2 P-90 soapbars but from State Route 290 that runs near their location in Austin. Of course it works really well because it has a double meaning.

This guitar really appeals to me for some reason. The ultimate in simple elegance, I guess.

Agreed - this is what attracted me to it. When I took delivery, of course, I was very apprehensive on whether or not I bought a diamond or a dud. At first I was OK with it, but then I took the 11's off of it, threw 10's on it, and BAM, it SINGS! Acoustically this thing is LOUD!

Evidently the name "290" on the original version came not from the 2 P-90 soapbars but from State Route 290 that runs near their location in Austin. Of course it works really well because it has a double meaning.

You're right, of course. I had read that before on the website, but forgotten. The double entendre does fit, so much so that I tend to forget the Texas Highway connection, and think instead of the two P-90s as the reason for the name. Thanks for setting me straight.

I have a Collings Clarence White from '94 or so.

I see it is a '93.

Oh well...

http://www.daviddugas.com/guitars/0688/tn_688_sd_front.jpg http://www.daviddugas.com/guitars/0688/tn_688_sd_back.jpg

It is a very decent guitar.

^^^^^ Wow - VERY Nice!

Great stuff guys, keep em' coming.
I love the 290, I really want one of those. I have tried a few, one particular one at Rudy's was simply outstanding, one of the best solidbodies I have ever played. The CL deluxe is another great guitar.

I have a Collings Clarence White from '94 or so.

I see it is a '93.

Oh well...

http://www.daviddugas.com/guitars/0688/tn_688_sd_front.jpg http://www.daviddugas.com/guitars/0688/tn_688_sd_back.jpg

It is a very decent guitar.

^^^^^ Wow - VERY Nice!

I'm guessing that "very decent" is an understatement. On looks alone, I'm inclined to agree with meanmud: that's a "Wow - VERY Nice!" guitar. :grin:

May I join?

I haven't scraped up the money for a Collings guitar (would love an OM), but I do have a UT-2:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll200/GoDeacs/collings-ut-2-ukulele-front.jpg

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll200/GoDeacs/collings-ut-2-ukulele-front-closeup.jpg
-Kevin

From what I've been reading about the specs on Collings acoustics, with the exception of the 0 and Baby series, the scale length of their necks is 25.5" and the width at the nut is 1 11/16". What I'm not finding is information about neck profile and radius. Anyone have this information, on either the dreadnaughts or the OMs?

From what I've been reading about the specs on Collings acoustics, with the exception of the 0 and Baby series, the scale length of their necks is 25.5" and the width at the nut is 1 11/16". What I'm not finding is information about neck profile and radius. Anyone have this information, on either the dreadnaughts or the OMs?

Hey, check out the option-page, they got several nut-widt options and can do a short scale as well. All the om's I tried had 1 3/4 nut-widths, ideal for finger-style playing.
http://www.collingsguitars.com/Options/acoustics.html

Yeah, I've seen that option page, but my questions aren't about neck width and scale, but neck profile and fretboard radius. I still don't see specifics on those aspects.

Yeah, I've seen that option page, but my questions aren't about neck width and scale, but neck profile and fretboard radius. I still don't see specifics on those aspects.

Hi, not sure about that.
I would call or email Collings, they are very helpful.

Yeah, a call or email is probably the best way to track down this information. However, I'm not inclined to do that until I am seriously considering plunking down the money for one. I have other guitar and amp plans that take precedence right now. So failing lotto or sweepstakes money, a Collings acoustic is way on the back burner.

Collings D1. Thinking about a C10 for fingerpicking.

Just got a D2h Pictures coming soon. It's a real beauty (I reckon so anyway)

Just got a D2h Pictures coming soon. It's a real beauty (I reckon so anyway)

Would love to see it!

Had some fun with my Collings soco deluxe last night.
BnWoetLFuOw

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. I guess you Canadians have already had your day of thanks (when is that for you again?), and maybe others in this thread are from nations that give thanks on a different day, or don't have an official national day of thanks, but...

Happy Thanksgiving!

I've been a member for a little over a week. I had very high expectations for this guitar, but it's blasted right through them. http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b164/tbp0107/web-OM1-13.jpg

I've been a member for a little over a week. I had very high expectations for this guitar, but it's blasted right through them. http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b164/tbp0107/web-OM1-13.jpg

Beautiful guitar!

I've been a member for a little over a week. I had very high expectations for this guitar, but it's blasted right through them. http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b164/tbp0107/web-OM1-13.jpg

Yes, she is a beauty. How about some information? You haven't said anything about the model # or specs.

Yes, she is a beauty. How about some information? You haven't said anything about the model # or specs.

Thanks and oops. I had a thread in the Acoustic section with more details. It's a 2012 OM-1 with a 1 3/4" nut. I bought it used, but it's mint. I've had it for a month now, have played it daily and am still amazed by how good it is. I even feel it's making me a better player.

Congrats. Boy, from the pic, it sure does look mint. Nice score. And I relate to the feeling of a good guitar making one a better player. If for no other reason than a quality guitar will inspire more practice/playing time.

Here is my new Collings eastside lc,
vA3jwXQ5EaM
Some pics
http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt72/Bear_007_2009/017-114.jpg
With my Collings Soco deluxe
http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt72/Bear_007_2009/DSC00915.jpg

I have a Blonde I35LC incoming. It was 1st sold at Rudy's in NY., I found it online used at a GC in Raritan, NJ. Some mighty fine Collings belonging to us Owners.

I have a Blonde I35LC incoming. It was 1st sold at Rudy's in NY., I found it online used at a GC in Raritan, NJ. Some mighty fine Collings belonging to us Owners.

Great to have you hear-we where in touch on the gear page, I might have seen that I-35lc if it was sold at Rudy's.
Please post pics and a review when you get it!
Happy Holidays to all Collings-owners(and future owners)!

I expect it will arrive 1-2-13. I called Collings, it was completed in January 2012 and shipped to Rudy's. Serial #11088. Pics when I get it. Merry Christmas to my TDPRI Brothers and Sisters.

Merry Christmas, fellow Collings fans. I'll be out of town for a couple days, so I wanted to express my Christmas wishes to all before I signed off for a while.

I expect it will arrive 1-2-13. I called Collings, it was completed in January 2012 and shipped to Rudy's. Serial #11088. Pics when I get it. Merry Christmas to my TDPRI Brothers and Sisters.

Which Collings model are you waiting for?
I go by Rudy's all the time, I am friends with some of the guys there.
Merry Christmas!

I'm tonyboy on my laptop and Nonvintage on my home computer. It's a Blonde I35LC originally shipped to and bought at Rudy's. The original owner sold or traded it in October 2012 to a GC in NJ where it was sent to a GC in Raritan, NJ for it's grand opening. I researched the internet, but mainly TGP and decided to trade some stuff that was expendable for it, with the understanding that I wanted to play it and have the option of getting my stuff back (Custom Shop Strat and 69 Deluxe Reverb amp). I tried a Gibson 339 and loved it so I'm sure I'll go Ape shi+ over the I35LC. A Collings rep mentioned that it was completed and sent to Rudy's sometime in Jan 2012. The serial # is 1108X.

I'm tonyboy on my laptop and Nonvintage on my home computer. It's a Blonde I35LC originally shipped to and bought at Rudy's. The original owner sold or traded it in October 2012 to a GC in NJ where it was sent to a GC in Raritan, NJ for it's grand opening. I researched the internet, but mainly TGP and decided to trade some stuff that was expendable for it, with the understanding that I wanted to play it and have the option of getting my stuff back (Custom Shop Strat and 69 Deluxe Reverb amp). I tried a Gibson 339 and loved it so I'm sure I'll go Ape shi+ over the I35LC. A Collings rep mentioned that it was completed and sent to Rudy's sometime in Jan 2012. The serial # is 1108X.

Oh that makes more sense!
The 339 is nice, but any I-35's I have tried(deluxe or LC) has been amazing. I might have seen your guitar there, they have two different locations.
I am sure it is beautiful.

Happy New Year Collings owners and enthusiasts!

Here is a photo of my DS2HG Collings, sorry about the photo that doesn't show the whole guitar. It's a slotted peghead and 12 fret to the body guitar. I used to have a D2HG but I chose this model for it's tone and volume. It's a great finger pickin' instrument.

Beautiful Guitar Alain.

Hope you don't mind, but I wanted to repost that pic in a larger size.

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/attachments/guitar-owners-clubs/158943d1356982106-collings-guitar-owners-club-dsc_5884-jpg

Happy New Year to all. I'm expressing this wish a few hours early, from my perspective. But it's surely past midnight somewhere for our international membership, and besides, I'm going out tonight. Have fun and be safe, everyone.

Thanks for the comment (tonyboy) and thanks for the larger size repost LGOberean, these are my first few post here and I haven't worked out how to size the photos yet.

Alain, I've been a member of TDPRI for 4 1/2 years, but I'm still not that technologically savvy. In the case of enlarging your pic, I cheated. I placed my cursor over your pic, and it said "Click image for larger version." :oops:

So you like that guitar for fingerstyle? What strings do you use on it?

Larry G, I thought there was some sort of image sizing upload thing I was missing, but the photo doesn't show the guitar properly anyway. I promise to take more viewer friendly photos in the future. As for strings Larry G, I just use regular John Pearse 12's-54 or 80/20's, this models neck meets the body at the 12th fret so the body is a little longer than a regular Dreadnaught, like an early 30's Martin DS28. It has a deep but clear tone, and actually sounds great with medium gauge 13's especially if you use dropped tunings. Just my own choice, others may differ. Most people prefer smaller bodied guitars for finger style, but this instrument has a very unique and powerful voice.
Thanks Larry G

I know this is Collings owners forum but here is a photo of another instrument you might enjoy, my refin 1938 Gibson Advanced Jumbo

Hope you don't mind, but I wanted to repost that pic in a larger size.

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/attachments/guitar-owners-clubs/158943d1356982106-collings-guitar-owners-club-dsc_5884-jpg

Happy New Year to all. I'm expressing this wish a few hours early, from my perspective. But it's surely past midnight somewhere for our international membership, and besides, I'm going out tonight. Have fun and be safe, everyone.


Very nice guitar!

Larry G, I thought there was some sort of image sizing upload thing I was missing, but the photo doesn't show the guitar properly anyway. I promise to take more viewer friendly photos in the future. As for strings Larry G, I just use regular John Pearse 12's-54 or 80/20's, this models neck meets the body at the 12th fret so the body is a little longer than a regular Dreadnaught, like an early 30's Martin DS28. It has a deep but clear tone, and actually sounds great with medium gauge 13's especially if you use dropped tunings. Just my own choice, others may differ. Most people prefer smaller bodied guitars for finger style, but this instrument has a very unique and powerful voice.
Thanks Larry G

I know this is Collings owners forum but here is a photo of another instrument you might enjoy, my refin 1938 Gibson Advanced Jumbo

Oooh...pretty Gibson! :grin: Yeah, it's a Collings thread, but I'll take that Gibson eye candy too! I'm just greedy that way. :mrgreen:

As for strings, I relate. I use 12s on my acoustics.

Here is a picture of a deep-bodied Collings Eastside. I believe they made 4 prototypes of these, not sure if they will ever be production models.
http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt72/Bear_007_2009/collingsDeep.jpg

Bumping up this thread!
If there are any other Collings owners out there, please post pictures!
Electrics, acoustics, mandolins or ukuleles!
I am psyched that I was just featured on Collings Website with my new eastside.
http://www.collingsguitars.com/artists.php?ID=1

I forgot. It looks like I started the PRS owners club here but now I've left it and joined the Collings owner's club.

SoCo 16 with flared headstock.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8564117458_b4bbc7bcd7.jpg

I forgot. It looks like I started the PRS owners club here but now I've left it and joined the Collings owner's club.

SoCo 16 with flared headstock.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8564117458_b4bbc7bcd7.jpg

I am a member of both clubs, I have 2 PRS and 2 Collings,. PRS are great but I have to say Colligns is definitely a step up both in terms of workmanship and sound. I love that Soco16 lc you got! Congrats!

I am a member of both clubs, I have 2 PRS and 2 Collings,. PRS are great but I have to say Colligns is definitely a step up both in terms of workmanship and sound. I love that Soco16 lc you got! Congrats!

I see signs of humans working on my Collings neck I don't see with the PRS. The SoCo 4 knob type and tone are more of what my ears wanted.

Keeping both was not an option so I sure hope this guitar satisfies me long term. I have an acoustic that stopped my wanting others. Let's hope my Telecaster and this do that.

So far I feel a bit lost even though I love it. The .011 strings, size and weight are different. My 68 style Thinline is lighter, smaller, different radius, etc.... The Collings has sustain and good single note playing beyond the other electrics I've had. It inspires me to pursue melodies more than all the time I spend with chords and simple scales.

It's not shaped like a 335, but sounds more like one than the I35 LC that was a contender. It must be the big size that does that. Weight is just under 8 lbs (7 lbs, 14 & 3/4 oz) on a quality scale. Very resonant, and lively unplugged even though lighter than most 335s I tried.

Details aside, it just has something that made me a bit crazy with checkbook.

Yeah, as big as the soco 16 lc, it is lighter than most 335's.
I spent only 5 min with one and I really liked it.
The thing I like so much about Colling is that they open up so nicely and sound and play even better over time. My new eastside sounded great when I got it, but now about 4 months later and lot of playing time, it sounds way better. My soco deluxe is the same way and I have had it for 4.5 years. I have gigged heavily with it and is has never needed any work. The consistency and quality of these are just amazing. I have a nice tele as well(custom shop classis), and between the two collings and the tele I can cover almost any sound I would ever need. I think I could really cut it down to these three(plus my Godin multiac nylon string) if I had to.
I am glad you feel so inspired my your new soco, that's how I felt when I got either of my Collings' and they just keep on getting better.


I see signs of humans working on my Collings neck I don't see with the PRS. The SoCo 4 knob type and tone are more of what my ears wanted.

Keeping both was not an option so I sure hope this guitar satisfies me long term. I have an acoustic that stopped my wanting others. Let's hope my Telecaster and this do that.

So far I feel a bit lost even though I love it. The .011 strings, size and weight are different. My 68 style Thinline is lighter, smaller, different radius, etc.... The Collings has sustain and good single note playing beyond the other electrics I've had. It inspires me to pursue melodies more than all the time I spend with chords and simple scales.

It's not shaped like a 335, but sounds more like one than the I35 LC that was a contender. It must be the big size that does that. Weight is just under 8 lbs (7 lbs, 14 & 3/4 oz) on a quality scale. Very resonant, and lively unplugged even though lighter than most 335s I tried.

Details aside, it just has something that made me a bit crazy with checkbook.

Hello all, big Collings fan. I have owned a City Limits standard for a while now and just purchased a i35lc. You can not beat workmanship of these guitars. Just beautiful. The necks on both of my guitars are pretty much identical and my favorite by far!!!!

Here is a clip of my i35lc and another of my friends when I borrowed a couple summers ago.
https://soundcloud.com/pinner/i35lc-blues (jazz blues)
https://soundcloud.com/pinner/blues-md-i35lc (bluesy rock)

Pics of the new i35lc:

http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo12/pinsk94/Guitars/IMG_7719.jpg
http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo12/pinsk94/Guitars/IMG_7712.jpg
http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo12/pinsk94/Guitars/IMG_7715.jpg?t=1364772884

Here is a pic of my City Limits:

http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo12/pinsk94/Guitars/IMG_0182-1.jpg

and a video:
9KEXCRc-dJk

Hello all, big Collings fan. I have owned a City Limits standard for a while now and just purchased a i35lc. You can not beat workmanship of these guitars. Just beautiful. The necks on both of my guitars are pretty much identical and my favorite by far!!!!

Here is a clip of my i35lc and another of my friends when I borrowed a couple summers ago.
https://soundcloud.com/pinner/i35lc-blues (jazz blues)
https://soundcloud.com/pinner/blues-md-i35lc (bluesy rock)

Pics of the new i35lc:

http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo12/pinsk94/Guitars/IMG_7719.jpg
http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo12/pinsk94/Guitars/IMG_7712.jpg
http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo12/pinsk94/Guitars/IMG_7715.jpg?t=1364772884

Here is a pic of my City Limits:

http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo12/pinsk94/Guitars/IMG_0182-1.jpg

and a video:
9KEXCRc-dJk

Great to have you on board Stephan!
Congrats on your new I-35lc! Sounds beautiful! Great playing too!

Hello all, big Collings fan. I have owned a City Limits standard for a while now and just purchased a i35lc. You can not beat workmanship of these guitars. Just beautiful. The necks on both of my guitars are pretty much identical and my favorite by far!!!!

Here is a clip of my i35lc and another of my friends when I borrowed a couple summers ago.
https://soundcloud.com/pinner/i35lc-blues (jazz blues)
https://soundcloud.com/pinner/blues-md-i35lc (bluesy rock)

Pics of the new i35lc:

http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo12/pinsk94/Guitars/IMG_7719.jpg


Nice. These are awesome and one in same red tempted me before I pulled the trigger on my SoCo 16.

I'm another Jostein fan and recruit.

I've been a member here for a while but just lurk and only really come here when I need to research a tele topic. Here are the two Collings in my household. I love them. Super big fan of Collings acoustics and mandolins though as well. Whatever I say about Collings is biased to the nth degree so keep that in mind.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8242/8455369015_8ce40867af_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8225/8455370711_852d167f7c_c.jpg

Thanks for joining kmactele, those guitars are beautiful!
How would you describe the different in the sound between your soco and your I-35lc?

I'm another Jostein fan and recruit.

I've been a member here for a while but just lurk and only really come here when I need to research a tele topic. Here are the two Collings in my household. I love them. Super big fan of Collings acoustics and mandolins though as well. Whatever I say about Collings is biased to the nth degree so keep that in mind.


Welcome.

I understand that bias via owning just one Collings.

A couple more pics:
Jamin on the CL
http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo12/pinsk94/Guitars/100_00471.jpg
My Cl and a friends old 290
http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo12/pinsk94/Guitars/IMG_2521.jpg

A couple clips comparing the CL and 290
https://soundcloud.com/pinner/clean-290-cl-comparison
https://soundcloud.com/pinner/collings-290-and-collings-city-limits

"Collings", not "Collins". I have three - a D2hMhA, an OM2hsb, and an MT1 mandolin. Pix to follow.

"Collings", not "Collins". I have three - a D2hMhA, an OM2hsb, and an MT1 mandolin. Pix to follow.

Hmmm.... With that, why not a TV Yellow 290 or a SoCo to follow? I concluded those two are ultimate Telecaster accessories after doing some extensive product research and testing.

:)

Hmmm.... With that, why not a TV Yellow 290 or a SoCo to follow? I concluded those two are ultimate Telecaster accessories after doing some extensive product research and testing.

:)


I think between my Collings soco deluxe(semi), Collings eastside lc(hollow) and Fender custom shop classic telecaster I can cover a lot of ground.

Really fine guitars! CJ MH SB SS


B

Thanks for joining kmactele, those guitars are beautiful!
How would you describe the different in the sound between your soco and your I-35lc?

Honestly, I've had the Soco for a few months now and I haven't even A/B'd them yet... I will do that though and report back.

My best amp right now is a Swart AST Master combo which is not a super clean amp, not overly dirty, but not super clean so that may color the comparison (don't know. They would be on equal footing amp wise.)

I'm looking to get a new clean amp in a couple of months when my guitar fund account gets back up to snuff. I drained it when I bought the Soco :lol: Right now the Two Rock Studio 35 and the Studio Plus 35 are the leading contenders. Cab and speaker choice may slow me down though. the Two Rock Cabs are a bit pricey.

Honestly, I've had the Soco for a few months now and I haven't even A/B'd them yet... I will do that though and report back.

My best amp right now is a Swart AST Master combo which is not a super clean amp, not overly dirty, but not super clean so that may color the comparison (don't know. They would be on equal footing amp wise.)

I'm looking to get a new clean amp in a couple of months when my guitar fund account gets back up to snuff. I drained it when I bought the Soco :lol: Right now the Two Rock Studio 35 and the Studio Plus 35 are the leading contenders. Cab and speaker choice may slow me down though. the Two Rock Cabs are a bit pricey.

I'll be curious to read your comparison because I kept comparing the all wood Collings to my all wood hollow body, then comparing the Collings models to each other, finally down to the laminate I35 and SoCo 16.

I compared with same or similar amps when possible.

Really fine guitars! CJ MH SB SS


B

That's beautiful!
I bet it sounds amazing!

Honestly, I've had the Soco for a few months now and I haven't even A/B'd them yet... I will do that though and report back.

My best amp right now is a Swart AST Master combo which is not a super clean amp, not overly dirty, but not super clean so that may color the comparison (don't know. They would be on equal footing amp wise.)

I'm looking to get a new clean amp in a couple of months when my guitar fund account gets back up to snuff. I drained it when I bought the Soco :lol: Right now the Two Rock Studio 35 and the Studio Plus 35 are the leading contenders. Cab and speaker choice may slow me down though. the Two Rock Cabs are a bit pricey.


Yes now there is time for a A/B test! All you got to do is take them out of the case and play them side by side. I can think of a lot of worse things to do! I have heard great things about Swart.

The brothers!!
http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo12/pinsk94/Guitars/0500008e-e351-4510-b695-ab9d512a5b69.jpg?t=1365345708

My brothers
http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt72/Bear_007_2009/DSC00915.jpg

I think if you posted a thread called "Wanna-be Collings Guitar Owner Club", it would get more responses! I would be in that category, I want a Collings D2 so bad.

I'm another Jostein fan and recruit.

I've been a member here for a while but just lurk and only really come here when I need to research a tele topic. Here are the two Collings in my household. I love them. Super big fan of Collings acoustics and mandolins though as well. Whatever I say about Collings is biased to the nth degree so keep that in mind.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8242/8455369015_8ce40867af_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8225/8455370711_852d167f7c_c.jpg

Is that an Ibanez AS200 or John Scofield model on the wall, there? If so, what year is it? I've got a 1982 AS200 and I love it! What a great sounding hollowbody.

I think if you posted a thread called "Wanna-be Collings Guitar Owner Club", it would get more responses! I would be in that category, I want a Collings D2 so bad.

Lol! You are more than welcome in the club!
I still don't own a Collings acoustic and really want one, I am thinking an om with a cutaway.

Is that an Ibanez AS200 or John Scofield model on the wall, there? If so, what year is it? I've got a 1982 AS200 and I love it! What a great sounding hollowbody.

Yeah, the old AS200 are really nice.
Now kmctele, we need a A/B test between the 2 Collings and how they compare to that old Ibanez as well!

Yeah, the old AS200 are really nice.
Now kmctele, we need a A/B test between the 2 Collings and how they compare to that old Ibanez as well!

Ok, finally got a chance to play them all in one sitting, the Soco Deluxe, I-35LC, and my '80 Ibanez AS200 with standard wind lollars. Been crazy at work lately and haven't really had much time to even practice. I work from home too so you would think I have ample opportunities... Work, family, and my son's soccer have really ate into my guitar time!

First thing I'll say is boy they ALL sound good - but I had forgotten how much my Swart likes the I-35LC, it really sings through it.

All three guitars are strung with the same strings D'Addario EXL115s (.011-.049) which come standard on the Collings. The strings were not uniformly fresh/old, but meh lets call it close enough. All tuned standard.

Neck wise the taper seems the same to me, I like the feel of the binding on the Soco better though. Just a personal preference I guess. The shape on both is really nice.

Unplugged: the Soco is a bit louder than the I-35LC. To my ears the Soco is just a bit more acoustic sounding. You can certainly hear more note separation from the Soco, its a bit brighter and more articulate. The I-35LC is warmer and more round, but very pleasing. The sustain on either one seemed about equal to me. However, the Soco just sorta feels tighter and a bit more alive than the LC, I put that down to the type of tops and probably the singlecut versus double cut. You can certainly feel the LC resonate though, it's no slouch.

Plugged in: Most of the qualities unplugged are carried forward while plugged in. The Soco is more articulate, brighter but not in a bad way. The LC is more warm/mellow and rounding. I like the bridge position of the Soco more so than the bridge of the LC as its a bit more "Tele" sounding. The neck position on either is glorious using one over the other really depends on what you want out of it. The LC will give you the classic 335 neck sound, and you know much better than I what the neck position will give you out of the Soco!

Digging in on bar chords, power chords, etc.. the LC really puts out a better crunch and I guess I would prefer it for that sort of song. The Soco performs great also but it seems more refined and wants to put up a little resistance to breaking up.

The two play very similarly but I think there is enough difference in the sound to justify having one of each. The LC really nails the 335 type sound, its great, probably well suited to not only rock and roll but jazz as well. Overall I like the Soco a tad better (right now). I think more for how it looks and feels in my hand and against my body than for sound quality alone. I would be happy with either if I could only have one. To tell you the truth, just now thinking about it - if I could only choose one I would probably choose the I-35LC. Wow, that realization sure seems like a contradiction. I probably just have more of an attachment to the Soco which is why its my favorite, I named her after my grandmother after all! None of my other guitars have names.

Sorry for the long winded reply, did any of it make sense?

<<EDIT>> - I mentioned the AS200 and A/B'd it with the two Collings but the above right up was just the two Collings. I didn't want the AS200 to confuse the A/B. The AS200 shared more similarities with the LC than the Soco but it was its own guitar nonetheless. Sounds great, neck way thinner, but the feel of the body as it rings is not as alive or as tight - understandable for a 33 year old guitar.

Oh, I forgot to add that my wife was listening for a bit and to her the Soco sounds more "steely" and the 35LC sounded more like a "piano". mmmm...

Is that an Ibanez AS200 or John Scofield model on the wall, there? If so, what year is it? I've got a 1982 AS200 and I love it! What a great sounding hollowbody.

Hi Twangcaster,

Yes sir. Its a 1980 AS200, its banged up and a total player but I've bonded well with it. Don't know if you remember but most of the '80 AS200s came with the Super 70 pickups, they went to the Super 58's in 1981 (I've seen a December 1980 with supposedly stock Super 58's in it though, so there must be some cross over in late 1980)

I fell in love with the Lollar Imperials in the I-35LC so I got a set of standard wind Imperials off the bay and swapped them out. I tried to love the Super 70s in it but couldn't and after a couple of years I was ready to pass it on. In a last ditch effort to keep it I put the Lollars in it and man what a difference. I also quit trying to play garage luthier and took it to a pro for a tune up and some fret dressing. It's awesome now, I really, really dig it again. It sounds great, plays great and I'm not afraid to take it out or let my son take it out since its got the mileage already.

Scofield plays the '81 AS200 with Super 58s. He is the man.

I'm a big fan of the early '80s Ibanez electrics, they were just great. The other one on the wall is a 1982 AR300 in excellent condition. Its not getting played much anymore so I'm considering passing it on to someone collecting them or, like me, has an attachment to that era. Its a great guitar too, but I'm just not an LP type person I guess. I love semi-hollows.

Kmactele -- thanks for the excellent reivew. I am hopeful that my "next guiatar" will be an I-35LC. I just sold my R0, and used some of the proceeds to purchase a Swart Atomic Jr. Can't say enough about that amp. I am really hoping to find a reasonably priced used 35LC, or possibly new 35LC, in tobacco burst soon. Needless to say -- I got a huge smile when I read your comment about "I had forgotten how much my Swart likes the I-35LC, it really sings through it." Heavenly, I'm sure.

Ok, finally got a chance to play them all in one sitting, the Soco Deluxe, I-35LC, and my '80 Ibanez AS200 with standard wind lollars. Been crazy at work lately and haven't really had much time to even practice. I work from home too so you would think I have ample opportunities... Work, family, and my son's soccer have really ate into my guitar time!

First thing I'll say is boy they ALL sound good - but I had forgotten how much my Swart likes the I-35LC, it really sings through it.

All three guitars are strung with the same strings D'Addario EXL115s (.011-.049) which come standard on the Collings. The strings were not uniformly fresh/old, but meh lets call it close enough. All tuned standard.

Neck wise the taper seems the same to me, I like the feel of the binding on the Soco better though. Just a personal preference I guess. The shape on both is really nice.

Unplugged: the Soco is a bit louder than the I-35LC. To my ears the Soco is just a bit more acoustic sounding. You can certainly hear more note separation from the Soco, its a bit brighter and more articulate. The I-35LC is warmer and more round, but very pleasing. The sustain on either one seemed about equal to me. However, the Soco just sorta feels tighter and a bit more alive than the LC, I put that down to the type of tops and probably the singlecut versus double cut. You can certainly feel the LC resonate though, it's no slouch.

Plugged in: Most of the qualities unplugged are carried forward while plugged in. The Soco is more articulate, brighter but not in a bad way. The LC is more warm/mellow and rounding. I like the bridge position of the Soco more so than the bridge of the LC as its a bit more "Tele" sounding. The neck position on either is glorious using one over the other really depends on what you want out of it. The LC will give you the classic 335 neck sound, and you know much better than I what the neck position will give you out of the Soco!

Digging in on bar chords, power chords, etc.. the LC really puts out a better crunch and I guess I would prefer it for that sort of song. The Soco performs great also but it seems more refined and wants to put up a little resistance to breaking up.

The two play very similarly but I think there is enough difference in the sound to justify having one of each. The LC really nails the 335 type sound, its great, probably well suited to not only rock and roll but jazz as well. Overall I like the Soco a tad better (right now). I think more for how it looks and feels in my hand and against my body than for sound quality alone. I would be happy with either if I could only have one. To tell you the truth, just now thinking about it - if I could only choose one I would probably choose the I-35LC. Wow, that realization sure seems like a contradiction. I probably just have more of an attachment to the Soco which is why its my favorite, I named her after my grandmother after all! None of my other guitars have names.

Sorry for the long winded reply, did any of it make sense?

<<EDIT>> - I mentioned the AS200 and A/B'd it with the two Collings but the above right up was just the two Collings. I didn't want the AS200 to confuse the A/B. The AS200 shared more similarities with the LC than the Soco but it was its own guitar nonetheless. Sounds great, neck way thinner, but the feel of the body as it rings is not as alive or as tight - understandable for a 33 year old guitar.

Oh, I forgot to add that my wife was listening for a bit and to her the Soco sounds more "steely" and the 35LC sounded more like a "piano". mmmm...

Hi, thanks for the great review. It does make sense at all. Being a long time soco player and having tried a couple of I-35lc's I think my impressions are similar. The soco might be a bit more unique in some ways, and personally I feel more comfortable on a singlecutaway guitar. I really don't think anyone looking for a semi could go wrong with either one of those guitars. I know I want an I-35lc someday.

Hi, thanks for the great review. It does make sense at all. Being a long time soco player and having tried a couple of I-35lc's I think my impressions are similar. The soco might be a bit more unique in some ways, and personally I feel more comfortable on a singlecutaway guitar. I really don't think anyone looking for a semi could go wrong with either one of those guitars. I know I want an I-35lc someday.

I confess single cut style was more like home but I was also influenced by the bigger guitar being quite the same as I35 for chords yet stronger for low and clean single note notes playing.

It has taken my month of ownership to get used to it because I was playing small and light guitars (6 lb Tele Thinline, hollow PRS).

I'm not a gigging musician but playing with others shows the big low tone can be as good as is bad. Makes me think of Keef and 5 strings. The guitar is sort of sweetheart and monster in one - can be very sweet but also stomp out those around you. Awesome when I mindful of dynamic playing.

I'm with you on SoCo models being somewhat unique but many players are very traditional.

I confess single cut style was more like home but I was also influenced by the bigger guitar being quite the same as I35 for chords yet stronger for low and clean single note notes playing.

It has taken my month of ownership to get used to it because I was playing small and light guitars (6 lb Tele Thinline, hollow PRS).

I'm not a gigging musician but playing with others shows the big low tone can be as good as is bad. Makes me think of Keef and 5 strings. The guitar is sort of sweetheart and monster in one - can be very sweet but also stomp out those around you. Awesome when I mindful of dynamic playing.

I'm with you on SoCo models being somewhat unique but many players are very traditional.

My main guitar before I got the soco was a PRS hollowbody spruce and I also as a thinline G&L ASat deluxe. Still have them both and you are right they are very light guitars, especially the PRS is about only 5 lbs. The soco and the G&L are about the same weight, maybe 6-7 lbs. For me the size and the weight of the soco is just perfect. My eastside, which is a 16' archtop is extremely light about 5.50 lbs( some 175's are 8 lbs), and being slightly slimmer than a 175 it is super comfortable.

Here is a video of my new I-35 LC:

rEG4IpKtGmk

Here is a video of my new I-35 LC:

rEG4IpKtGmk

Very nice Stephan!

Here is the Collings Eastside unplugged.
6jhIl_5a2Wc

Neck pickup in my CL stopped working today, anybody have an idea what happen?

Neck pickup in my CL stopped working today, anybody have an idea what happen?

No idea, why don't you call or email Mark Althans from Colligns?

Here's a couple of live clips of my Collings Eastside


With overdrive:
5fHSWIJknwU

With a clean sound
PJy69ni1Xag