NGD I-35LC

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uponamouse
Posts: 64
Joined: Sat Jun 27, 2020 5:39 pm
Real Name: Tom N

NGD I-35LC

Post: # 3997Post uponamouse
Sat Apr 24, 2021 10:07 pm

Hi all,
Newly acquired I-35LC, in a merlot finish and Ron Ellis humbuckers (LRP) set. My first Collings electric!

I've owed a D2H since '97, and an OM1A varnish since 2008. I've longed for a Collings electric since they began. I tried an I-35 Deluxe 12 or more years ago, but at that time, I didn't really "know" what to do with it. I've been primarily a Strat-type player for decades (and more recently discovered the joys of various ASAT Tele-types), and I don't play much jazz, so (factoring the cost) I put that idea to rest.

But I've been practicing, and last year bought a 1980 Yamaha SA-2000. Really well made, and plays beautifully all over the neck. I discovered that it could do everything, whether country-jazz ("This Old Cowboy"), blues, Neil Young dirt ("Powderfinger," "Change Your Mind"), Led Zeppelin ("Sick Again," "Ten Years Gone").... I've really enjoyed having that guitar in my palette. Although I really liked the LC concept, I thought I could put to rest the need for an I-35.

But more recently, the ToneQuest Report hepped me to Ron Ellis humbuckers. So... when I saw the listing for an I-35LC with Ron Ellis humbuckers, it was too good a combination to pass up.

Of course, the construction, fit, and finish are Collings flawless. The playability is sublime, and forcing me to up my game again—no hiding sloppy technique with this guitar! The pickups are clear and bright—the neck has round trebles, and the bridge has such smooth top end. It can be Tele-like in its brightness, without a trace of harshness. I've plugged in mainly to an Electroplex Rocket, which has a fantastic (preamp) overdrive tone that sets my gold standard for overdrive. I finally tried it through a Matchless Chieftain, and it sounds astounding there—such thick tone. Clean or dirty, all three positions excel on this guitar. Just a joy to play!!
Attachments
I-35_LC_merlot.jpeg
Last edited by uponamouse on Sat Apr 24, 2021 10:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Cheers, Tom

Frank Sanns
Posts: 147
Joined: Sun Oct 21, 2018 5:38 pm
Real Name: Frank Sanns
Location: Pittsburgh

Re: NGD I-35LC

Post: # 4000Post Frank Sanns
Sat Apr 24, 2021 10:41 pm

Nice find! You will love it.

uponamouse
Posts: 64
Joined: Sat Jun 27, 2020 5:39 pm
Real Name: Tom N

Re: NGD I-35LC

Post: # 4001Post uponamouse
Sat Apr 24, 2021 10:53 pm

Thank you, Frank! Just today, I found your post about your I-35 Deluxe. Quite nice!

I'm already in love with this guitar. Honeymoon or no, I think this love will last. It's satisfying to have a great-sounding humbucker guitar.

I'm going to release several G&L ASATs and the like, just to downsize toward the essentials. They are hard to let go, because they'e so good. Through this process, I learned that there are many well-made, great sounding guitars in the world. There's almost no way to try or own them all. But I can cover many, many styles with what I have.
Cheers, Tom

ripsaw
Posts: 71
Joined: Fri Apr 23, 2021 7:59 pm
Real Name: jimmy

Re: NGD I-35LC

Post: # 4015Post ripsaw
Mon Apr 26, 2021 7:48 pm

Love that dark red color - nice one!

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