The Collings Forum

Hi guys - I've had my Collings for 10 years & never thought it needed anything. Now I'm thinking it could benefit from a little work, mainly it seems harder to stay in tune, unless it's my ears..any suggestions? thanks.

I had my Collings looked at after about 10 years. The frets were worn and it had a run on a plek machine. Results were fantastic: playability and tone both improved. I would definitely have a check up. Any decent repair person will be able to advise- might well be an easy fix. As mine told me- Collings are very well built.

Thank you! I never thought about a plek, I was thinking that was only for electric guitars.

Slowlearner wrote: ↑Sun Jul 18, 2021 9:02 pm I had my Collings looked at after about 10 years. The frets were worn and it had a run on a plek machine. Results were fantastic: playability and tone both improved. I would definitely have a check up. Any decent repair person will be able to advise- might well be an easy fix. As mine told me- Collings are very well built.

Great advice! Given the amount of joy one receives from owning and playing a great guitar, a little TLC can only help!!

Best of luck!!!

I can highly recommend getting your baby to your best local guy to get the set up checked and a good thorough cleaning. Collings uses a fairly soft metal for the frets so having them checked is also a great idea. Mine needed to have the Cowboy Frets dressed. While there they should also attend to the fingerboard cleaning and oiling it as needed.

I took all three of my guitars into the shop (one at a time) last summer and it's like having three new guitars.

If you don't already have a guitar tech on speed dial, post your location and most likely someone here can recommend someone in your area.

Thanks for everyone's help. Re guitar techs, I'm in Olympia, Wa.

I'd call Gary Wagner in Renton. He does really fine set-up work. I'm not sure if he's taking new work at this time, but he and Mark Tossman are really the go-to guys in the Seattle area.

OK thanks.

I have a D2h (1999) and a D1 (2002). I made a pleck to both 4 years ago already but am not convinced of the process on the frets.
For me that belittles the action and makes you lose the attack.
Next time I plan a complete refrettage of the handle.