(from MarkT in another thread -- info he got directly from Mark Althans @ Collings)
The truth from him is, the cases are being discontinued from shipping with any guitar they make. They are not discontinuing production. They also are not being offered as an upgrade when ordering a Collings.
They ARE, however going to be sold as an accessory. So...if you want a Collings made case, you can buy it after the fact. I'm sure this is all subject to change. But as of yesterday, this is the word.
Is Collings changing after Bill?
Re: Is Collings changing after Bill?
More info from an Email from Artisan Guitars:
"Bill Collings - 1948 / 2017
We have fielded many questions from fans over the time since Bill’s passing. “How are things?” “Who is running the company now?” “Have you noticed any change in the build quality?”
At its core, Collings was built on a foundation of select individuals, many of whom were there in the beginning. In my opinion, Bill surrounded himself with others who would reciprocate in challenging him (not just agree with him). This collaboration was vital to innovation.
As their organization grew, those earlier members became leaders. That same team remains in charge of day to day quality, and future development. Those leaders are officially Directors of the company today:
Clint Watson, Executive Director & Director of Engineering
Ruth Archuleta, Executive Director & Director of HR
Steve McCreary, Executive Director & General Manager
Angela Wade, Director of Sales
Steve Nall, Director of Production
Bruce Van Wart, Director of Acoustic Instruments
Aaron Huff, Director of Electric Instruments
By all accounts, the steadfast penchant for quality which has permeated the Collings team for decades is alive and well. The innovation that Bill Collings inspired continues in his namesake. Their instruments are better than ever, in every detail."
"Bill Collings - 1948 / 2017
We have fielded many questions from fans over the time since Bill’s passing. “How are things?” “Who is running the company now?” “Have you noticed any change in the build quality?”
At its core, Collings was built on a foundation of select individuals, many of whom were there in the beginning. In my opinion, Bill surrounded himself with others who would reciprocate in challenging him (not just agree with him). This collaboration was vital to innovation.
As their organization grew, those earlier members became leaders. That same team remains in charge of day to day quality, and future development. Those leaders are officially Directors of the company today:
Clint Watson, Executive Director & Director of Engineering
Ruth Archuleta, Executive Director & Director of HR
Steve McCreary, Executive Director & General Manager
Angela Wade, Director of Sales
Steve Nall, Director of Production
Bruce Van Wart, Director of Acoustic Instruments
Aaron Huff, Director of Electric Instruments
By all accounts, the steadfast penchant for quality which has permeated the Collings team for decades is alive and well. The innovation that Bill Collings inspired continues in his namesake. Their instruments are better than ever, in every detail."