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Parlor T vs 0 Traditional 12 fret

Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2019 4:26 am
by mrzig
Any 0 T or Parlor T players care to give their 2 cents on these models.....?

I played a parlor 2ht once and was blown away, but haven't played any of the other models. I now live far from a Collings dealer and can't play these in hand. It was my first experience with a guitar that small that put out that much mojo. The trad specs work perfect for me, so I'm looking for either an 0 or a parlor.

1) Did you follow your typical tastes in tonewood or were you surprised by your choice? Wondering if the smaller build changed your choice of RW vs Mahogany. I'm often entranced by rosewood guitars at first, but then it wears off and I always find I end up back with Mahogany guitars. However, I could see rosewood giving some dimension to the potential "boxiness" of a smaller guitar and, as I said above, the RW Parlor T I played was out of this world.

2) Has your choice in a parlor or an 0 stood the test of time? Did the parlor size ever mess with your shoulder or ergonomics and/or did you tire of its sound over time? On a purely aesthetic level, the 0 model looks more attractive to me, and I'm a big guy, so the parlor makes me feel like a giant, but ultimately I don't care as long as it sounds and feels right.

3) Could the parlor still handle open tunings even though it's an especially short scale?
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Re: Parlor T vs 0 Traditional 12 fret

Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2019 10:49 pm
by derf
I am a big fan of the Collings Parlor T. They are amazing instruments. I still think this every time I finishing playing it and return it to it's case. I have had the Parlor T for two years and have never tired of it. I do not own, or have otherwise played a 12 fret single 0 traditional. Locally, there is no opportunity to take my Parlor T and compare it to a 12 fret Single 0 T. Similar to the OP, (choosing between the Parlor T and Single 0 T) I cannot help but wonder whether I am missing something in not having the single 0 T, or at the very least being able to compare them in person. As a Parlor owner, the question is whether the Single 0 T provides the player with more presence over the Parlor T; does one gain anything over the Parlor with the single 0? Without being able to compare the two myself, I did the next best thing to get my question answered; I called several Collings dealers who stock both models and asked their opinions/impressions. All responded that the single 0 gives slightly more volume and bottom end, but it is not a knock-your-socks off difference between the two. After hearing this confirmation, I would like to think that my choice of the Parlor T is correct.

The Parlor did not change my choice in woods, I went with what I know my ears traditionally like. I do not find the Parlor T boxy and it does not mess with my shoulder. I find it very comfortable to play and not difficult to hold in position. Depending on the type of seat/couch I will use a strap when necessary to help keep it in the best playing position. I am sure I would use a strap with the single 0 when necessary since there is only a one-half inch difference in overall length between the Parlor and Single 0. Cannot address open tunings question on the Parlor since I do not use them.

One sees very little discussion of the Parlor Ts on the forums or few, if any, for sale on the used market. I would like to think this means that those who purchase Parlors find them to be keepers.

It is rare to have the opportunity to compare and contrast various Collings models and woods in the appropriate acoustic environment. Sometimes one has to take a $6k leap of faith and just go for it. The Parlor works well for me. Would like to hear what you decide and your thoughts after your selection.

Re: Parlor T vs 0 Traditional 12 fret

Posted: Mon Nov 18, 2019 4:18 am
by mrzig
Derf, thank you for the thoughtful, thorough reply. Very, very helpful. Your point about the used market is well taken and speaks to them as being keepers. I played a Luna parlor, which is a similar size, today. The tone didn't grab me, but the size felt great. I'm thinking an 0 style may start creeping a little closer to the OM that is my main guitar and the parlor may be more of a unique voice, as I don't need a competing "all-arounder" to the OM. I'm close to deciding, I'll keep you posted. So glad to hear you took the leap and feel satisfied after every session.