The Collings Forum

I may be looking to acquire a new Collings in the near future. My 02E has been my mainstay for a number of years. My grandson is becoming a very accommplished guitarist--classical and steel string--and on the latter he always gravitates to my Collings (smart kid). He may be college scholarship material in music and I might see sending the 02 with him along with his classical. So would I go with another 0 or perhaps a Baby? But then the thought of the C10-35 comes up. I have never seen or heard one except on the internet. It seems to be described as a "blues machine" which is OK as I do play blues but really I have eclectic tastes and play acoustic rock, jazz, Celtic, and even classical on steel string. So for those of you who own or have playing experience with the C10-35, how do you think it fits for styles other than blues? I would mention that my other main guitar, which does cover all these bases, is a Huss & Dalton 00--a superb instrument in its own right. Thanks in advance for your ideas.

Jon

I don't have a slot in my lineup for a C-10, but i don't think it's a one trick pony. As you know, Collings has a pretty big lineup now, and that offers us quite a choice. I did get to play the very first CJ-35 alongside the J-35 it was modelled on. The C10-35 will give you a real dry punchy sound with great clarity....and that's not just aimed at blue playing. If i were looking for a new Collings, i'd consider an OM1JL, an OM1 with a german spruce top & short scale, or the new 001.....but i'm a sucker for all that the 00 brings... I think it is a superb balance of design.....& it might be quite different from your H&D. Back to your original question...i think you can play a lot of different styles on the C10-35.....but that's true of a lot of guitars.

I have it's big brother, the CJ-35G. It's actually quite versatile, but it does not sound like a vintage J-35. I'd expect the C10-35 would be similar. With the German top, it really accentuates the Collings signature cut and clarity. I think of it as a Collings with a Gibson accent. Of course, the C10-35 is modeled on a Gibson L-00, but it will have a modern tone that would be suitable for really anything. I will say that if you do want something closer to the Gibson sound, look for one with a baked Sitka top. I think it would compliment the H&D very well!

I have a C-10 with a German top that I use for everything. I also have a 001A 14 fret that I wouldn't hesitate to use for whatever I need.

I have a C10-35 with a German spruce top. Definitely my favorite guitar. I'm continually astounded by the amazing tone and feel of it everytime I play it. Can't recommend it enough for fingerstyle or any other style you might throw at it. Here's an example of what mine sounds like: https://youtu.be/H3D9kisKpLI

Thanks for info so far. I have a sale pending on a Martin 00-18V. If that goes through I will begin the search in earnest.

Jon

I have a C10 that is Sitka and mahogany, and it is terrific, just a wonderful playing guitar. Like, I really love this little thing because it is so comfy, and it actually has a large sound that seems to outsize its actual size as a 00. I think the C10 is actually a versatile guitar... good for things well beyond the blues, but I've been playing some fingerstyle blues lately with a thumb pick and finger picks, and it just pops with sound. I also have a Collings D1, and of course, the differences are really noticeable in that the C10 is just fast, immediate, and very responsive. Super enjoyable guitar to play! You might enjoy exploring this model given your experience with other guitars in the Collings lineup. I have no experience comparing the C10 to a C10-35. I hope some others are able to answer and provide some perspectives on this particular question. I know its a few months since you posted, but I wanted to provide input since I'm so enthused about the C10.

mysteryfingerstyle wrote: ↑Thu Nov 12, 2020 11:25 pm I have a C10-35 with a German spruce top. Definitely my favorite guitar. I'm continually astounded by the amazing tone and feel of it everytime I play it. Can't recommend it enough for fingerstyle or any other style you might throw at it. Here's an example of what mine sounds like: https://youtu.be/H3D9kisKpLI

What a terrific version of American Girl--great playing and great, great sound. I've only played a C10-35 once, and that fairly briefly, but I was stunned at how much your C10-35G sounds like my CJ35G: which is pretty much my favorite guitar. To have a smaller, more comfortable version also . . hmm? Thinking expensive thoughts.

It’s a model that I wanted to love, but after test driving a couple, passed on. Unless you are set on a C1035, I would consider a Waterloo as an alternative option. Similar size, drier tone, lighter, & a fraction of the cost. I don’t think there is much you could do w/ the C1035 that a Waterloo couldn’t handle.

JohnB wrote: ↑Fri Feb 05, 2021 7:52 pm

mysteryfingerstyle wrote: ↑Thu Nov 12, 2020 11:25 pm I have a C10-35 with a German spruce top. Definitely my favorite guitar. I'm continually astounded by the amazing tone and feel of it everytime I play it. Can't recommend it enough for fingerstyle or any other style you might throw at it. Here's an example of what mine sounds like: https://youtu.be/H3D9kisKpLI

What a terrific version of American Girl--great playing and great, great sound. I've only played a C10-35 once, and that fairly briefly, but I was stunned at how much your C10-35G sounds like my CJ35G: which is pretty much my favorite guitar. To have a smaller, more comfortable version also . . hmm? Thinking expensive thoughts.

Thanks! I’ve been thinking expensive thoughts too about a getting a CJ35 if I can swing it. Just amazing guitars.