WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLLINGS, AND WHY?

[DenverSteve]

For me it's my CJ45T/A. I really love my D1 Baked and it's easily the best sounding D18-Style dread I've ever heard, played or owned. I also rather enjoy OM1s & 2s I've had. However, my favorite, by far is my CJ45 Traditional Adirondack. I had been looking, for years, for a world-class J45 Gibson. I've owned a couple of really-good ones and one of them was a well-known J45 Custom that had gone through the country recording scene and ended up with me - however, I never found love for any of them. When I played my first CJ45T I got weak in the knees and when I found the Adirondack topped one, I couldn't believe I had found the sound I had sought in a J45 for years. Volume (to spare, articulate, bell-like trebles, growling bass.... The best Collings for me. How about you?

[pto]

this D-45. LL got a chance to play it in the shop before pickguard. i've had lots of collings guitars and mandos since 93, but this is on another planet, even if blindfolded. my next favorite was a ss, German madagascar CJ burst. it was LOUD!

[drjond56]

Many years have played a Collings 02-H Englemann, 14 fret. Subsequently have an 02-H 12 fret that is definitely my "grail" or "retirement" guitar. I play fingerstyle/classical and I can play anything on the little beastie--even classical tunes in a poor imitation of my idol, John Renbourn. My ears hear the difference in 12 fret instruments, no matter the size. Also, when moving back and forth from my classical, it seems more natural.

Jon

[Frank Sanns]

You both look good in the shop PTO!


There are a few.

I like the OM1 JL because of its pure sparkle. It keeps you honest with your playing with the individual note separation and clarity.

All of the D-2 series are all winners too. Great guitars.

The CJ series including the 45 is very balanced and has tonal characteristics that are pleasing to accompany voice or just playing.

But my very favorite is the D1A from the mid 2000s. Not the varnish or baked or traditional or any other variations. It is the wide grain Adirondack with mahogany that is that magical dreadnaught combination for me. It is a refined version of the Martin series. It is the symphonic version of barrel busting saloon guitar. Powerful, sophisticated, focused, clear, warm, with great dynamic range and presence.

[Georgelange]

My 2014 Collings D1a varnish with vintage now neck and 2 5/16 bridge spacing. Has the nicest sound to my ears. I managed to snag one of the last Collings vintage guitar cases as well so it is a complete set

[pto]

There are a few.

1,000; 10,000; and 20,000 that i know of...

[Derek]

Collings C10 Deluxe.

Like the looks, the comfort playing it (not too big) and the way it records:
For example a couple of my recordings on it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nv4YcGSWLJc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_--bSX5GDPY

[DenverSteve]

Very nice Derek. Thanks for sharing.

[Silly Moustache]

Hi, it's too quiet around here, so I thought I'd rattle the coffee cups a little.

My first Collings was a new DS2h bought in 1999, after a long search for a dreadnought the fitted my hands and style (I'd been looking for a Martin D18/28/35-S (1 & 7/8" nuts) a kind sales guy in London got two DS2hs in stock. One went to all the magazines and earned very positive comments, and I believe that that salesman ended up keeping it for himself.

I kept mine for 21 years, and allowed it to leave me in a fit of post Cancer treatment depression - mistake.
However, I have a 2007 model bought in 2011which is much heavier, but after some work plays beautifully.

My second Collings was a 2003 0002h bought in 2005, which needed some set up work initially but now seems to have settled down
I bought a (hardly) used 2008 DS1 in 2010, and another (2003- DS1ASB) came to my door in 2012.

At age 75, I've got a house full of wonderful guitars, and I'm not convinced that I'll be buying anymore ...unless a reasonably priced 002h appeared.

Most of my guitars can be seen on my YouTube channel "Silly Moustache" .