The Collings Forum

Would you consider buying an identical body size but with a different tone wood on the back and sides? For example if you had a rosewood guitar would you consider the same but with mahogany?

I am wondering how different it would be. Thanks

Yes I would. But then I have a Collings 00 and a Santa Cruz 00 both sitka/hog. I love the differences from my Waterloo WL-Ss.

Count me in too. I own a Collings D2H in Rosewood and a Martin D-18V in Mahogany. Love them both because they are different.

I can offer only my experience. For a long while, I've had a rosewood D2H and a mahogany OM1A. I liked the dual difference in wood and size.

I recently acquired another maker's OM in Brazilian rosewood, and the tonal similarities to my OM1A are greater than I anticipated. The rosewood does provide more reverb and some tonal difference. This particular rosewood OM has something extra in tone and playability that distinguishes it from the OM1A. It's nice to have both. If I were forced to choose (e.g., if I live long enough, going into a care facility or something), I'd keep the rosewood OM. It's worth trying them!

Thanks- interesting thoughts. Everyone has mentioned another builder. Would you consider a model from the same builder?

I've a Collings OM2G and OM1A. I agonized over choosing one of the OMs when I bought my first. Eventually I chose the OM2G, and it's a spectacular guitar. But I sort of knew I'd be getting an OM1 eventually; and about four years later I walked into Martin Music in Memphis and played an OM1A. I came back the next day and ordered one to my preferred specs (primarily to get a 1 23/32 nut width). The two OMs are very different sounding guitars and I can't be tempted to part with either. There are often nights I'll have both out on stands and switch between them to play and sing with.

If you love playing OMs--and I do for the midrange focus, the size and playability--I can't imagine not having both. (And--not surprising for a Collings forum--I find the Collings OMs easily the best I've played from a whole host of OMs I've auditioned.)

I have no problem with that idea. While not exactly the same body size I have a Collings 02 which is rosewood-Engleman combo and am looking at a Baby in the standard Sitka-mahogany combo.

Jon

Same body size does not necessarily mean same build. The D1 and D2 are different builds. Or a D-18, D-28, or D-45 in the Martin line. If any of those were the exact same wood, there would be differences. Change the wood and the differences are even more.

No problem with getting two of the same body size even if it is only aesthetics. Any excuse is a good one!

Frank

I guess this satisfies the question asked. I bought these Collings OM2 guitars new in 2013. Adi/Higuerilla OM2 on left - Mahogany/Mahogany OM2 on right.

A lovely pair- think that does answer the question! I’d not heard of higuerilla but looks very nice indeed.