The Collings Forum

This subject is being discussed on other forums so why not here? The bottom-line story makes it sound like Waterloos may not ever get back into production. Some things being said are that the Collings work force is down to 30% and that the building or area where Waterloo guitars were being made is now leased out. Housing prices in the area are high and some of the employees sold their houses at good prices and moved away. Personally, I can't see the Waterloo guitar line disappearing as it's a proven market now. So, if Collings doesn't fill it someone else will. They may have to move production to a less expensive area to stay in production or at least get creative to keep their market. Time will tell. Anyone have any solid information?

Who would have guessed the Pandemic would still be with us? It’s taken a terrible toll but hopefully, things will improve in the not so distant future. I believe that the Waterloo line will eventually return. It was one of Bill’s many fantastic ideas and players love them.

Stay well my friend!!!

I’ve heard/read the same rumors and don’t have any new info I’d call solid. I have heard they’re still putting out a couple a month, but I don’t know if that’s accurate. Or, if so, whether they’re still producing Waterloos or just finishing up ones in progress.

It has been interesting to see them almost vanish from the marketplace as new supplies dry up. Seems owners are hanging onto what they’ve got.

I would also love to know what the company is planning for the brand, but maybe they don’t know yet either.

Just read a comment on the AGF from dnf7777 that gthe situation is still the same.
Such a great team, but they've lost a lot of good craftsmen, so sad to see the greatest US guitar company struggling.

SillyM, I wouldn't say Collings is "struggling." I was in Austin 2 weeks ago and had a fine visit with Steve & Aaron. I also got to briefly say hello to Joe & Mark. The electrics are in demand. The 470 has been well received. The acoustic production is carrying on. With a smaller demand for mandolins, fewer of them are being built. Waterloos bring less to the bottom line, so that's my guess as to why fewer are being produced. In the high times, Collings was able to keep lots of balls in the air. The changes of the last few years have required an adjustment in priorities....& I think that's what Collings is doing. Collings has added some heavy hitters ....Kym Warner of the Greencards is working in the mandolin shop, and John Allison (who shot many a beautiful burst back-in-the-day) has rejoined the team. As long as Jeff is still meticulously and patiently sanding bodies, I'll continue to believe that all is well in Austin.

^^^ I heard the same thing from Steve at AMW yesterday. He said all is well at Collings but they are sticking to what they are most known for. High end acoustics and electrics.
Like the handmade cases & Uke's, Waterloo's are likely gone. Mandolins are likely next. They were some of Bill's pet projects, but now that he is gone, they are sticking to what is profitable as a company.
Sad, but understandable.

Undoubtedly, Collings are the best in terms of high end acoustics and electrics.

I did see both mandolins & Waterloos in various stages in the works during our November visit.

Fresh off the line and shipping to Action Music Guitars.
photo from Collings on Instagram
The Waterloo lives!

Greg Y wrote: ↑Wed Jan 11, 2023 6:12 pm
Fresh off the line and shipping to Action Music Guitars.
photo from Collings on Instagram
The Waterloo lives!

And what a beautiful guitar to get things back on track!!

Thanks for posting!!!