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Collings Nomenclature and Specs

Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2022 4:11 am
by ChrisDickerson
Hi all,

I’ve traditionally been a Martin guy, but I live in Austin so getting a Collings guitar makes sense. I get the 0, 00, 000, 0M, D part as that seems about the same as Martin. Looks like 1’s are mahogany, 2’s are rosewood, and 3’s are a higher grade of rosewood? Then we get into the A, G, H which I’m assuming means Adirondack, German, and herringbone? I get the 12-fret and 14-fret designation. Then do the traditional models have old style bracing and hide glue construction? I’m seeing some slot heads, is that on all 12-fret models? Do all 12-frets have 1 7/8 nuts with 2 5/16 saddle?

I had previously been debating between a Martin 00-17A and a 00-18A thinking one of those may be a nice option for playing finger style. Wondering if a 00 12-fret Collings might be good for that.

Re: Collings Nomenclature and Specs

Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2022 4:23 am
by Greg Y
The 12 frets have 1 13/16" nuts.
Traditionals do not use hide glue, & i don't know all the details but the steel in the neck is different....a wide bar instead of 2 strips ( @ either side of the truss rod)

Re: Collings Nomenclature and Specs

Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2022 4:10 pm
by Flakyfoont
The 12 frets are 1 7/8" standard, but I often see them in 1 3/4," and the string spacing would correspondingly lessen. Fish protein glue was used in traditional builds until recently, I seem to have read, never hot hide.
You would love the Collings 00. I had one, and the Trad. 00 would be even better!

Re: Collings Nomenclature and Specs

Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2022 4:13 pm
by Flakyfoont
Standard 12 frets are 1 13/16 I meant to say.

Re: Collings Nomenclature and Specs

Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2022 10:40 pm
by Silly Moustache
Flakyfoont wrote: Tue Nov 22, 2022 4:13 pm Standard 12 frets are 1 13/16 I meant to say.
Yes, the standard nut width for Martin 12 fretters were 1 & 7/8" but Collings made/make them with 1 & 13/16" which are perfect for me. I don't understand why they decided on 1 & 3/4" for the "T" models. In all honesty, I don't reallt understand the "T" series - I have three Collings 12 fret dreads and a 0002h, and can't imagine better instruments.

Re: Collings Nomenclature and Specs

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2022 2:08 am
by pto
i agree. the t's are great, but i prefer the original collings target sound.

Re: Collings Nomenclature and Specs

Posted: Thu May 25, 2023 12:23 pm
by Red Oak
ChrisDickerson wrote: Sat Nov 19, 2022 4:11 am Hi all,

I’ve traditionally been a Martin guy, but I live in Austin so getting a Collings guitar makes sense. I get the 0, 00, 000, 0M, D part as that seems about the same as Martin. Looks like 1’s are mahogany, 2’s are rosewood, and 3’s are a higher grade of rosewood? Then we get into the A, G, H which I’m assuming means Adirondack, German, and herringbone? I get the 12-fret and 14-fret designation. Then do the traditional models have old style bracing and hide glue construction? I’m seeing some slot heads, is that on all 12-fret models? Do all 12-frets have 1 7/8 nuts with 2 5/16 saddle?

I had previously been debating between a Martin 00-17A and a 00-18A thinking one of those may be a nice option for playing finger style. Wondering if a 00 12-fret Collings might be good for that.
No matter where one lives, getting a Collings always makes sense!!!

Re: Collings Nomenclature and Specs

Posted: Sat May 27, 2023 5:12 pm
by Greg Y
"3" instruments have different appointments rather than better wood: abalone rosette & bound fingerboard & headstock & gold waverly tuners.
The 12 fret instruments are 1 13/16" at the nut... & 2 3/8 or 2 5/16" at the bridge depending on the model
The T instruments are voiced differently....still constructed with Titebond.
The 12 fret instruments all come standard with slotted headstocks.
A 00 12 fret would make a great fingerstyle instrument.

Re: Collings Nomenclature and Specs

Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2023 2:06 pm
by ChrisDickerson
Greg Y wrote: Sat May 27, 2023 5:12 pm "3" instruments have different appointments rather than better wood: abalone rosette & bound fingerboard & headstock & gold waverly tuners.
The 12 fret instruments are 1 13/16" at the nut... & 2 3/8 or 2 5/16" at the bridge depending on the model
The T instruments are voiced differently....still constructed with Titebond.
The 12 fret instruments all come standard with slotted headstocks.
A 00 12 fret would make a great fingerstyle instrument.
I think I'm going to give one a try. I've had a tough time deciding between an 001 T and an 002H T. May be one of those scenarios where I have to buy both and sell the one I like second best. I do have a PWGC Brazilian 0-28 that I love, so thinking a 002H T might compliment that nicely.

Re: Collings Nomenclature and Specs

Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2023 10:12 am
by Silly Moustache
How are yuo getting on Greg? Yuo should be aware that the "T" style 12 fretters all have 1 & 3/4" nut widts for some reason, which would negate them for me, as i only went the Collings way for the wider fretboards. I have three dreads and a 000 all 12 frets 1 & 13/16! nuts.