The Collings Forum

Whoa!!! I just found out to my pleasant surprise that the Collings Forum has been back for some time. I had always felt that the Collings Forum in particular had a ridiculous amount of knowledge where the pleasantness far outweighed the snobbery that you would typically find with such a revered brand. I am super pleased to return.

Though I have since moved on from my Collings acoustic, I still have my Collings uke and was able to finally nab an I35 Deluxe last year.

Somewhere along the line, I stumbled my way into possessing sonomaman's Alien. That axe is killer!!!

Looking forward to rejoining this forum!

Hey Foodie! Welcome back.

You have the Alien?!?! That’s great! I’ve wondered about that guitar from time to time. And what about Sonoman (Tom) himself? Anyone know his whereabouts?

No idea about Tom. I actually bought the Alien from the second owner (I think) and not Tom himself. Hopefully he and his family are safe and well in Sonoma.

If I remember, the Alien was bought by the son in the Kaman Music family (sorry but I can't remember his name/forum handle...)

He went by Beal on the forum.

Bill Kaman, an Austin resident & participant in the Collings Gatherings

I don't have my old Collings Forum PMs, so I can't remember the handle. I'm 90% sure I purchased the Alien from the Collings Forum and 90% sure the gentleman's name was Tom (not the original sonoman). In the guitar case, there's a printed e-mail exchange between Tom (sonoman) and Rudy/Willi. I wonder if I'm the fourth or fifth owner!

Regardless, it's good to back on this forum. Lots of good memories!

Yes, I remember reading about the Alien many times on the Collings forum and actually playing it at Tom's house in Somoma back in 2009 while visiting wine country. I was so impressed with the sound that I bought a 2007 Collings OM2HG when I got home to replace the OM2Hss that I had been playing for 6 years. I do know that Tom S. ended up with the guitar for awhile... then sold it. Would love to play that guitar again and compare it with the OM2HABaaa that I now own.... maybe one day.

Good to see you here, formerfoodie.

That's a good question about Tom (Sonoman). We would communicate from time to time but it's been quite a while. I hope he's doing well.

Congrats on obtaining The Alien. It's one of the more famous guitars from the old forum, and for good reason from what I hear.

Hey there FF,

Welcome back, good to have you back on board...your input on the old forum was always great. Congrats on acquiring The Alien! Any chance of posting a picture of it?