The Collings Forum

Glad you like your new CJ45T!!! I still have not ordered one, but I'm SO tempted. Been hoping to hear some more reports as more guitars become available. You mentioned you might try NB strings.....if you do I'd be curious to hear what you think of that. Enjoy your new guitar!!!

Now that I've had more time to play the CJ-45, I can say that MarkT is right about these being very different from other Collings guitars.

Even though I bought the sitka version, it is so loud that I want for nothing. The neck is amazing, but big. I don't notice it when playing though. I wish Collings offered larger necks on more of their guitars!

The tone of this guitar vs. a CJ35 is warm and sweet, but not as dry as the CJ-35 that I had. I think that is a result of less immediate note decay. For those looking for that epic 40/50's Gibson bass, this doesn't guitar does not do that. It's still ultra-focused just like every other Collings.

Peanut73 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 06, 2021 5:20 pm For those looking for that epic 40/50's Gibson bass, this doesn't guitar does not do that. It's still ultra-focused just like every other Collings.

Loved your whole take on the 45.... Especially the neck! And the quote above. I was expecting that bass, and was slightly disappointed at first, but the more I play it, the more I like it. I've been through a lot of Collings over the years, but this one is staying!

Peanut73 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 06, 2021 5:20 pmI wish Collings offered larger necks on more of their guitars!

Collings does offer larger necks. Except for an 01a that had a VN vintage now neck, and an OM1aJL with a 1 3/4 T neck, I had a bunch of Collings dreads with their original big "vintage' neck (bigger than vintage now). Not like a wartime Gibson neck, but comparable to a '30s Martin dread neck. It's been my very favourite Collings neck.

Greg Y wrote: ↑Wed Jul 07, 2021 10:09 pm

Peanut73 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 06, 2021 5:20 pmI wish Collings offered larger necks on more of their guitars!

Collings does offer larger necks. Except for an 01a that had a VN vintage now neck, and an OM1aJL with a 1 3/4 T neck, I had a bunch of Collings dreads with their original big "vintage' neck. Not like a wartime Gibson neck, but comparable to a '30s Martin dread neck. It's been my very favourite Collings neck.

I'm talking .88 or bigger at fret #1. I've owned 10+ vintage now necked Collings, as well as 10-15 different Traditionals. The last few traditional D's I had were around .81-.83" at fret #1. Way too small, even with 1 3/4" nut.

markT wrote: ↑Wed Jul 07, 2021 9:49 pm

Peanut73 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 06, 2021 5:20 pm For those looking for that epic 40/50's Gibson bass, this doesn't guitar does not do that. It's still ultra-focused just like every other Collings.

Loved your whole take on the 45.... Especially the neck! And the quote above. I was expecting that bass, and was slightly disappointed at first, but the more I play it, the more I like it. I've been through a lot of Collings over the years, but this one is staying!

As a former die-hard Collings owner, this CJ-45T is my only Collings right now. Mine is staying too. The only other Collings that I lust after is the OM1AJL. I'll be adding another one of those again someday; selling my first one was dumb.

Peanut

Have you asked if they'd build you a guitar with a bigger neck? The biggest one i had was my 2000 D1a. After that i made a template of that neck and Collings made me several guitars copying that one

Peanut73 wrote: ↑Wed Jul 07, 2021 11:53 pm

markT wrote: ↑Wed Jul 07, 2021 9:49 pm

Peanut73 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 06, 2021 5:20 pm For those looking for that epic 40/50's Gibson bass, this doesn't guitar does not do that. It's still ultra-focused just like every other Collings.

Loved your whole take on the 45.... Especially the neck! And the quote above. I was expecting that bass, and was slightly disappointed at first, but the more I play it, the more I like it. I've been through a lot of Collings over the years, but this one is staying!

As a former die-hard Collings owner, this CJ-45T is my only Collings right now. Mine is staying too. The only other Collings that I lust after is the OM1AJL. I'll be adding another one of those again someday; selling my first one was dumb.

The last one is the best one! Peanuts, enjoy your tone monster in good health!!

I keep waiting to hear more about this model...getting a bit surprised there doesn't seem to be more of them out there and what the thoughts on them are?

yeah, they weren't available until LOOOONG after namm intro.