For Sale: Rare McCollum Meghann 000 - $4000

[taropatch]

I'm selling a beautiful, handmade McCollum Megann guitar. Thanks for looking.

Based on 2009 Price list:
$6,500 - Meghann 000
$500 - Walnut - 5A Flamed Back/Sides
$400 - Italian Spruce Top
$450 - Abalone Top Border
$550 - Custom dark gray Calton Case
$75 - Bound Soundhole (Flamed Koa)
$100 - Gold Tuners with Ebony Buttons
$200 - Highlander P/U
Three-piece neck

[photos]

The list price of a new one back in 2009 was $8,775. Sadly, Lance McCollum passed away in February of that year.

I'm asking $4,000 + shipping.

I love this guitar but never play it anymore. It is in good condition. There are two minor finish checking spots on the top. And a couple small dings. Blemishes are cosmetic only. If you're interested, I can send you close up, high res photos. This guitar has lived in its Calton Case, humidified through the winters, in a smoke free home since I acquired it in the early 2000s.

Scale Length: 25.63 in
Scale Length (mm): 651 mm
Nut Width: 1.75 in
Nut Width (mm): 44.5 mm
String Spacing: 2.13 in
String Spacing (mm): 54.1 mm

In the words of Harvey Leach:

Lance McCollum was a builder of great guitars. Some of the players of his instruments include Roger Hodgson of Supertramp, Martin Barre of Jethro Tull, Winfield Champion Todd Hallawell, and Grammy winners Mark Mancina and Doug Smith. In his career Lance built approximately 250 guitars.

Lance's specialty was in the creation of guitars that had “piano-like” tone. He was also well known for his more unusual pieces such as baritone, harp, and double-neck guitars. His “interwoven” rosettes were simple yet elegant and became his trademark.

Lance McCollum, the luthier, wrote:

Italian Spruce is one of the best sounding woods I have ever heard. The supply we have came from a friend who builds cellos and violins and was commissioned to do a cello for Yo Yo Ma, but these particular pieces (in cello sizes) were not perfect enough for the commission, but more than perfect for guitar tops. The only drawback was that I had to buy a lot of it all at once. =0

Matched with the walnut, Italian spruce produces a very clear, yet powerful with lots of overtones and infinite sustain. Or as to quote from Doug Smith, Fingerstyle Guitarist extraordinaire, "There is an overall richness and uniformity in tone, and when I try to emphasize a particular string or note, I can do so with ease. The bass is large and full without being overpowering and the treble sparkles"... and this is on my Meghann 000.

[Dustinfurlow]

What a beauty...McCollums really do have that “piano-like” sound where the bass is super clear and sustaining but not muddy and the trebles cut and swell really nice. I’m currently having a custom built with this exact wood combo or I’d be all about this. Andy McKee also used a McCollum in his early days...sounded incredible.

[Ct20]

Beautiful guitar. GLWTS. What's the nut width?

[taropatch]

I just added more detailed photos (at the link) and the specs.

[Erithon]

Wow, you don't see a McCollum in the AGF classifieds every day! I played mine for a couple hours this morning. Someone will be real happy with this.

FYI: in that obituary Harvey Leach underestimates the number of guitars Lance built. The last McCollum serial number is 316.

[Cocobolo Kid]

Lance's guitars have always appealed to me, in both looks and sound. The Meghann is my favorite model of his. The woods on this one look spectacular.

What year was this made in? Also, what is the height of the guitar at the tail block?

If possible, can you post a photo showing the saddle height (especially of the high E string)? Finally, if you could measure the string height of the low and high E strings at the 12th fret (distance from top of 12th fret to bottom of string), that would be appreciated.

Thanks so much.

[taropatch]

Originally Posted by Cocobolo Kid

Lance's guitars have always appealed to me, in both looks and sound. The Meghann is my favorite model of his. The woods on this one look spectacular.

What year was this made in? Also, what is the height of the guitar at the tail block?

If possible, can you post a photo showing the saddle height (especially of the high E string)? Finally, if you could measure the string height of the low and high E strings at the 12th fret (distance from top of 12th fret to bottom of string), that would be appreciated.

Thanks so much.

This guitar was built in 1999 or 2000. The height at the tail block is 5 inches. The Meghann 000 is a great size yet has a full sound and good volume.

Body Length: 19 in
Upper Bout: 11 in
Lower Bout: 15.125 in
Body Depth Heel: 4 in
Body Depth Tail: 5 in

I do not have a proper gauge/spacer but estimate the 1st string at the 12th fret is about 3/32" and the 6th string is 3/32"-4/32". The guitar was set up by Norio Imai. And I'm pretty sure that Flip Scipio did the last set up. The action might be able to go a touch lower but it doesn't feel necessary. It plays very easily without any buzzing, as is.

[taropatch]

I tried uploading saddle pics here but got an internal server error. Here's a link.

[Cocobolo Kid]

Thanks for answering my questions. Someone is going to be very lucky to get this gorgeous guitar. My GAS is in high gear for sure. However, I don't think I can swing this one now. Plus, my personal preference is for guitars with a shallower depth.

GLWTS.

[Erithon]

Originally Posted by taropatch

This guitar was built in 1999 or 2000.

From the serial number, I'd guess 2000 is more likely. If you use an inspection mirror or cell phone you should be able to find a date penciled by Lance on the inside of the soundboard.

[taropatch]

Wow, I'd forgotten about that. Looks like Lance's signature and dated 11-11-99.

[taropatch]

Price reduced $500.

[blews]

Just gorgeous - elegant - stunning.........