Talk me out of a Collings...
 

I've been playing a variety of Blueridge guitars for the past few years. I've had all sorts of things come into and out of my hands, but not been in love or felt like the quality/sound/playability was worth the stretch above the ol' Blueridges.

I play out a few times each month at a rather loud amplified level and my biggest quip is that the Fishman electronics (and playability) of my BR143CE are just not up to snuff.

I've been in love with the brand and image of the higher end makers. Santa Cruz, Collings and Martin... notably. I prefer a thinner body (4") OOO or OM style and a thinner neck and nut (1 11/16).

I'm ready to go plunk down $4k or so on a new guitar and I'm just feeling like a Collings is the way to go for a lifer. Sure, I'll get to play it for 30 min or so... and I'm sure I'll fall in love with the look of the wood, the headstock shape, the bright balanced shimmer of the notes.

What am I missing? Should I be going elsewhere? Any last minute thoughts/regrets? Seems like a pretty straightforward no-brainer, right?

Don't do it.

I don’t care for their label. The illustration feels stiff.

Dear SBB,

Martins invented 'em, and still build 'em. OM28 or OM18 (1 & 3.4" nut width).

Bourgeois was one of the guys to convince Martin to re-introduce them again in the 70s (was it?)

But - I'm sorry, I cannot talk you out of a Collings!
I can tell you that you may be lucky to get one for $4k (I'm in the UK so can't talk about US prices).

I can tell you that if you buy one, you'll buy more Collings guitars at some later date (I had five until recently - still longing for another).

I can tell you that the OM1 and the OM2h come with the thin 1 & 11/16" nut width as standard.

I can tell you that my Santa Cruz is a lovely instrument ... but it ain't a Collings.

Perhaps I shouldn't say that Collings guitars are ... just ... perfect ... because you might not like perfection.

You guys are making me drool. I would love to own a Collings combo of guitar and mandolin. But there are so many wonderful instruments, and only so many dollars in my paycheck! :(

You'll know when you play it. The rest is just our opinion.

If I were spending $4,000 I'd travel to a store with a sizable collection of guitars in that range and play them all.

It doesn't take me 30 minutes to know if a guitar is the one. Some I know are not the one in just a few seconds.

Santa Cruz, Collings and Martin: you can't go too far wrong with those choices. Enjoy the search.

Ok, I’ll talk you out of it. Loud amplification with in built electronics will remove much of what makes a high end guitar betterer than a mid- price one.

But if you’re gonna splash out and this is your first foray into these kinds of guitars my advice is don’t buy until you understand the difference between Martin tone and Collings tone. If you cant hear the difference, keep playing them until you can. Then buy a Martin :)

This man speaketh the truth. Getting a cannon of a Collings CJ (addy/hog) about 15 years back only led me to a lovely (and by now heavily well-played) '96 12 fret 000-HK.

Collings makes a fantastic guitar,of course you want one
Who wouldn't?
Personally I would go Martin or even Larrivee
But try every guitar you can then make a decision
Good luck
David

I made the mistake of getting a Collings about 7 years ago. Worst mistake I ever made.
I now own 6 of their acoustics and 7 electrics. It’s a disease.

A Froggy Bottom H12 would talk you out of a Collings 000. It would use its soothing Froggy Croak!

By all means, don't follow fingerwalker down the Collings rabbit hole. It will be a path of misery punctuated only by playing fabulous guitars...

Deep down you really know you want a Taylor!

I wouldn't discount Martin, Bourgeois, Huss & Dalton, Collings, or Santa Cruz. All build wonderful 000-OM guitars. Different voicing for sure. Just have to find what works for you. Best of luck!