Collings OM1C Oh My - Should I?

[Groberts]

I have been wanting a Collings OM1 Mahogany cutaway for years. I had an OM1A that was other worldly but let it go because I headed to cutaways and dreads. Well, this just landed locally and captured my heart. I am super impressed how rich, robust and full it is. Clear and sparkly but not overly bright at all. (to me)

I am on a 48 Hour trial and I'll have to give blood and sell off some of my electric gear gear that I don't really use to take the $$$ sting out. Is this a keeper or ??? (I already think it is to be honest, but welcome thoughts from those who are not caught up in the heat of the moment) I think it's pretty special. What say you?

Forgive any clams. I was just making quick one-take demo's so I can listen back more objectively.

[Taylor007]

Keep it.
Sounds great.

[Rev Roy]

Your playing always sounds marvelous, my friend. You and that sweet Collings are a perfect pair. It’s a keeper in my book.

[fngrpck]

Sounds pretty darn good to me. It's a keeper!

[KenL]

Lovely. Can't beat a good Collings.

Yes, keeper!

(Enjoyed your playing, btw.)

[K20C]

I would find a way to keep it.

[ChrisDowning]

I'd keep it. I bought a handmade dread from Tom Waghorn in Bristol (UK). And I've had opportunities to A B it with a Collings Dreadnought owned by a friend for years. The Collings is such a good guitar it's hard to imagine how anyone could make it better. Although I didn't pay the same as a Collings (mine would now set you back nearly £4k, the Collings has the edge in clarity, punch, and as an investment spot on. You really can't lose. You'll never sell it so it's costing you more like $1 a day for 20 years.

[brencat]

Hi Gary, the guitar sounds fine if you like that more modernish voicing. I think it would be instructive to make a comparison with your D1T. My experience owning 2 different sized guitars within the same wood family of the same builder is that over time (and it won’t take long to figure out) you’ll tend to favor 1 and neglect the other. For me, I always gravitated toward the dread size, as that’s what my ears preferred.

Best on whatever you decide.

[cliff_the_stiff]

I think it’s a keeper.

[Colt45]

Sounds really good to me. It doesn’t sound anything like my D1T.
I think it’s a keeper?

[Guitars44me]

I think you already answered your own questions.

First, you said you’re not playing the electric gear, so you might as well sell that.

I expect you will play this Collings a lot more than the electric stuff. I sure would.

I’m sure you realize that if you want someone to talk you out of this purchase you’re in the wrong place ha ha ha

You already know you like the tone, since you had one before, less the cut away.

And, it is unlikely to loose value as mentioned above!

I expect someone else will chime in with more reasons you should buy it!

Cheers

Paul

[steelvibe]

It’s a keeper Gary. It will also be a more comfortable guitar when you want to sit and play.

I’m more of a non-cutaway guy myself but agree that I’d be smitten by that tone! It doesn’t hurt that you play so well though…

[darylcrisp]

the first video, soon as it starts, that big wide grin tells it all.
you'll never sleep again if you don't keep it.

thanks for posting, always enjoy your music and playing
d

[dodge]

A collings OM1 has been on my wishlist for years. Beautiful guitar you should definitely hang on to it.

[Br1ck]

Trust your gut. My SCGC had me asking myself which three or four instruments I could do without. Three and a bunch of cash did the trick. Took me ten minutes to decide.

Asking here is just looking for validation. Just so there is someone that does, let me say, Collings are over rated, being far too bright, and cutaways make no sense. Plus they are 30% too expensive. And that one isn't a dread, and the case lining probably isn't a deep purple. Really, nothing they're worth even asking about. You didn't fall for the old 48 hours to return gambit did you? This is just yet another self indulgence you can't afford and don't really need.


Did I miss anything?