Collings OM1A Julian Lage - 6 Months In

Kh1967 · #1 06-01-2019, 03:40 PM

After 6 months of ownership, I continue to grow even more fond of the Collings Julian Lage OM. Mine has the Adirondack top w/ 1 11/16" nut.

From the onset, I felt this was a pretty special guitar. It is drier than the typical Collings but, not as dry as some of the other JLs I had played prior to choosing this one. It was very warm, woody, and even. However, it still had that Collings chime which I very much enjoy.

6 months later, the guitar has blossomed into something extraordinary. Very resonant, much louder than a mere 6 months ago, and sweeter than before. It feels broken in yet, I know the tone will continue to evolve over the next few years. I have settled in with Pearse PBs, or Martin SP strings - either are very pleasing to my ear.

I use this guitar as my "shopping companion" - if I am looking at another OM, I bring this one to compare it to. The JL has saved me a lot of money.

It is a wonderful instrument.

To quote Julian Lage it is a "lovingly neutral" guitar - it has a tremendous evenness across the registers. However, I do find this guitar to be quite forgiving, which may surprise some. It does give back what you give it but, if you are "off" it still sounds great.

Personally, I have not found any where this guitar will not go. In other words, it will forever go with me....

Kerbie · #2 06-01-2019, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kh1967

In other words, it will forever go with me....

Really? Are you sure?

It's hard to argue with an OM1A. There's nothing that guitar can't do!

Kh1967 · #3 06-01-2019, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kerbie

Really? Are you sure?

It's hard to argue with an OM1A. There's nothing that guitar can't do!

Ha! I knew someone would catch that.

But, yep...it just works for me. :-)

BrunoBlack · #4 06-01-2019, 04:34 PM

I got to play one with the bigger neck this week and it was awesome. You should be thrilled. I’m with Kerbie... ha ha. Enjoy Kori.

AMW · #5 06-01-2019, 04:37 PM

Awesome post, Kh!

I hope you do keep the guitar forever. We feel that the great tragedy of Collings (ok, tragedy is a strong word) but maybe the great "bummer" with Collings is that not enough people keep them long enough to hear them fully blossom. Players don't always realize that all of that beautiful articulation and sparkle in the mids and highs are a serious asset as the guitar breaks in. That stuff doesn't blossom over time the same way that bass response does.... if it's not there in the beginning, it's not going to "play in". There is simply nothing like a Collings that has a bunch of hours on it!

The JLs have been wonderful, so glad you found the right one!

Kh1967 · #6 06-01-2019, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMW

Awesome post, Kh!

I hope you do keep the guitar forever. We feel that the great tragedy of Collings (ok, tragedy is a strong word) but maybe the great "bummer" with Collings is that not enough people keep them long enough to hear them fully blossom. Players don't always realize that all of that beautiful articulation and sparkle in the mids and highs are a serious asset as the guitar breaks in. That stuff doesn't blossom over time the same way that bass response does.... if it's not there in the beginning, it's not going to "play in". There is simply nothing like a Collings that has a bunch of hours on it!

The JLs have been wonderful, so glad you found the right one!

Thank you!

Yes....impatience is the the thief of Collings enjoyment.

Kh1967 · #7 06-01-2019, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haasome

I got to play one with the bigger neck this week and it was awesome. You should be thrilled. I’m with Kerbie... ha ha. Enjoy Kori.

O ye', of little faith....

brencat · #8 06-01-2019, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kh1967

Personally, I have not found any where this guitar will not go. In other words, it will forever go with me....

Thanks for the laugh Kori! But I'm glad you're loving the Lage...for now, that is.

Mark L · #9 06-01-2019, 05:01 PM

Collings are indeed built to be played, and moreover, to be “played in”.

I’m not really an OM guy, but your post makes me want to try a JL.

Best wishes on yours, OP. Btw, do you flatpick, fingerpick, strum, frail...?

Kh1967 · #10 06-01-2019, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brencat

Thanks for the laugh Kori! But I'm glad you're loving the Lage...for now, that is.

You, too???

Kh1967 · #11 06-01-2019, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark L

Collings are indeed built to be played, and moreover, to be “played in”.

I’m not really an OM guy, but your post makes me want to try a JL.

Best wishes on yours, OP. Btw, do you flatpick, fingerpick, strum, frail...?

I flatpick, fingerpick, and strum...none of them particularly well.

llew · #12 06-01-2019, 06:23 PM

Glad it suits you Kori! Hopefully it will forever...

Kh1967 · #13 06-01-2019, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llew

Glad it suits you Kori! Hopefully it will forever...

Thanks, Jim! Plus, my hand loves it...(insert sigh of relief).

BrunoBlack · #14 06-01-2019, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMW

Awesome post, Kh!

I hope you do keep the guitar forever. We feel that the great tragedy of Collings (ok, tragedy is a strong word) but maybe the great "bummer" with Collings is that not enough people keep them long enough to hear them fully blossom. Players don't always realize that all of that beautiful articulation and sparkle in the mids and highs are a serious asset as the guitar breaks in. That stuff doesn't blossom over time the same way that bass response does.... if it's not there in the beginning, it's not going to "play in". There is simply nothing like a Collings that has a bunch of hours on it!

The JLs have been wonderful, so glad you found the right one!

This is a great post. Thanks for putting this out there.

jrb715 · #15 06-02-2019, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMW

Awesome post, Kh!

I hope you do keep the guitar forever. We feel that the great tragedy of Collings (ok, tragedy is a strong word) but maybe the great "bummer" with Collings is that not enough people keep them long enough to hear them fully blossom. Players don't always realize that all of that beautiful articulation and sparkle in the mids and highs are a serious asset as the guitar breaks in. That stuff doesn't blossom over time the same way that bass response does.... if it's not there in the beginning, it's not going to "play in". There is simply nothing like a Collings that has a bunch of hours on it!

The JLs have been wonderful, so glad you found the right one!

Yes, indeed. I've an eight year old OM2G and a six year old CJ35G: not exactly ancient artifacts; but they have aged from exceptional guitars to transcendent guitars that I can't imagine ever letting go.