Since Collings moved into the electric arena in 2006, Bill has had an interest in the role that laminate woods play in the tone of classic semi-hollow electrics and jazz guitars, and it was only a matter of time before he delved into a new variation. After much research and experimentation, and a few dissected classic guitars later... they are ready to introduce this exciting new line of electric guitars.
Compared to the solid wood semi-hollow models, the laminate construction sends more controlled information to the pickups, allowing Collings to use higher output electronics. These guitars feature the standard Lollar Imperials, as opposed to the low-wind Imperials used in the other Collings models. This creates tone that is evenly balanced with the smooth response that many players look for in arched top electric guitars. We wouldn't describe the tone of the laminate guitars as being better or worse than the solid equivalent. Instead, they should be viewed as two different guitars with two different sets of tonal characteristics.
The I-35 LC model is a laminate maple version of the standard I-35 with a starting list price of $4,400 including case. Collings will be offering a limited number of finishes for this model, most likely Tobacco Sunburst, Faded Cherry, Blonde, and Dark Cherry Sunburst. This particular prototype I-35 LC is serial #1, the first production model, and features a full body dark cherry sunburst upgrade, bringing the list price to $5000.
This guitar includes appointments such as dot inlays, an unbound Indian rosewood fingerboard and ebony peghead, and amber knobs and rings.
To view a video of demonstration of this exact guitar at the Winter NAMM show, click here.
Specifications:
- Top: Laminate Maple
- Back and Sides: Laminate Maple
- Scale: 24 7/8"
- Nut Width: 1 11/16"
- Neck Material: Mahogany
- Fretboard: Indian Rosewood
- Bridge: Tone Pros Bridge and Tailpiece
- Headstock Shape: Solid
- Headstock Overlay: Ebony
- Headstock Inlay: Collings Logo
- Tuners: Closed Back Nickel Tuners with Vintage-Style Buttons
- Inlays: Dots
- Body Binding: Ivoroid
- Pickguard: none
- Nut Material: Bone
- Body Depth: 2"
- Lower Bout Width: 15"
- Pickup(s): Lollar Humbuckers
- Pickup Controls: 50's Style Wiring, Amber Knobs
- Case: Hardshell Case Included
- List Price: $5000
This instrument has been spoken for. Please call 866-265-5993 or email info@artisanguitars.com to inquire about a similar instrument. Tags: collings, electric, full body sunburst, I-35, laminate construction, mp3 included, semi-hollow
