Tony Rice stands amongst the greatest guitar players ever, regardless of musical genre. He spans the range of acoustic music from Bluegrass to jazz and even singer songwriter folk.  To be sure, he is likely the single greatest innovator of flat picked acoustic music since the legendary Clarence White rewrote the book for us all. Tony has enjoyed a long and fruitful musical career alongside of master players such as JD Crowe, Norman Blake, and David “Dawg” Grisman. He has virtually re-written the rules for acoustic music with such classic albums as Manzanita, Devlin, Blake and Rice, and Tone Poems.

We are proud to present Tony Rice’s personal guitar from Santa Cruz, which was in fact used on the Tone Poems record.  This was a unique record in that many of the most archetypal instruments were consolidated for historic representation on one record with two of the finest pickers that have ever lived. Along with famous Loar mandolins and Pre-War Martins, Tony chose this particular instrument to represent the very best that modern guitar builders could produce to stand alongside the giants of older instruments.

In the early 70's, Tony cemented a lifelong musical and personal friendship with mandolinist David Grisman. Dawg had begun to experiment with a deeper form of improvisation than standard Bluegrass fiddle tune chord changes offered. Tony decided to expand his knowledge of music and left the JD Crowe band to complete the now legendary David Grisman Quintet. Tony quickly befriended band mate, fiddle player Darol Anger. Darol was a friend of Richard Hoover and introduced the two. Richard asked if he could design Tony a custom instrument that would benefit his playing and tonal requirements, and there began a lifelong friendship in 1979.

The first design for the Santa Cruz Tony Rice Signature model was produced that year, and continues to be offered in the Santa Cruz line today. Tony has constantly been a sounding board for his guitar’s design and a few of his instruments have been sold to the public in those years. This particular instrument was one of Tony’s favorites, nicknamed “Chocolate.” In a personal note that will accompany the guitar, he describes that this “guitar has been used by me more so than any other 'Cruz' both in public performance and recording projects.”  He goes on to say “Its performance was particularly satisfying to me on the Bluegrass Album Band Volume 6. On that particular recording event, it was used in conjunction with my 1935 Martin D-28, and I defy the listener to distinguish one guitar from the other.”  He also states that John Carlini used this Santa Cruz almost exclusively on his album River Suite for Two Guitars.

Tony's instrument preferences came from years of playing his favorite guitar, Clarence White’s 1935 D-28. When Clarence’s father purchased the guitar from McCabe’s in California, this guitar was almost destroyed. Clarence’s father had the shop replace the fingerboard with a Gretsch fingerboard that had pre-cut fret slots, hence Tony’s preference for the in-between scale of 25 1/4 inches...  not as long as a Martin long scale 25.9” and not as short as a Gibson 24 ¾” scale.

“Chocolate” is incredibly comfortable to play. Upon receiving any new Santa Cruz, Tony takes the guitar to his personal technician for a "special neck treatment."  This involves removing all the finish and then working in a special finish that gives the feel of a well worn vintage neck.  This treatment is a characteristic of all his guitars.  He discusses this on his Homespun DVD set entitled, "The Tony Rice Guitar Method."

The German Spruce top has aged beautifully, while the neck is flat with very little relief, according to Tony’s low profile set-up requirements. This guitar even uses Tony's choice of string, D’aquisto Steel strings! The figured Brazilian back and sides provides a growl to the instrument, along with clarity you won’t find on other guitars. Despite being used on numerous recordings, and public performances, it does not have as many dings and scratches that you might associate with a highly used instrument.

From Tony’s own words: “I am parting with this instrument as I have with others made by Dick Hoover because our combined research and development efforts have been very successful in the ongoing efforts to create a superior sounding Dreadnought acoustic guitar. This one being a ‘strong link in the chain.’” We humbly agree with Tony’s words and invite you to own a piece of musical history and heritage!

Browse our fine selection of Santa Cruz Guitars.

Learn more about the history of Santa Cruz Guitars.

This guitar has some light dings and scratches, as the photos will indicate.  The finish is sinking throughout which is common with Nitrocellulose Lacquer, also shown in the photos.  The finish is chipped in a few places around the soundhole from Tony's pick.  The lacquer has a few finish cracks that are not through the wood, also pictured.   Original TKL hardshell case included.

We will also include a new copy of the Tone Poems CD with the accompanying booklet, where this guitar is pictured with a description.  Also included is the full version of Tony's letter, which authenticates the instrument.  We have scanned and attached the last page, the first page was omitted online to maintain the privacy of the owner.

Mike Baranik, an Arizona based luthier, has been building guitars under his own name in 1996. Wanting to break away from standard OM, SJ, 00, parlor, and jumbo designs Baranik introduced three models when he first began building under his own name. The PX, CX, and JX were those three models.

"I think people are more open to new designs than they were five years ago." - Mike Baranik Profile in Acoustic Guitar Magazine

The CX is the most popular Baranik model. This concert sized guitar was designed to improve on the sound, playability and comfort of past Baranik models. Its features include an asymmetrical body design, 25.5" scale length and new design appointments including a redesigned bridge, a beveled binding area near the cutaway, wood rosette and wood veneer purfling. These new appointments are now standard on all models. The CX is for the player who wants the most versatile midsize guitar. Standard or dropped tunings, fingerstyle or flatpicking, this guitar handles it all.

This Custom 2002 Baranik CX features an Adirodack Spruce top and Tasmanian Blackwood back and sides. Adirondack Spruce was the legendary topwood used on most pre-war American-made guitars and has a high stiffness to weight ratio across and along the grain, making it one of the go-to topwoods for flatpickers.

Tasmanian Blackwood is a rich, golden brown color with beautiful figuring throughout. Tasmanian Blackwood is a member of the Acacia family, and most resembles it's sibling Koa in appearance. Blackwood is known for it's warm, mellow tone, which only helps to complement the crispness of the Adirondack top.

This 2002 Baranik CX is in superb condition. Hard to distinguish used from new, this guitar just has a few minor scratches to the body and the headstock as seen in the pictures below. Original Hardshell Case Included.

National's Black Rust NRP looks like it just came out of the swamp, perfectly suited for those hot southern blues licks. This National features the new color, Black Rust and the finish is quite stunning. Nationals have been played by many blues legends, but they definitely were not playing one with a finish like this. No two of the Black Rust finishes are alike. The best part is, you don't have to wait 50 years for a vintage finish, you can have one right now!

This model is a 14 fret version, although a 12 fret model is also available. Each Black Rust instrument is finished with a multi-staged hand-textured finish for an individual look and semi-smooth surface profile. Capturing the look and feel of an original 14 fret National Duolian, the thin-gauge steel body is highlighted by rolled "f" holes, a formed back, and period-correct, traditional ribbed coverplate. Each mahogany neck clears 14 frets to the body and features an unbound ebony fretboard complete with mother of pearl position markers. Vintage style plain tuners, ebony nut, and "National" stamped headstock complete the look of this classic.

With the ebony fretboard and the ebony nut, notes practically jump of the fretboard and chase that hell-hound on your trail down. Classic blues fingerpicking sounds like it is coming from a porch in Mississippi on a hot summer evening. Authentic in it's tone and in it's appearance, the Black Rust NRP drives itself to the Delta!

There is an art to reproducing guitars from a by-gone era in today's day and age. The folks at National have certainly proven they can not only faithfully recreate historic models, but also update them tastefully with modern day technology & materials that offer improvements. Today's National ResoPhonic is a constantly evolving company, which is always trying new ideas, reissuing classic models, and pushing the envelope as far as tone is concerned.

For many years, National ResoPhonic has been in research and development of the original Dobro's, as those models were part of the fabric and historic beginning of the original National company founded in 1927. This is the instrument that spawned an entire industry, a sound, and inspired a tone like nothing else. The Dobro company was founded in 1929 by brothers John Dopyera, Rudy Dopyera, Ed Dopyera, and Vic Smith. The name "Dobro" represents an early acronym for the Dopyera Brothers, thus: Dobro.

Over the years the company changed ownership many times, and was shuttered from 1942 to 1954, bought by Semi Mosely, then lost, and finally bought by Gibson. Fast forward to today's modern era National ResoPhonic instruments, located in San Luis Obispo, where founder Don Young started his company in 1989. Having worked for the Dopyera brothers several times during his career, Don is uniquely qualified to recreate these iconic guitars. We are proud to introduce the newest line of instruments from the Smith and Young Spider Cone division of National, the Smith and Young Model 11 Spider Cone With A Round Neck!

These instruments incorporate a host of new innovations from our friends at Smith and Young, which make these wholly different from their National ResoPhonic cousins. The string break angle at the bridge has been increased to have a steeper incline, which increases downward pressure on the spider bridge, transferring more energy to the cone. The result?... Enhanced volume sought after by steel players [read as "LOUD"]!!

With their newly designed hot rod cones, these instruments have an enormous volume in reserve, yet still maintain a sweet singing tone!

The Model 11 which is maple, is finished in a vintage dark Sunburst that harkens back to the "catalog" guitars from the 40's, while the Model I features a light gauge steel body with a vintage nickel "rubbed" finish that only adds to the guitar's traditional mojo and vibe!

Bourgeois Guitars uses only the finest master grade tone woods available, and every set of wood used on Bourgeois' guitars is meticulously chosen by the experienced hands of Dana Bourgeois personally. Every once in a while they receive a shipment of wood that is of extraordinary tap tone quality, whether it be a set of spruce, rosewood, or even figured mahogany of exponential beauty, ideal age, weight and stiffness, and tonal qualities that far surpass their normally high expectations. Dana sets these extraordinary tone woods aside so that they can be paired appropriately with other tone woods of equal quality to build a very special guitar, these guitars are referred to as his "Luthier's Choice Custom Series".

Here is what Dana had to say about The Luthier's Choice Custom series - "Though I've been building for quite some time now, I'd like to think my best guitars are still in front of me. The Luthier's Choice Custom series offers an opportunity to expand my creative horizons, unencumbered by everyday constraints. I'm looking forward to making a few really spectacular guitars, not to mention having a lot of fun."

Showcasing Dana's incredible craftsmanship with superb tone woods these guitars have a real personal feel that elegantly displays Dana's love of fine woods and his personal sense of visual style. This particular "Luthier's Choice Custom" or "LCC" features an Adirondack Top that is one of his finest pieces of private reserve Adirondack that has come through our doors. Paired with a set of Brazilian Rosewood that was hand picked to compliment the red spruce, this instrument has the looks and feel of "old soul"!

Brazilian Rosewood has become significantly more rare in the past several years, and provides the deep bass and brilliant trebles that was used on the famous pre-war vintage guitars we have all grown to love.  An international embargo on trade on Brazilian rosewood products guarantees that the relatively few number of sets remaining in this country will continue to spiral in price as the supply dwindles.

This Bourgeois Vintage D was also built with Adirondack bracing, as are all of Dana's guitars.  The Adirondack bracing was painstakingly glued by hand in the old fashioned assembly method with hot hide glue.  Unlike modern day man-made polymer glues, Hide Glue sets up very hard, like glass, allowing more efficient energy transfer through the bracing. Hot Hide Glue adds increased string responsive & a broader, more articulate tonal spectrum.  For centuries this type of assembly method was used on guitars, but phased out in daily production applications due to the time required to use it, (not to mention the challenging work environment it creates).  The sonic benefits can't be ignored, adding not only responsiveness, but a new level of detail and clarity.  The Adirondack Bracing helps also to stiffen the top, making it more powerful, with added volume (or as we guitarists say "more headroom").

The finish is a thin oil based varnish, which pushes the tone to another level.  According to Dana, "The closest thing to the sound of a 70 year old nitrocellulose lacquer finish isn't a new lacquer finish, but a thin oil varnish finish. Properly applied, oil varnish smooths out the "jangly" sound of a new guitar in much the same way that lots of playing seems to accomplish."  This makes the guitar sound more "broken in" from the start, not to mention the deep golden hue the varnish imparts on the finish is simply gorgeous.

Adding to the vintage vibe, this guitar features a cut through saddle, the first we have seen on any Bourgeois guitar. Historically, cut through saddles were used on vintage Martins, Guilds, and even early Gibson models. Additional features include a 1 23/32" nut width, Mammoth Ivory bridge pins, and a Master Grade Mahogany neck.

This guitar possesses everything we love about our favorite Vintage Guitars, however in Dana's masterful hands, he has transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary. The Varnish has added another dimension to the sound, further contributing to the "old soul" feel of this one.  The highs are a bit mellower than a new guitar with a lacquer finish.  The guitar is incredibly responsive, balnced and even sounds great played with bare fingers.  The clarity and definition we find on all of Dana's guitars is right there...  Add the vintage like appearance, appointments and feel of this guitar and you have something nearly impossible to put down.

Browse our fine selection of Bourgeois Guitars.

Learn more about the history of Bourgeois Guitars Bourgeois Guitars.

Browse our fine selection of Santa Cruz Guitars.

Learn more about the history of Santa Cruz Guitars.

The 40 watt Slant 6V offers an impressive range of legendary American and British tones, and unprecedented versatility and usable power without sacrificing the warmth, clarity and handbuilt, all-tube tone that are the hallmark of Carr amplifiers. At the heart of the Slant 6V are two independent, foot-switchable channels: Channel One bridges our shimmering clean tone with gutbucket, overdriven blues, while the dual gain settings on Channel Two offer pure tube crunch, soaring sustain and fluid dynamic response.

The Slant 6V can be operated at half-power in cathode bias (18W) or fixed bias mode (22W), yielding tones reminiscent of early tweed and AC-style combos in cathode mode, and a punchier, more tightly defined sound in fixed bias mode. And at full power, the Slant 6V runs four 6V6 output tubes split in cathode and fixed bias pairs, placing every conceivable classic tube tone at your fingertips.

This amp has been modified by Carr Amplifiers to allow the use of a footswitch to switch between channels A and B. The footswitch as well as a fitted padded cover is also included with the purchase of this amp.

This pre-owned amp is in excellent condition with very little wear. There are 2 small stains on the top of the amp that we were unable to remove, those stains can be seen in the photographs below.

Specifications:

• Year: 2000
• Channel one: classic clean to blues grit
• Channel two: sixties crunch to screaming sustain
• Boost switch for extra gain in channel two
• Reverb control in Channel one only
• Three power modes: Full (40 watts), Half fixed bias (22 watts), and Half cathode bias (18watts)
• 5AR4 tube rectifier
• 4 6V6 output tubes
• Selectable output impedance
• Extra speaker output jack
• Tubes 4 12AX7, 2 12AT7, 4 6V6GT, 1 5AR4/GZ34
• Controls Ch1: Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Reverb; Ch2: Volume, Master, Treble, Middle, Bass
• (1) 12" Kingpin Model 60 Speaker
• Amp Cover Included
• Blonde Tolex
• Footswitch Included

Bill Collings has been making some of the most highly regarded acoustic guitars in the world for quite some time, so when he decided to build electric guitars, musicians were chomping at the bit to see what would happen. The flawless construction, the incredible attention to detail, and the Collings quality are all here. Collings has redesigned a classic guitar with players in mind and the now famous meticulous construction, and attention to detail is nothing short of astonishing. This City Limits Deluxe with Flamed Maple top, is the ultimate Les Paul and with Lollar Humbuckers, this guitar was born for rock and roll!

From Collings' website: "Crafted with the finest seasoned maple and mahogany, the CL Deluxe is built for tone. Lightweight, resonant mahogany combined with a carefully hand-set mortise and tenon neck joint bring tonal complexity and sustain to the table in spades. Sleekly contoured for comfort and style, we've brought new life to an American classic." We, honestly, could not agree more. The CL Deluxe is clearly influenced by classic American solidbodies of the past, and to say they hit their mark is an understatement.

The body is cleverly designed with ergonomic contouring at both sides of the waist. This commonly overlooked feature is quite brilliant, making already effortless playability even more comfortable. Weighing in at a just over 8 lb., the CL Deluxe is easy to manage and perfectly balanced. Whether on the stage or in the studio, the CL Deluxe feels right at home. The neck profile is a well rounded C shape that is unique to the Collings lineup. The neck joint is angled toward the cutaway; following the body lines. This slight change fills your hand in a more natural way, easing the curse that other single cutaway guitars have. Playability is what we have come to expect from a Collings - effortless and untroubled up and down the fingerboard. Combine that with Collings reputation for intonation perfection - and you have a force to be reckoned with.

Collings has collaborated with Jason Lollar for all their pickups. While the particular pickups they use are specially wound for Collings, they are darn close to his standard Imperial Humbuckers. Lollar manages to capture the airy top end, tight lows, balanced midrange, and complex overtones of the best original PAF pickups. In reviews they are consistently given high marks for their balanced frequency response. Unbalanced coils keep the bottom end tight for the amount of fullness the pickups have, overtones build after each note is played. Alnico 5 magnets are de-gaussed to specific levels, unique to the neck and bridge positions. The sound Collings has developed with these pickups can certainly be described as mature. The neck position pushes out a lovely warmth and depth - ideal for jazz chording or chunky blues. None of the pesky midrange honkiness that can be found with bridge humbuckers is present. The bridge pickup is certainly hotter and more aggressive, but maintains full-bodied presence without any harshness. Use of the individual volume and tone knobs to balance and pair the two pickups against one another yields a practically endless variety of voices and tones.

Collings is renowned for their nitro finishes on acoustic guitars - and the story remains the same here. The finish on the CL Deluxe is nothing short of perfect - incredibly thin and flat as can be. The thin nitro finish allows this guitar to breathe and resonate like the aged vintage pieces of old. The unplugged acoustic qualities the CL Deluxe exhibits are simply remarkable. It's the little considerations like this that will satisfy even the most discerning of vintage fans. The beautiful flamed maple top is hand-sprayed with a flawless iced tea sunburst, giving it an instant classic LP look.  Aesthetic balance is a bit of a passion for Mr. Bill Collings, and each of his electrics exhibit their own understated style - unique from model to model. The fit and finish of the CL Deluxe may be astonishing to some - but it is what we have come to expect from the folks  at Collings. No detail is left incomplete, yet nothing is overdone or exploited. The body is bound with grained ivoroid, a refreshing change from blindingly stark white plastic. The truss rod cover, tuning buttons, pickup knobs and covers all share this same material - and its one of the many features that set Collings apart.

A collaboration between world musician Bob Brozman and SCGC's Richard Hoover, this unique guitar combines design elements and tone woods for unrivaled volume, tone and sustain. The Bob Brozman Baritone model features a 27-inch neck scale built to be tuned down two or three half steps, a sloped-shoulder dreadnought with 12 frets to the body, contributing to a rich and powerful voice. If your playing styles include Blues, Hawaiian slack-key or any open-tuning fingerstyle, this guitar is for you! - powerful, indeed!

This custom Bob Brozman Baritone was created in a very special Sycamore tone wood (Plantanus racemosa), native to California. It offers a stunning visual of leopard patterned colors, in holographic changes beneath the nitrocellulose finish. Beauty aside - as a tone wood, at first blush Sycamore seems to develop that big, open woody fundamental sound we are accustomed to hearing from master grade Mahogany... And more! It has the resonance & complexity of Rosewood, a full bottom-end bass response - yet with more clarity. Obviously pairing this tone wood with an Italian Spruce top for quicker string attack, together with the baritone scale of this model BBB is simply astounding. It has a piano like quality, beyond any other baritone we have played. Tuned 'C' to 'C' - this is an ideal addition to any players collection. The Perfect finishing touch is a matching Sycamore headstock overlay!

This guitar was featured on premierguitar.com
http://www.premierguitar.com/Magazine/Issue/2012/Feb/NAMM_2012_Editors_Picks_Day_1.aspx?Page=3

With the exception of the Baby, the 0 is the smallest guitar from Collings and is offered with the same shorter scale found on the 12-fret 00. Although measuring only 13.5 inches in width (smaller than a typical classical guitar), the Collings 0 has tone and volume that belies its first impression as being less than full-sized. It can double as a travel guitar or a small OM, performing both roles equally well. The same neck and woods options offered with larger Collings models are available on the 0 as well, giving players an almost infinite range of tonal possibilities.

Collings Single 0 series guitars are always highly impressive, projecting an almost unbelievable sound that is full of low end with an overall tone that is focused, powerful, and highly responsive.  This 02HG is no different.

German Spruce, a special appointment on this guitar, provides a rich, complex tone and is the perfect topwood for many players who play fingerstyle as well as flatpick. German Spruce is stiffer than Sitka, providing more headroom and power, yet more flexible than Adirondack so that it responds well to a lighter attack.

Other appointments include a custom nut width of 1 3/4" for those who find the standard 1 11/16" a bit too wide for their playing style.

This guitar is very responsive and will suit the needs of fingerstyle players very well.  The German top can also take an impressive amount of flatpicking, though the 0 body size is more suited to players with a lighter touch.  Tone is very clear with a vibrant and pleasant high end and just enough lows to balance the tone across the fretboard.

Browse our fine selection of Collings Guitars.

Learn more about the history of Collings Guitars.

The UT2 is Collings 2-style mahogany tenor ukulele. This custom UT2 comes with the Collings trademark ''haircut'' peghead shape with a custom Pearloid overlay and Etched binding as well as ivoroid body binding with custom rope purfling. With mahogany top, back and side wood, the beauty of its wood is enhanced by a custom red doghair finish, making this one of our favorite of all the Collings Ukulele models! The red Doghair finish is derived from a red grain filler beneath a translucent layer of dark lacquer - that others have attempted to copy, as yet still a secret known only to our friends at Collings Guitars. The grain of the Mahogany has beautiful specks o fred set against the natural luster of the body.

Collings Ukes also feature a highly innovative tuning system by Pegheds.  These tuners are geared and offer much more control and stability than traditional friction tuners.  The 4:1 gear reduction allows strings to be tuned more easily and accurately than traditional wood pegs (or Caspari-type mechanisms which require screw drivers or special keys). Tune confidently and securely with the left hand while playing open strings; even during performance!  PEGHEDS tuners return the fine-tuning function to pegs. Strings slide more freely over the smooth, wide nut than over the comparatively sharp edge of the bridge, where stress is concentrated and equilibrium of tension on either side is more difficult to achieve.

Collings states that the CW is named after the famous Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas. But based on the enlarged soundhole and dalmatian pickguard; we believe the CW may share the initals of a certain bluegrass hero. We just got this preowned model is stock, and it is every bit as loud as our new one!

The CW is the result of numerous requests and custom orders by Collings players for a dreadnought ideal for flatpicking. The Adirondack Red Spruce top is bracing with scalloped Adirondack bracing, while the tongue brace is left out. These core changes hark back to the way early 14-fret dreadnoughts were built. The bracing pattern and construction allows for even more headroom, projection, and explosive volume then a typical dreadnought - making it a flatpicker's dream. Allow me to put emphasis on just how loud this guitar is - it's just incredible! The power and strength this guitar boasts is unmatched - easily cutting through any bluegrass circle you can find. We opted for the mahogany version of the famed CW this time around, and we were rewarded with crisp, defined, airy notes that jump out with clarity and projection. A bit of playing has helped to mellow it out a touch, a quality that will only get better with some love and playing.

The CW pays homage to the distinct characteristics of famous dreadnoughts in the world of bluegrass. The body is bound in tortoise and graced with a striking dalmatian style pickguard. The fingerboard is also bound in tortoise, but is left simple with no inlay. A true powerhouse and not for the faint of heart, but not to be missed by serious flatpicking pros!

Browse our fine selection of Collings Guitars.

Learn more about the history of Collings Guitars.

Introducing, the Huss & Dalton Road Edition - Limited Edition

Established in 1995; Huss and Dalton began when Jeff Huss and Mark Dalton had the idea to build the guitar they wanted to play. While always appreciating the traditional design, both had a vision of a guitar that paid  homage to tradition while incorporating improvements in the the structural design and cosmetics of the steel string guitar. With innovation in mind, as well as value, we are pleased to introduce the Road Edition from our friends at Huss & Dalton.  These guitars will have the full-on H&D tone and volume in a more affordable package.  The Huss & Dalton Road Edition is a limited edition production,  this guitar is one of two Huss and Dalton Road Edition we have on order.

Featuring simplified appointments such as "T" style peghead with no volute with Indian Rosewood veneer, Indian Rosewood Bridge with Ebony pins, however on our model- custom Bone pins, Drop-In Saddle, Kluson Style Gotoh Nickel Tuners, Black/White/Black top purfling, Black Body Binding, and a Tortoise pickguard. These appointments are be classic, simple, yet offer the same refined workmanship you would expect from Jeff Huss and Mark Dalton. The "Road Edition" is an excellent opportunity to get a hand-crafted guitar, built in Virginia - USA, at an excellent value.

The Road Edition features a Sitka Spruce top, Sitka has a lower stiffness-to-weight ratio than Adirondack Red Spruce .  A positive side-effect of this more flexible soundboard is that it doesn't require as much strength (or string attack) to produce it's signature balanced sonic tone.  A player with a lighter attack or even fingerstyle players will find Sitka Spruce much more suited to their playing style. When paired with mahogany, you get a guitar that is extremely well balanced with a dry, woody tone.  Mahogany guitars are also known for being generally easier to record, as they are much more balanced in front of a microphone before you even reach for the EQ. This guitar plays like a dream, is comfortable, and sounds like an old friend! Warm, woody, & dry - with nice crisp trebles.

Huss and Dalton also utilizes Adirondack Spruce bracing as a standard construction method on all of their guitars, an excellent feature, especially at this price point. Adirondack braces are stiffer and lighter, providing more efficient transfer of energy across the top... Discerning players appreciate the quicker "snap" and power from this feature.

As the Road Edition is only available for a limited time, consider ordering yours before they're gone - Call or email your friends at Artisan Guitars!

As with everything that comes out of the Colling shop, lots of homework and research have gone into their line of ukuleles. The Collings UC1 is built with an all-mahogany body and produces a tone that is clearly defined and extremely resonant. On the first strum, it's clear this is a serious, professional level ukulele. Mahogany brings crispness and focus to each note.

Despite looking like traditional friction tuner, each of the four tuners are actually geared tuning pegs made by Pegheadz. Collings be praised, a ukulele that is easy to tune! The 4:1 gear reduction allows strings to be tuned more easily and accurately than traditional wood pegs (or Caspari-type mechanisms which require screw drivers or special keys). Tune confidently and securely with the left hand while playing open strings; even during performance! PEGHEDS tuners return the fine-tuning function to pegs. Strings slide more freely over the smooth, wide nut than over the comparatively sharp edge of the bridge, where stress is concentrated and equilibrium of tension on either side is more difficult to achieve.

The late 1800s were an exciting and crucial time for the guitar's place in history. The 1800s introduced the X bracing pattern, a fundamental design that is still used by all the fine luthiers we represent. The Martin company had just lost it's founder, C.F Martin Sr., and it was time for his son to take the reins. It was somewhere in this historic period that our little 2 1/2 17 was built. We are thrilled to have such a remarkable piece of history - despite the unbelievable amount of homework that was required to find it's place in history.

Prior to the late 1880s, most Martin styles were offered only in one size. As demand for larger guitars increased, styles previously listed only in size 2 or size 1 began to appear in larger sizes. This 2 1/2 would be considered a parlor size by today's standards, but it was the norm at the time. The size and nylon strings in use lends itself beautifully to the emerging guitar fingerstyle of the era - a style that is making a revival today. The tone is responsive and open as only an over 120 year old guitar can be. It boasts rich, mellow, dark tones with a surprising amount of volume.

The Style 17 was Martin's entry-level style; offered in both a size 2 1/2 and 3. It is contructed with Brazilian rosewood back and sides and a spruce top; the typical woods for guitars of the era. The neck is remarkably straight, with lower action all the way down the fingerboard. While bracing patterns were going through radical changes, this model featured fan-pattern bracing much like classical builders today use. The body is bound with rosewood binding, with no binding on back. Notice the beautiful figuring on the Brazilian used for the back and sides.

One of the most amazing parts of this piece is that is has the original coffin case. The wooden case is also in wonderful condition, with the original latches and handle. The case really establishes the time period this guitar was built - and looks wicked in your hands. For you history buffs out there, a young Samuel Clemens purchased a used 2/12-17 in 1861 and kept his until his death in 1910. From unpublished letters, it is suggested that he put in considerable time to try and become an accomplished guitar player. Well, we can't all write like Mark Twain, however, we can own the same type of guitar that he did! Additionally, he found the instrument to be quite useful in meeting people. Some things never change...

This 1888 Martin is in remarkably fine condition with very light wear, and not at all what you would expect from an instrument that is over 120 years old. This instrument has been fully inspected by the renowned staff  at Gruhn Guitars here in Nashville, you can view Gruhn's Report here. The low E string tuner button was replaced by a previous owner and the A string button has been replaced by Joe Glaser at Glaser Instruments here in Nashville, the missing tuner was replaced with real Ivory that was aged to match. Both Tuning buttons are photographed in detail below. Additionally, there has been a chrome strap button added on the "Ice Cream Cone" neck heel.

Named after Austin's funky and eclectic South Congress Avenue, the SoCo Deluxe is all about attitude. This model brings in elements from both the I-35 and CL models to create a unique hybrid that is all its own. Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too?

This custom Soco Dlx features a fully carved mahogany top with f-holes over a mahogany back and sides with an inset maple center block.  The Mahogany top provides a darker, warmer tone than the maple tops will produce (see our City Limits comparisons).

The rich tone and resonance of this guitar is astonishing, even without being plugged in.  Notes are effortlessly articulated, responding to your ever command. The unique hand set mortise and tenon neck joint reflects Bill Collings philosophy – ingenuity and functionality. The angled shape of the joint fits perfectly in your palm. Reaching for the 21st fret is effortless; unlike any electric we’ve played before.

This Custom Soco Deluxe features many custom appointments such as Parallelogram Inlays, a Flared Peghead, Bigsby Tremolo, Black/White Top Purfling, Ebony fretboard, and custom Ivoroid knobs and pickup rings.

This Collings Soco Deluxe features twin TV Jones Filter-tron Classic pickups, instead of the standard two humbuckers. TV Jones has been building such fine quality reproductions of Gretsch type pickups that they started using his creations in all of their high end guitars. These pickups reproduce the look, feel, and tone of the classic 50's Gretsch guitars heard on many a Nashville session recording.  The bridge has "the" twang tone to put all others to shame. Rock-a-billy, country, swing, jazz, and the list can go on and on, this guitar just sounds as good as it feels & looks!

Hand-crafted in Austin, TX, Collings mandolins are built with finest seasoned spruce and eastern maple. With equal emphasis placed on tone, "fit and finish" and playability, they achieve a new benchmark of quality in mandolins.

The Collings MT Mandolin is a standard A-model with simplified appointments. The top is a wonderful fully carved Engelmann spruce with a Black Gloss Finish complimented by flamed maple back and sides with a satin finish. Engelmann is highly responsive without requiring a heavy pick attack. This tonewood is known for warm, lush, thick sounds with a smooth high end and punchy midrange. It doesn't need to be played hard to sound great, although it handles heavy playing quite well too.

To complete the package, this custom MT also features custom Ivoroid bindings, bound Ebony pickguard, and Nickel tuners with black buttons. The Ivoroid bindings and bound Ebony pickguard make for a very classy look, complimenting the Black gloss finish perfectly. These additional features really make the MT stand out, with a very classy and traditional appearance.

Browse our fine selection of Collings Mandolins.

Learn more about the history of Collings Guitars.

Taylor has been setting new standards for guitar building since first opening their
factory in 1974. They have become very well known for their consistent sound and high craftsmanship standards, and are now one of the largest guitar manufactures in the world.

With ample volume and incredible overtones the combination of the Sitka Spruce top and Sapele back and sides create an incredible tone for this smaller bodied guitar. Signature Taylor performance, quality, and value make their sapele/spruce acoustic guitars a great introduction to the solid-wood Taylor experience. Simple, traditional styling and renowned Taylor craftsmanship make this combination one of their most popular models.

Because the Taylor GC3 does have a smaller body size, this guitar has an "intimate" feel that is curvy and very comfortable. With a tone that screams clarity with balanced response and incredible playability, this guitar, although versatile in many playing styles, is ideal for fingerstyle playing.

This guitar features many simplified appoitments such as a bound neck and body, Chrome plated tuners, Mahogany neck with Ebony fretboard, and an Indian Rosewood headstock overlay.

A K&K Pure Mini is installed in this Taylor GC3. The Pure Mini is a passive system for steel string guitar, with three pickup heads and an endpin jack. The Pure Mini is a transducer system only. It does not include a battery or on-board electronics. Don't be fooled by the sound of some competitors' "thin sounding" passive systems--the Pure Systems are definitely different. They sound full and rich and have sufficient output to drive most amps and PA systems directly!

This 2009 Taylor GC3 is in excellent condition. Hard to distinguish used from new this Tayalor GC3 has a few minor scratches to the top as well as a minor ding to the upper bout as seen in the photographs below. Original Hardshell Case Included.

Portland based jazz guitarist Eric Skye was named by 20th Century Guitar Magazine as "one of the best rising stars of the American acoustic jazz scene." This hardworking instrumentalist has gained a loyal following both as a dramatic and expressive live performer and an in-demand acoustic guitar instructor both in Oregon and in the online music community. He has been featured in magazines such as Acoustic Guitar, Guitar Player, Jazziz and Jazz Improv, and his music can be heard on NPR. To match his distinct personality and playing style, Eric and Richard collectively dreamed up a gorgeous Cocobolo OO with an Adirondack top, unique 24.9 inch scale length for ease of playability, slightly deeper body for added bass and volume,  hot hide glue with Adirondack Spruce, scalloped bracing and a distinctive herringbone purfling and ivoroid rosette. This instrument is designed for the excruciatingly accurate and sophisticated techniques of the most demanding jazz fingerstylist.

The Combination of Cocobolo back and sides with an Adirondack Spruce top creates a tone that is incredibly responsive across the spectrum. Adirondack is stiffer than Sitka and Engelmann and allows the guitar to be played heavy and loud without breaking up. Cocobolo, the heaviest of the rosewood family, offers beautiful tone and is known to provide a strong bass response in guitars.  Visually, it is an especially attractive tonewood, especially on this guitar, displaying large grain with long heavy streaks of red and black.

Specifications:

• Slotted Peghead
• Adirondack Top, Cocobolo Back & Sides, Cocobolo Headstock
• Overlay, No Headstock Logo (SCGC Logo At 14th Fret), Short Scale 24.9",
• Zipper Back Stripe, Grained Ivoroid Bound Body - Fretboard - Headstock, Nut
• Width 1-13/16" + 2-1/4" Saddle Spacing Pyramid Bridge, Custom Deep Body
• Option, Sound Hole Diameter 3-3/4", Herringbone Top Purfling with I/B/I Purfle on
• Body / Neck / Peghead, Tortoise Pickguard, Adirondack Top Bracing with Hide
• Glue Construction, Nitrocellulose Satin Neck Finish, Body Finish High Gloss
• Nitrocellulose, Waverly Open Gear Tuners with Grained Ivoroid Buttons, Ebony
• Fingerboard with No Inlays (Side dots only, extra marker at the 19th fret), Action
• 3/32" to 2/32" Bass to Treble
• Standard: Santa Cruz Ameritage Case

View Eric Skye playing his new guitar!

Bill Collings has been making some of the most highly regarded acoustic guitars in the world for quite some time, so when he decided to build electric guitars, musicians were chomping at the bit to see what would happen. The flawless construction, the incredible attention to detail, and the Collings quality are all here. Collings has redesigned a classic guitar with players in mind and the now famous meticulous construction, and attention to detail is nothing short of astonishing. This custom City Limits with a Flamed Maple top, is the ultimate Les Paul and with Lollar Humbuckers, this guitar was born for rock and roll!

From Collings' website: "Crafted with the finest seasoned maple and Honduran mahogany, the CL is built for tone. Lightweight, resonant mahogany combined with a carefully hand-set mortise and tenon neck joint bring tonal complexity and sustain to the table in spades. Sleekly contoured for comfort and style, we've brought new life to an American classic." We, honestly, could not agree more. The CL is clearly influenced by classic American solidbodies of the past, and to say they hit their mark is an understatement.

The body is cleverly designed with ergonomic contouring at both sides of the waist. This commonly overlooked feature is quite brilliant, making already effortless playability even more comfortable. Weighing in at a just over 8 lb., the Collings City Limits is easy to manage and perfectly balanced. Whether on the stage or in the studio, the CL feels right at home. The neck profile is a well rounded C shape that is unique to the Collings lineup. The neck joint is angled toward the cutaway; following the body lines. This slight change fills your hand in a more natural way, easing the curse that other single cutaway guitars have. Playability is what we have come to expect from a Collings - effortless and untroubled up and down the fingerboard. Combine that with Collings reputation for intonation perfection - and you have a force to be reckoned with.

This guitar features a Custom Gold Top. The contour and shape of this guitar only add to the detail of this finish. Aesthetic balance is a bit of a passion for Mr. Bill Collings, and each of his electrics exhibit their own understated style - unique from model to model. The fit and finish of the Collings City Limits may be astonishing to some - but it is what we have come to expect from the folks  at Collings. No detail is left incomplete, yet nothing is overdone or exploited. The body is bound with grained ivoroid, a refreshing change from blindingly stark white plastic. The truss rod cover, tuning buttons, and covers all share this same material - and its one of the many features that set Collings apart.

This Custom Collings City Limits has two select Jason Lollar P-90 pickups. The P-90 is a single coil electric guitar pickup first produced by Gibson in 1946. They were introduced to replace the "bar pickup" (aka the Charlie Christian pickup) in models like the ES-150. Towards the end of the 40's P90's were the main pickup used on all models, including the Les Paul introduced in 1952. The P-90, in general, will be brighter and more transparent than a humbucker. They feature a boosted mid-range and some of the twang of Fender single coil pickups yet with more output and fullness. Typically P90's are clean at low volumes and have plenty of bite when pushed. One downside to the P90 is the 50 Hz / 60 Hz cycle "hum" which can be caused by external electrical and magnetic fields... not a problem with P90 makers such as Lollar, who offers a reverse wound version of the pickup, which doesn't hum when the guitar is kept the middle position.

Collings is renowned for their nitro finishes on acoustic guitars - and the story remains the same here. The finish on the CL is nothing short of perfect - incredibly thin and flat as can be. The thin nitro finish allows this guitar to breathe and resonate like the aged vintage pieces of old. The unplugged acoustic qualities the CL exhibits are simply remarkable. It's the little considerations like this that will satisfy even the most discerning of vintage fans.

Browse our fine selection of Collings Electric Guitars.

Learn more about the history of Collings Guitars.

As with everything that comes out of the Colling shop, lots of homework and research have gone into their line of ukuleles. Collings has managed to keep up with the demands of ukulele players. This Collings UC2 is built with a fantastic piece of Honduran Mahogany. On the first strum, it's clear this is a serious ukulele. Mahogany brings killer crispness and focus. In the hands of a true ukulele player, this little one really shines. This UC2 also features a Haircut Peghead, and Tortoise body binding with Black/White purfling.

Despite looking like traditional friction tuner, each of the four tuners are actually geared tuning pegs made by Pegheadz. Collings be praised, a ukulele that is easy to tune! The 4:1 gear reduction allows strings to be tuned more easily and accurately than traditional wood pegs (or Caspari-type mechanisms which require screw drivers or special keys). Tune confidently and securely with the left hand while playing open strings; even during performance! PEGHEDS tuners return the fine-tuning function to pegs. Strings slide more freely over the smooth, wide nut than over the comparatively sharp edge of the bridge, where stress is concentrated and equilibrium of tension on either side is more difficult to achieve.

Since Collings moved into the electric arena in 2006, we suspect Bill Collings has always had an interest in the role that laminate woods play in the tone of classic semi-hollow electrics and jazz guitars, vs. their solid wood brethren.  It was only a matter of time before he delved into a new variation. Thin, light, and simply exquisite, the Eastside LC commands attention.  Featuring stylized components of their highly coveted 16" archtops, the Eastside is the consummate jazz artist's guitar with more gain, less feedback, warm fat tones and classic esthetics - world renowned Collings quality, all at a more affordable price.  Built with laminate Maple top and back and sides, this sleek thin-bodied lightweight archtop is made for jazz. Introduced at this year's NAMM show in Anaheim, we are excited to see one of these grace our walls.

The flared peghead adds just the right amount of class, while the gorgeous sunburst top compliments the Flamed maple top perfectly. When plugged in, the Eastside deluxe still retains a warm, jazz tone. You don't even have to roll off the tone control to achieve a perfect Grant Green tone. As it is a laminate top, the Eastside is more resistant to feedback at higher volumes. As with all Collings, the playability, set-up, fit and finish are all flawless. The comfortable "C" shaped neck is a joy to play, and chord solos, single note lines, and Wes style octaves leap out of it!

Compared with solid wood construction, the Eastside LC sends more focused information to the pickups, Collings to use higher output electronics. The Lollar Humbucker creates tone that is evenly balanced with the smooth response that many players look for in arched top electric guitars. The Collings laminate guitars offer a differing sonic spectrum to that of their solid wood equivalent.  They should be viewed as two different styles of guitars, offering different & unique tools for your toolbox!

I would just like to say thank you for your first-class service while assisting me with the purchase of the pre-owned Martin 000-18 GE last Monday. Thanks to Adam for guiding me to find "the one" and thanks Bill for spending so much time sharing your wealth of knowledge on tonewoods, bracing and pickups. My visit to your shop exceeded all of my expectations and proved to be not only the best guitar buying experience I've had but the best experience I've had in any retail store from start to finish. I'll continue to follow happenings on your website and hopefully purchase another guitar from you someday. You can also be assured I'll send any prospective buyers I know your way.

Thanks again and best regards,
C.C.

The UC2 K is Collings' 2-style Koa concert ukulele. The UC2 K comes standard with the Collings trademark ''haircut'' peghead shape and ivoroid body binding with black/white purfling. With solid Koa top, back and side wood, the beauty of its wood and enhanced appointments rivals its sonic complexity.

Despite looking like traditional friction tuner, each of the four tuners are actually geared tuning pegs made by Pegheadz. Collings be praised, a ukulele that is easy to tune! The 4:1 gear reduction allows strings to be tuned more easily and accurately than traditional wood pegs (or Caspari-type mechanisms which require screw drivers or special keys). Tune confidently and securely with the left hand while playing open strings; even during performance! PEGHEDS tuners return the fine-tuning function to pegs. Strings slide more freely over the smooth, wide nut than over the comparatively sharp edge of the bridge, where stress is concentrated and equilibrium of tension on either side is more difficult to achieve.

Started by luthier Ken Parker in the early 90's, Parker guitars is an American manufacturer of electric guitars and basses commonly known for their lightweight and ergonomic design. The Bronze Fly is among Parker's most exclusive and desirable guitars. The Parker Bronze Fly is a one-of-a-kind solid body electric guitar known for its incredible balance with an acoustic-like voice.

This 2000 Parker Bronze Fly has incredible clarity as a result from the innovative design and construction by Parker Guitars.  This innovative instrument features a one-piece Sitka Spruce body that is joined with a solid basswood neck that is reinforced with carbon-glass-epoxy resin to provide strength while still remaining incredibly light. The Bronze Fly also incorporates bronze strings that certainly help shape the tonal quality of this guitar.

The amazing tone of this guitar is brought to life with the use of a six-element custom Fishman piezo system with a Fishman designed active preamp. The combination of the piezo and active preamp produces a bell-like tone with an ample amount of sustain with no feedback. An active 2-band eq only furthers the incredible versatility in tone of this instrument.

This 2000 Parker Bronze is in excellent condition, there are a few minor scratches on the back as seen in the photographs below. Because of the contour of the body as well as the color of the finish there are some minor scratches to the top that we were unable to photograph. Original Hardshell Case Included.

80 years after the orchestra model body shape was first designed it has become the most popular 14-fret model with fingerstyle guitar soloists who choose to play on steel strings… yet with custom German Spruce top, flatpickers also find it very appealing with virtually unlimited headroom, complex overtones, and lots of power when you need it.

The compact shape makes the Collings OM equally easy to handle onstage or when sitting on the couch. The tone is focused and powerful, as are all Collings' guitars.

This custom OM features a German Spruce top-wood. German Spruce, a special appointment on this guitar, provides a rich, complex tone and is perfect for many players who play fingerstyle as well as flatpick. German Spruce is stiffer than Sitka, providing more headroom and power, yet more flexible than Adirondack so that it responds well to a lighter attack. This allows the guitar to be played fingerstyle while maintaining a high level of comfort, without sacrificing the invaluable headroom offered by a stiffer spruce.

This custom model features a short 24 7/8" scale length and a custom 1 3/4" nut width for comfortable chording.

Browse our fine selection of Collings Guitars.

Learn more about the history of Collings Guitars.

Brought back straight from the 2012 Winter Namm show this custom HF-1D is a fine example of what to expect from Kamaka's Custom Shop, which will be open and ready for orders in April 2012.

Kamaka Hawaii was established in 1916 in the Territory of Hawaii, and is a family-owned and operated business. The Kamaka family has been dedicated to building skillfully-handcrafted ukuleles for nearly a century. The heritage of ukulele making at Kamaka Hawaii is preserved by second and third generation Hawaiian luthiers, as well as the many talented craftsmen at the Kakaako factory in Honolulu.

This HF-1D, also known as a Soprano Deluxe, features many fine appointments such as a custom Sitka Spruce top, Koa back and sides, rope rosette and purfling, Ebony bridge and fingerboard with dot inlays.

Different from the all Koa body, the Sitka Spruce top only further compliments Kamaka's world-renowned rich tone that they are known for. The Koa back and sides add a layer of depth and warmth that can only be compared to the darker tones of Rosewood while still retaining a bright sound very similar to maple. Tonally the Sitka compliments the Koa by keeping the tone of this instrument very balanced with incredible response.

From Collings' Website:

Pete Huttlinger is recognized around the world as one of the greatest fingerstyle guitar players of our time. His amazing ability to play melody, harmony, rhythm and everything in between has long captivated fans and fellow musicians alike. Pete bought his first Collings in March of 1997. Over the years, he has continually supported and promoted Collings instruments and, in the process, has become a great friend. Unfortunately, our friend's life has recently been turned upside down while he deals with a serious medical condition.

Pete has a congenital heart defect and has become extremely ill during the past year. He suffered a massive stroke last fall and then underwent major heart surgery in May. This procedure left him with a mechanical pump implanted in his heart, requiring him to carry a battery pack that must be worn at all times. He is now gaining strength and is awaiting a heart transplant. Our prayers and heartfelt wishes are with him and his wife Erin.

For decades, his beautiful playing and warm spirit have uplifted many hearts. Now, we would like to give something back. In his honor, we are proud to introduce the limited edition "Pete Huttlinger Signature OM1" model. We will limit the number built to 50 and each of these special guitars will have a custom signed and numbered label.

The Pete Huttlinger model is an OM1 Cutaway with Pete's signature elegantly inlaid in the 12th fret. We'll be offering the guitar in both Sitka and Adirondack top versions to reflect Pete's two main touring guitars. To help Pete and Erin with their astronomical medical costs, $1,000 will be donated for each guitar sold. Any additional donations can be made to the Pete Huttlinger medical fund through his website at http://www.petehuttlinger.com.

Features Include:

• Select Sitka spruce
• Mahogany back & sides
• Custom Pete Huttlinger Signature in 12th Fret
• Cutaway
• Tortoise-style binding
• Simple walnut backstrip
• Pre-war scalloped bracing
• Black/white wood nitrate strip rosette
• Tortoise-style pickguard
• High gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish
• Mahogany Neck
• Ebony fingerboard and bridge
• Ebony peghead overlay
• Inlaid Collings Logo
• Inlaid dot fingerboard markers
• Fully adjustable truss rod
• Bone nut and drop-in saddle
• Ebony bridge pins and end pin
• Nickel Waverly tuners

All guitar historians will tell you that Orville Gibson invented the archtop guitar at the end of the 19th century, but many will also add that Lloyd Loar advanced the design considerably in the early 1920s. Although the Gibson L-4C  wasn't designed directly by Orville Gibson or Lloyd Loar it is just one of the many iterations made to the standard design of the archtop guitar by Gibson.

First introduced  in 1949 the L4-C was produced in limited numbers until it was ultimately discontinued in 1971. The Gibson L-4c is an all acoustic archtop guitar with many fine simplified appointments. With a bound Brazilian Rosewood fretboard and Parallelogram fingerboard inlays, 3-Ply Body Binding, Kluson Deluxe tuners with double ring tulip keys, and a Brazilian Rosewood adjustable compensated bridge, this guitar, although simple, is a testament to the Gibson design and craftsmanship that we all know and love.

With a 16" Body topped with a Spruce top and Gibson's beautiful sunburst this guitar bares a very vintage look. The classic vintage look of this instrument is only icing on the cake for this guitar, the Laminated Maple back and sides allow for an incredible tone before it is even plugged in. The Laminated Maple construction produces a very focused tone with plenty of warmth and clarity. The tone of this guitar is very mellow with a depth and dynamic quality that you can only find in vintage instruments.

The Body also features white binding, but after 60+ years the white binding has aged into a beautiful buttery cream color that only enhances the vintage look of this instrument.

This guitar also has a removable pickguard (included) as well as a removable single coil DeArmond floating pickup which is included and can be seen in the photographs below. Between the years of the 1930's and 1960's Rowe Industries manufactured DeArmond pickups for various stringed instruments including acoustic archtop guitars. Often imitated, the intention of the DeArmond pickup is to allow an acoustic guitar to be amplified with out sacrificing the acoustic tone lost from a guitar by permanently installing a pickup.

This guitar is in excellent condition, but because this instrument is 60+ years old this guitar does have various scratches and dings as expected. The headstock also does show some scratches and dings as well as some wear right above the nut which can be seen in the photographs below. Hardshell Case Included.

Kamaka Hawaii was established in 1916 in the Territory of Hawaii, and is a family-owned and operated business. The Kamaka family has been dedicated to building skillfully-handcrafted ukuleles for nearly a century. The heritage of ukulele making at Kamaka Hawaii is preserved by second and third generation Hawaiian luthiers, as well as the many talented craftsmen at the Kakaako factory in Honolulu.

Kamaka ukuleles are world-renowned, and possess a lasting, rich tone that cannot be duplicated.

The HF-1 Standard is Kamaka's most popular ukulele... also known as a Soprano.

Kamaka Hawaii was established in 1916 in the Territory of Hawaii, and is a family-owned and operated business. The Kamaka family has been dedicated to building skillfully-handcrafted ukuleles for nearly a century. The heritage of ukulele making at Kamaka Hawaii is preserved by second and third generation Hawaiian luthiers, as well as the many talented craftsmen at the Kakaako factory in Honolulu.

Kamaka ukuleles are world-renowned, and possess a lasting, rich tone that cannot be duplicated.

The Standard Pineapple model, Kamaka's signature ukulele, was designed and patented in 1928 by Samuel K. Kamaka. The Pineapple has a unique, oval-shaped body and produces a resonant, mellow sound distinct from the traditional figure-eight.

Specifications:

• Top: Hawaiian Koa
• Back and Sides: Hawaiian Koa
• Finish: Lacquer
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fingerboard and Bridge: Rosewood
• Overall length: 20-1/8"
• Scale length: 13-9/16"
• Total # frets: 16
• Frets to the body: 12

'OM' stands for "Orchestra Model," but 80 years after this body shape was first designed it has become the most popular 14-fret model with fingerstyle guitar soloists who choose to play on steel strings. This guitar does feature a custom deep body, deeper than the standard 4 1/8", the 4 3/4" body depth offers a more balanced tone with deeper bass response while still maintaining the playability and comfort of  the OM body shape.

This Custom 2010 Collings OM2H from Collings features an Adirondack Spruce top with custom Mahogany back and sides.  Also customized is the Abalone Rosette, Style 42 Snowflakes, flourish peghead overlay,  and the use of Adirondack Bracing for the top braces.

Adirondack Spruce is the legendary tonewood used on the early guitars we have all grown to love. The stiffness to weight ratio makes Adirondack great for players who dig in a bit harder and desire virtually unlimited headroom.  The use of Adirondack Spruce for the bracing makes the bracing lighter and more responsive, offering a more efficient transfer of energy throughout the top.

This 2010 Collings OM2H is in absolutely pristine mint condition. Hard to distinguish used from new this guitar has  just a few minor scratches on the pickguard and one 1mm ding to the top that is so small it was unable to be photographed.

Specifications:

• Top: Adirondack Spruce
• Back and Sides: Mahogany
• Honduran Mahogany Neck
• Walnut Stained Mahogany
• Deep Body Depth
• Abalone Rosette
• Herringbone Top Purfle
• Adirondack Braces
• Grained Ivoroid Body Binding
• Grained Ivoroid Fingerboard Binding
• Grained Ivoroid Peghead Binding
• Ebony Fretboard
• Ebony Belly Bridge
• 42 Style Snowflakes
• Flourish Peghead Inlay
• Brazilian Rosewood Overlay
• Nickel Waverly Open Gear Tuner with Ebony Buttons
• Style 2 Zipper
• Nut Width: 1 3/4"
• Tortoise Pickguard

The Sedona was the result of a concept pioneered by Rivera, with the collaboration of Nashville fingerpicking legend Doyle Dykes to create a tube acoustic guitar amp. While trying to stay true to the original tone that the Rivera Sedona amps are famous for Rivera wanted to create a more compact and lighter amp that would meet weight requirements of airlines for musicians on the go. The introduction of the Sedona Lite was Rivera's answer to the need of a compact amplifier with incredible tone and versatility.

Delivering 55 watts of dynamic EL-34 tube power the Sedona has an incredible tone that can not only be used on the stage, but also as versatile tool in the studio as well. With a 12" rare-earth woofer and a high-power, liquid-cooled dome tweeter combined with the warmth of the analog tube tone this amplifier stays true to your original guitars tone but adds a certain layer of depth that is sometime lost when your guitar is mic'd.

Here are some of the features of the Sedona Lite from Rivera.com. - "Channel 1 features a special ultra-low-noise input that allows you to accept signals from balanced or unbalanced instruments or a microphone.

Instruments like the Taylor ES series as well as the new Martin guitars equipped with balanced outputs will be at their optimum when used in Channel 1 with the balanced input. Even if your guitar is an inexpensive model, using it with the Sedona Lite, will provide your sound with the best of tonal ingredients. Channel 2 features a harmonically active unbalanced input to amplify either a passive or active instrument, including electric guitars.

Instruments with multiple outputs, such as the Fishman system that utilizes a microphone as well as a piezo transducer, can utilize both channels simultaneously to balance the level and tone between the two instrument signal sources.

In the age of digital effects, we are proud to provide the legendary, costly, analog Accutronics mechanical reverb as a standard feature. With its special deep, lush sonic character, it enhances your tones with a sweet and natural swell and decay.

With built-in parametric anti-feedback controls on the front panel, you can easily eliminate irritating low-frequency droning sounds as well as enhance the overall tone of your instruments."

The latest addition to the C.A. family sports a 14 fret OX cut-away body style acoustic guitar, giving you a look and sound you won't believe at a surprisingly affordable price. It's got a cool, edgy look and feel of brushed stainless steel with the same warm, rich tone you've come to expect from Composite Acoustics. The OX has more low end and power than our thin body X and more focus and definition than our bigger bodied GX. It's a dream to play with a unique neck shape and soft contours; the sound and feel of this instrument make it really hard to put down.

Features:

• All composite acoustically tailored™ construction for ultimate tone, durability and versatility
• Rigid one-piece neck/body construction for long term stability
• Impervious to climate for consistent performance wherever you go
• 14 frets to the body, carbon fiber neck for consistent playability (No truss rod adjustments needed, ever!)
• Proprietary carbon fiber bridge and saddle materials
• Side inlay dots and small silver top inlay dots
• Center sound hole with brushed stainless look sound hole ring
• Performance tuned lightweight carbon fiber bracing
• Composite fingerboard with 20 medium stainless frets
• Very smooth hipshot, quality open-back tuning machines
• Handcrafted in the U.S.A. by skilled technicians and craftsmen
• Raw Finish

As with everything that comes out of the Colling shop, lots of homework and research have gone into their line of ukuleles. The Collings UC1K is built with custom Light Flame Koa and produces a tone that is clearly defined and extremely resonant. Koa produces a warm, rich and still very defined sound – between the darker sounds of Rosewood and the clean bright sound of Maple. On the first strum, it's clear this is a serious, professional level ukulele.

Despite looking like traditional friction tuner, each of the four tuners are actually geared tuning pegs made by Pegheadz. Collings be praised, a ukulele that is easy to tune! The 4:1 gear reduction allows strings to be tuned more easily and accurately than traditional wood pegs (or Caspari-type mechanisms which require screw drivers or special keys). Tune confidently and securely with the left hand while playing open strings; even during performance! PEGHEDS tuners return the fine-tuning function to pegs. Strings slide more freely over the smooth, wide nut than over the comparatively sharp edge of the bridge, where stress is concentrated and equilibrium of tension on either side is more difficult to achieve.

Shane Adkins, Winfield Champion guitarist, was picking non-stop in the Morris Guitars booth throughout the show! Shane is a fantastic player, handy with a flat pick and a master with a thumb pick, too. Here he is playing a Luthier Model Morris S-142, made of solid Japanese Horse Chesnut back / sides / top, with scalloped X bracing.  The neck is solid Maple.. Beautiful guitar, list price $8,440.

Composite Acoustics new Legacy model.

Follow our daily posts, with live interviews and photos of the hottest new guitars from our favorite builders. We will be posting up-close pictures of guitars, mandolins, ukuleles, amps, pickups, and more - from AER, Bourgeois, Carr Amplifiers, Collings, Composite Acoustics, Fishman, Huss & Dalton, Kamaka, LR Baggs, Morris Guitars, National Reso-Phonic, Reunion Blues, Santa Cruz, and Smith & Young.

Of course there will be plenty of new & innovative accessories and gadgets to see - not to mention a plethora of live music with some of the best performers in the business. We hope to catch a personal glimpse of our luthiers Bill Collings, Dana Bourgeois, Don Young & Eric Smith, Jeff Huss, and Richard Hoover.

To "stay tuned" to our daily posts, use our What's New link on the home page banner or follow us on our Facebook Official page. See you at the show!

Browse our fine selection of Santa Cruz Guitars.

Learn more about the history of Santa Cruz Guitars.