Resources

Collings Neck Profile Options

Collings Neck Profile Options For Standard Models (opens in a PDF file format)

Pete Huttlinger Signature OM1

OM1 PH

Pete Huttlinger loved fly fishing almost as much as he loved playing guitar. Collings Guitars has blended Pete’s two loves into one beautiful, 2nd Limited Edition OM1 Cut PH. Some proceeds from each guitar will benefit The Pete Huttlinger Fund for Adult Congenital Cardiac Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. It is the second edition in a line of collectible Pete Huttlinger models that Collings has built for one of their most beloved artists. Pete passed away on January 15, 2016 from a stroke, a complication of his congenitally affected heart.

The Collings T-Series | Redefining Tradition

Collings T-Series

The Traditional or "T" Series guitars reflect Bill Collings' return to his guitar making roots and offer a new tonal variation on the distinctive Collings sound.

There Are No Shortcuts: Collings Acoustic Guitars

According to Bill Collings, there are no shortcuts when it comes to quality. This short film examines acoustic guitar building at Collings Guitars and the focus on quality that has come to define the company culture.

Bill Collings explains the root of his passion for guitars. Different artists and stars such as Lyle Lovett explain why they love Collings Acoustics so much and what exactly makes them such a thrill to play.

Inside Collings Mandolins

If you've ever wondered about the delicate process Collings Mandolins, don't miss this video. Watching the woodcarving and craftsmanship that goes into to one of these mandolins is fascinating.

The Bill Collings Story | Collings Guitars

Meet Bill Collings, the man behind Collings Guitars and one of the world's most respected names in guitar making.

Waterloo by Collings Guitars

The Waterloo guitar line is a look back in time to when there was a genuine need for soulful tone that could be coaxed from simple instruments.

Founded by Bill Collings and built exclusively in Austin, Texas, Waterloo Guitars is a new line of vintage-inspired instruments designed to capture the voice and character of some of the very best depression-era guitars.

The Collings Chronicle

The history & lineage of Bill Collings

Bill Collings

Herringbone vs. Non-Herringbone Guitars... Do they sound different?

Herringbone?

Collings Peghead Inlay Options

Collings Fingerboard Inlay Options

The Collings Chronicle

The history & lineage of Bill Collings

Inside Collings Guitars: Acoustic Top Woods

Master luthier and wood expert Bruce VanWart discusses the various top woods used to build Collings guitars and takes an in-depth look at the importance of proper cutting, selection and individual hand-voicing. Watch them explain the extremely delecate and expert process of selecting and crafting these acoustic top woods.

Collings Ukulele Geared Tuning Pegs by Pegheds

Featured on Collings Ukes, these new tuners are incredible, once you understand how they work. At first glance, they appear to be standard friction tuners... beneath the surface, however, they are very technologically advanced, with  a patented planetary gear system providing legendary smoothness and precision.

Collings City Limits Maple vs Mahogany Cap Comparison

While a gorgeous flamed maple top is traditionally found on most Les Paul style guitars, we are excited to have two City Limits Deluxe models on our rack with identical specs except for the Mahogany cap on one of them. Having these two guitars in the shop at once, we just had to do a comparison recording to compare the tonal differences in a mahogany and maple capped guitar. We did these recording using our Carr Mercury amplifier set flat at 2 watts using the neck pickup with the tone and volume knobs wide open. The difference is quite prominent...

Unique Color Variations in Collings Rosettes

The color variations in some of Collings' rosettes which can appear to be a defect is part of the character of all Collings guitars with a standard rosette.  The center band of concentric circles is a ribbon of “celluloid tortoise”, the same material used for bindings, pick-guards, and some purfling.  This celluloid material is supplied to the builders in the form of a sheet, from which they can cut narrow strips for purfling & inlays, as well as to craft their own pick-guards.  Imagine a tortoise pick-guard, with multi-colored opaque areas scattered throughout the pattern...

Strap Button Considerations on an A Style Mandolin

A-Style mandolin players are forced to make a tough decision in regards to how they put a strap on their mandolin. F-Style players have the ability to loop the strap around the scroll, which works quite well.  A-Style players are basically left with 3 options...

Looping the strap around the body, beneath the fretboard extension.

This works, though it presents a few issues.  First, it is not the most attractive option. Second, it places the strap along the top of the body, which will in time wear through the finish.

Collings Varnish vs Lacquer Finish

Varnish is a softer and therefore more flexible finish material. While there are for some players, generous tonal advantages to the varnish finish, this option is not for everyone. Unlike lacquer, the process for applying varnish is not conducive to "finish touch-ups", meaning the builder cannot control minor imperfections such as small pinholes, bubbles, or sinking. While Collings takes great pride in their exceptional standards for fit and finish, it is very challenging to apply and buff varnish to the level of cosmetic "perfection" consistent with their lacquer finish instruments.

Collings Intonated Wrap Around Bridge

This electric guitar bridge is Collings' own design and fixes the problems of wrap-around bridges which are not intonated.  This is designed with precise calculation of the proper intonation radius machined directly into the top of the bridge.  Each string has it's own resting spot on the bridge... it is a bit obscure to the naked eye, as the finish is highly polished nickel plating.