Collings Guitars was founded and has been run ever since by Bill Collings. Bill Collings has assembled a talented group of builders in Austin, Texas to lovingly craft these fine electric guitars. Collings Guitars has maintained the sterling reputation gained building acoustic guitars through the addition of their electric guitar line as well. Classic lines that remind the eye of the Kalamazoo guitars of the 50's and 60's are where these guitars begin. Collings takes these shapes and totally redefines what these shapes should sound and feel like. These key attributes are what make Collings electric guitars so special. With the addition of the I-35 LC (Laminate Construction) Collings digs even deeper to find the classic tone you have been searching for.
Bill Collings moved from Ohio to Texas in the mid 1970’s. Spurred by a lack of interest in medical school, this move enabled him to combine lifelong interests in both guitars and tools into the challenge of stringed instrument building and repair. After a couple of years in Houston, several guitars and a few banjos later, he headed west to southern California. Making it only as far as Austin, he shared shops with fellow luthiers Tom Ellis and Mike Stevens. From there, he set up his own small shop in a wooden "one car" garage. His reputation for outstanding quality and meticulous attention to detail quickly spread. In 1989, he rented a 1000 square foot space and hired two helpers.
That same year, an order for 24 custom "Gruhn" guitars helped to establish Bill in the national market. In late 1991, a 3200 square foot "feed store" was purchased, on the outskirts of Austin, and was occupied in the spring of 1992. By 2005, the size of the shop had tripled with 50 full-time employees and ground was being broken for a new 22,000 square foot shop. The addition of CNC technology helped to add a level of consistency, accuracy and safety to parts production that was previously unavailable. As the business grew and processes were refined, there is one thing that did not change...Bill Collings’ commitment to building the finest acoustic steel string instruments possible.
In 1999, Bill Collings started production of the first Collings mandolins which, like his guitars, quickly set new standards for the industry. Years later, Collings mandolins have expanded to include seven models in both lacquer and varnish finishes.
Collings craftsmanship is respected by professional and amateur musicians alike…anyone on the quest for quality. Some of these include artists: Keith Richards, Lyle Lovett, Pete Townshend, Emmylou Harris, Andy Summers, David Crosby, Chris Hillman, Joni Mitchell, Don Felder, John Sebastian, Lou Reed, John Fogerty, Tim O'Brien, Pete Huttlinger, Kenny Smith, Brian May, Joan Baez, John Prine, Nigel Tufnel of Spinal Tap, and Steven Spielberg to name a few.
Here are some photos of the different models that are available:
290
290DC
City Limits
These photos are only a sampling of what custom, hand-made electric guitars Collings offer in their line. Take the time to find a dealer in your home town or one nearby; You owe it to yourself to try one.
I’m a long time supporter of Gibson but I’ve recently started playing a Fender Stratocaster and a PRS Starla Bigsby. I never thought I’d play anything but a Gibson but after trying other instruments, I found that there are other Brands that offer the precise tuning and quality that Gibson does. So now here comes another brand that is a custom, hand-built, USA made, electric or acoustic guitar that is absolutely incredible. I can’t wait to try one out for myself. I know they are pricey, but as they say, you get what you pay for. I think the Collings SoCo Deluxe is soon to become an industry standard, along the lines of the Mesa Boogie Mark V Combo amplifier.
That’s it for another weekend; I hope you all enjoyed your time spent with your families, or traveling on the road in your band. Either way, tomorrow brings us another day of challenges and excitement. Have a great week ahead and don’t forget to give you kids a big hug and kiss to let them know you love them.
Until next time;
Musician By Night . . .
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