Collings 0001 Cutaway

The 12-fret 000 has the same general appearance as the Collings 00, but in a larger size with longer string scale. Although it's the same width and depth as the OM, the longer body typically produces more bass and overall volume.

I have always loved the sound of "12th fret meets the body" acoustic guitar design. They seem to have a richer bass and more balanced tone because of where the bridge lies and its particular bracing placement. The problem I've always had, though, is that they seem to be designed pretty much exclusively for old time fingerstyle guitar or ragtime styles. 000 models typically have slotted headstocks, wide nuts, (1 13/16") and wide bridge string spacing. Also, because of the 12th fret issue, it's very hard to have access to the higher frets.

So here I am loving the sound characteristics of a design but finding that I have some modern playability issues. So I spoke to the folks at Collings and had them custom build a guitar for me that not only handled all my concerns, but the end result is, well, beyond what even I had hoped for. Not only is this a show stopplingly beautiful guitar that has all the rich sound that I want from a 000 model, it is incredibly playable for the modern stylist.

First, I had a solid headstock done rather than the typically difficult to deal with slotted version. Next, I had a 1 3/4" nut width paired with a 2 3/16" bridge spacing, the same as a standard OM. Finally, and this might be the coolest added option, I had this baby built with a cutaway.

Now I have all the access to the higher frets I need. The end result is a very modern guitar that has all the richness and character of a great vintage instrument. And with the added magic of an adirondack top, this 0001A will only get better as it ages. It just needs someone to play it and play and play it!

If you'd like to find out more about this item, just call or e-mail me. It would be my pleasure to talk to you about it.

ABOUT COLLINGS GUITARS
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, where 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. Fast forward to present day where 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. You owe it to yourself to try one.