Collings Eastside LC Deluxe Merlot

With fully-hollow laminate construction, a single Lollar Charlie Christian pickup, and an archtop-style floating tailipiece and bridge, the Eastside LC archtop has been designed with vintage tone in mind for the professional jazz player. Now available with upscale appointments, the Eastside LC Deluxe features a bound neck and peghead along with our custom ebony "top-hat" knobs.

If you would like to read more about the Eastside, check out my other posted POVs on this model.

There are, however, a few characteristics about this Collings ES Deluxe that make it unique. First off, I asked Collings if they could finish this Deluxe in the same custom color they use on their otherworldly CL Jazz. I also upgraded the standard mahogany neck with a flame maple one. In addition, the ebony fingerboard is multi ply bound. Top that off with a bound flared headstock and custom ebony knobs, well, you have a guitar that is as sophisticated looking as any bespoke instrument.

The sound is classic jazz but with a certain nod to the modern. There is more evenness of tone and harmonic clarity  than is usually available in traditional jazz guitars. I think that is partly due to the custom Lollar CC pickup and partly because the build here is so, well…… "tight." As with all Collings, the fit and finish are perfect and the neck profile is hand carved to a sweet feeling medium/fat C. For an archtop, this guitar seems to drive itself. An excellent choice for anyone who wants to add a bit of luxury to their Collings Eastside.

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.