Collings I-35 LC Walnut

The newest addition to the Collings I-35 Series features high quality laminate construction (LC) that faithfully reproduces the vintage semi-hollow tone and response desired by professional working musicians. Built alongside their solid wood counterparts with the same meticulous attention to detail, the new LC's offer a unique tone that expands upon the sonic palette of the Collings electric line.

I'm very pleased to be able to offer this wonderful I-35 LC in a vintage inspired walnut stain finish. It's a finish that adorned the 335 that one of guitar heroes, Hugh McCracken, used to play. That guitar always looked great on Hugh, but then again any guitar looked great and SOUNDED great on that sweet and soulful master of playing "just the right note."

A little back story on the I-35 LC, if you're not familiar with this model; chances are though, that you may already be familiar with his carved top I35 Deluxe:

I've heard from many players who've played the I-35 Deluxe that while amazing, even otherworldly, the combination of solid wood and a carved top just didn't sound like that tried and true old faithful, the Gibson 335. Though it resembled it, of course, and was woody and articulate in an acoustic sense, it just didn't sound like a 335 - it wasn't Larry Carlton enough.

My answer to that has always been that the I-35 Deluxe was was not intended to sound like a 335, but was in fact more of an overall guitar, one that could fit in with any style, built with a Masterbuilder's integrity and on a design platform to allow you to create your own sound palette.

But now, I've played an I-35 LC. And now my answer would be, if you love that 335 sound, you've got to try the I-35 LC. It's essentially an I-35 with a laminated top, back and sides. It's got that 335 sound thing we all love in spades (I'm pretty sure Larry would dig this) and it plays like a dream.

It reminds me very much of my old '59 335 I owned back in the day. It's got that creamy articulation with a very fast pick attack. The sound is more laser-like than the carved version, so more familiar to a player who likes this body type. (And who doesn't?) To me, it feels like home sweet home with the awesome '50s neck profile and impeccable fit and finish that Collings is famous for.

The I-35 LC is a superlative instrument that raises the bar for any laminate semi hollow guitar. And the newest iteration I have in the shop just confirms that for me.

The only thing I can think that would round out this experience is plugging into a Dumble amp and playing the solo to Kid Charlemagne.

PS: That's the amp Larry used on that solo, in case you were wondering.

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.