Collings I30LC Deluxe Aged Black/Cherry

I love a good story.

One of the reasons I've owned so many vintage guitars over the years is the story they have to tell. A story that's imbued in the wood in every ding, dent or wear mark. It's also why I love bespoke guitars. They have a story, too. They're part of the luthier's soul, his or her past, present and future; an extension of their history and craft.

I know from first hand knowledge how much research and care have gone into producing the I30LC. From its custom designed trapeze tailpiece tailored to provide just the right amount of string tension, to the perfect blend of lightweight laminate woods for the trestle braced body, everything and I mean everything is right and tight here.

Over a year ago I came across a picture of an early '60s Gibson L5 in a rare 2 tone color combo of black top and cherry body and neck. This is something Gibson did on some very custom high end builds. I immediately knew I needed to contact my friends at Collings and have them do this custom finish on a few guitars. While I was at it I wanted each guitar to be upgraded with several cool options, each one adding to the guitar's vibe and esthetic. Collings was happy to comply - from the added binding and peghead flourish inlay to the top purfling, from the custom Throbaks pickups to the strap button on the heel.

Every aspect of this I30LC was thoughtfully done - never losing sight of how awesome the end result needed to play and sound. All the added goodness here, all the care in the build are done to give the player an inspired experience upon playing. This isn't a cookie cutter guitar. It's a guitar with a story.

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.