Collings SoCo 16 LC

As the latest addition to the SoCo series, the semi-hollow SoCo 16 LC features high quality laminate construction and a larger 16" body size. Built with vintage tone in mind, the larger single cutaway design and laminate materials provide an even and focused tonal response with added warmth for single-line soloing.

While I’d normally start with my take on this new model from Collings, I'd like to share this wonderful review from American Songwriter with you:
- American Songwriter review of Collings SoCo 16 LC

I think the writer did an impressive job of describing the SoCo LC.

I would just like to add a few thoughts. What really appeals to me here is that  even though the semi hollow design conjures up some wonderful iconic guitars, this Collings really is its own thing. The body design lets me approach to this beauty without expecting it to be, say, an ES-335. While it has the same body size, it just feels different in my hands.

Feeling something new and unexpected always seems to inspire me to not play the same stuff that I’ve played countless times before. Yes, it allows those greasy vintage tones to shine through; but for some reason, this guitar pushes me to uncover some new territory. Such is the magic of a great instrument.

Being a player for a living has always demanded that I take responsibility for pushing my limits. Sometimes I'll buy a guitar because the vibe is from another planet and I can discover something new in me. Or I'll buy an old Danelectro just because there is so much mojo in its cheapness. While inspiring for a moment, those guitars never last very long with me. It seems thatt to have a long-term relationship with an instrument, my guitars need to be attached to some anchor in the past, or there has to be something in its DNA that I can relate to the guitar players that inspire me.

The truly great keeper guitars are the ones that let me know from where they come from but at the same time don't let all that historic baggage get in the way of me discovering something new and inspiring. The SoCo LC does that for me.

It’s new and refreshing and old and familiar all at the same time. It’s a remarkable achievement. In short, this guitar is truly wonderful.

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.