Collings SoCo Mahogany Full Body Burst

Named after Austin’s funky and eclectic South Congress Avenue, the SoCo is all about attitude. This model brings in elements from both the I-35 and CL models to create a unique hybrid that is all its own. Perfectly at home if you’re playing jazz, rock, blues or funk.

There’s something about the word "standard" that’s always bothered me – in that it implies that what you’re getting isn’t quite as good as a "deluxe." I sometimes think that Collings should’ve named this the SoCo Straight Ahead, because even though it has simpler cosmetics than the SoCo Deluxe, it's every bit as great a guitar as its more expensive brother, the SoCo Deluxe. It’s just more, well, Straight Ahead.

Remember the Downbeat Magazine Talent Deserving Wider Recognition? This Collings Mahogany SoCo Standard should be given the award in perpetuity. It’s just a great, great guitar. I have yet to offer a SoCo Standard that isn’t fantastic. This one’s combination of wood and pickups just sets the bar higher.

It’s Very Unique. Very Special. Very much a guitar you’ll love.

This particular SoCo sports a truly stunning piece of mahogany. Beautifully figured grain and sparks of flame dance around the top and back of this instrument, set off by a custom-ordered full body rich tobacco sunburst nitro finish.

Next on the "what makes this guitar truly special" list is a pickup choice that just blows me away. In the neck position, a custom-designed Lollar Charlie Christian pickup. At the bridge, a Lollar El Ravo. The single coil Charlie Christian has a great depth of character - a wonderful deep tone with a round top end and long sustain. While its output is comparable with a P90 or humbucker, the tone is more distinctive and personal. Very organic with a great touch sensitivity. Nothing generic or plain about the way it speaks.

The humbucker El Rayo is astounding as well. Premier guitar magazine reviewed them, and had this to say:

"The El Rayo’s tones are a stellar blend of the tight and full lows of a great PAF, with the bubbly mids and smooth highs of a killer P90—all with a unique snap in the high end that affirms Jason Lollar’s other-worldy knack for squeezing sonic detail out of magnets and wire."

The El Rayo’s P-90 qualities merge perfectly with the Charlie Christian neck pickup. And together, they make for a guitar with great focus and articulation. Boy, does it sound fantastic. A perfect match!

As far as the feel goes, it has that crazy good Collings '50s style custom neck contour. And of course, the fret work and finish detail are done to a typically superior Collings standard.

Bottom line…. this is truly a killer guitar in every way, shape and form. It comes together here. Beauty, tone, and that ineffable thing that just inspires me to pick it up and play play play. I’m confident you’ll feel the same way about 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.