My guitar collection - Acoustics
OK. After my remarks about the “default” Collings single-0 being 14 frets to the body, here the 12-fret model. Compared to the 14-fret 01 E VN, the body of this 02H 12-fret T is a tad wider (13¾”) and longer (19”) while its total length is a skosh shorter (37¾”). But both the body depth (4”) and scale length (24⅞”) are the same between the 2 models. Note that this guitar is a so-called Traditional build which implies some subtle differences with the non-Traditional 02H, not so much in dimensions which are the same, but in construction intended to “... offer a slightly looser, more ‘broken in’ feel and tone, featuring rounder high end and fuller low midrange, ...”. This is achieved by using an ultra-thin nitrocellulose lacquer body finish, custom Traditional Series Sitka spruce pre-war scalloped X-braces with an abbreviated tongue brace, a pyramid-style ebony bridge with bone saddle with slightly wider 25⁄16” string spacing, and a high-gloss polyester resin finished Honduran mahogany neck with a traditional neck profile, and a 1¾” nut width. Acute readers might notice that these neck properties match those used for a Vintage Now neck as found on the 01 E VN! Other Traditional appointments are the custom wood purflings, including the small brown herringbone top purfling, 2-style custom wood rosette, “zipper” backstrip, gold MOP short diamond & squares position markers on the 14”-26” compound radius ebony fingerboard, and stained exotic ebony overlay on the slotted headstock with gold MOP logo. Only the expected Indian Rosewood back and sides, as expected for a 2-style, and Waverly nickel-plated tuning machines seem to be standard here. Not even the top is standard. Yes, it is Sitka spruce but of the torrefied (baked) kind. For more info on this model, visit:
Collings 02H 12-fret T
The story behind this guitar
Ship date:
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The Collings acoustic to finish the range of models and customization I was looking for to tell something of a Collings story. What a beauty to behold, adding both a torrefied top as well as a Traditional build to the proceedings. And some might have noticed something else very, very special here. Instead of a TKL hardshell case, this one has a Bill Collings designed Traditional hardshell case. A big draw to any of the listings Lidgett Music in Council Bluffs, IA, had out in several marketplaces. And creating some urgency, because guitars with these cases rarely pop up. That case implied spending some extra dollars, but it would be worth it for sure. Fortunately, they also listed this package on their store website. When talking about fees, buying from a store’s website and/or calling in has its benefits. I think the total discounts pay for ha case. For the non-traditional build on their website, Collings mentions how well these guitars record. I reckon it will be no different for this one. And so far, comfort has not been mentioned yet. The diminutive size fits me very well. And with my big hands, they are completely at home with the beefier neck. The high ring like a bell, the midrange is still present although not as much as the 01 E VN, and the low end is well balanced. All single-0s in this collection are amazing.
The story behind this guitar
February 26, 2019
29148
Baked Sitka spruce top
