The Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum-New Collings Hill Country guitars (2024)

Collings has dropped information on their new line of guitars. These were recently shown at the Blue Ridge Guitar Camp and, to one Collings fan, they look fantastic. They should be out in the fall. In line with Collings’ attention to quality and detail, even the pick-guards are made in house.
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“When we released our Traditional Series in 2016, we took a step in the direction of a more rounded, open tonality within the long-established Collings voice. For our upcoming Hill Country Series, we pushed that tone to the far end of the spectrum with a strongly fundamental, warm, and woody character unlike any previous Collings offering, along with unique aesthetic appointments. After years of development, these prototypes we’re sharing with attendees at the Blue Ridge Guitar Camp this week represent the final iterations of models that will be offered upon our initial release this fall.”

The only thing that’s kept me away from the brand is price. They look fantastic. And I tend to like dry and woody tone.

Although… as often as I have bought and sold, if such a Collings were a keeper I’d come out way ahead.

SalFromChatham wrote: ↑

7:47 AM - 2 days ago

The only thing that’s kept me away from the brand is price. They look fantastic. And I tend to like dry and woody tone.

Although… as often as I have bought and sold, if such a Collings were a keeper I’d come out way ahead.

Your statement has formed the cornerstone of my buying philosophy, that is taking the time to find the right guitar, and not worrying much about paying extra for it. But it does take some experience to know. The first time your head explodes will form that as your new benchmark. You just won’t want less. Yes, sometimes that is significant money, hence my second rule. Don’t play if you can’t pay.

Those look appealing to me; I’ll be keeping an eye on the rollout.

My guess is this line will be ultra-premium (given the house-made guards). Maybe they’ll feature the aged wood they have started to offer as an upgrade.

Almost certainly out of my price range, but I look forward to playing one someday.

Very interesting. But, when I get that right, now they gonna try to sound even more like a Martin than they do with their (reimagined) Traditional series?

Anyway, I bet these are going to be awesome guitars! My D1ATS is, and if these will even be better (or, at least, different, warmer, whatever), they will sure be winners.

Since they did not allow too much customisation with the Traditional series this could be a great platform for a great D-42 or -45. Or a Hog Dread with Style 28 trim.

Best regards,
Kurt

I don’t fault Collings or anyone else trying to have product to appeal to a very broad audience. Heck Martin is right up there trying to poach Taylor customers.

If you don’t put product out to create a buzz, it’s easy to be forgotten. I guess it’s just a sign of the times that the new stuff gets priced at four grand and above. I vividly remember that first Collings priced above $3k. Thought that was outrageous. But you need to get what you can when you can when you deal in non essential luxury goods.

Since we are talking Collings pickguards - do they make or did they make and use black pickguards as well?

Thanks,
Kurt

Koenig Kurt wrote: ↑

6:05 PM - 1 day ago

Since we are talking Collings pickguards - do they make or did they make and use black pickguards as well?

Thanks,
Kurt

Kurt, I never saw black pickguards on a Collings.