Collings I-35 anyone?

[mattymel]

i think Collings are great guitars. PERIOD. to say they dont sound better than Eastman or even Sadowsky equivalents is kind of a stretch from my personal experience. in fact i would say they sound and play MUCH better. im not a huge fan of their use of flamed maple tops (which is probably why i dont own one), but going on sound and feel, hard to beat IMHO.

and when it comes to the Collings acoustics...color me a BIG OL corksniffer then.

[fumblefingers]

Originally Posted by msr13

They say that the first step is to admit the problem. I don't fit the definition NSJ gave of a corksniffer, but I do have the "corksniffer" guitar in question. I think if I accepted Jack's dare to post a clip, my playing skill would warrant the implied slaying ;0 -- so I won't try and justify my purchase that way (or in any other). I am sure, however, that this guitar would sing beautifully in Jack's hands-- as do pretty much all guitars he touches.

The actual cost of these is closer to $5k, not six. Still a lot! But, for a carved top, with premium woods, immaculate design and build-- certainly not that far apart from other high-end builders that have received lots of judos on this site. The stores have flexibility to discount about 10%. I got lucky and and got mine for the price of a Sadowsky as a result of an error that worked out in my favor. They are also making a laminated version of the I-35 for about $4k.

I love mine. Have had it for just about 2 years now. My skill doesn't justify the purchase, but my appreciation does. I play it every day and enjoy. All other judgements are irrelevant. Here's a picture.

nice guitar. thanks for your post.

[fumblefingers]

Originally Posted by Steve Z

The point is not whether the tone is better to you, but rather that the person who owns the guitar gets inspiration and enjoyment from the guitar they have purchased.

I see no need to negatively campaign that the cost is too high. For your needs it appears to be too much, as it is for mine. But if someone else gets enjoyment from a certain guitar then who are we to say they are wrong.

I drive an older vehicle I bought used because having a flashy sports car is not important to me and not worth the expense. However, to a car fan who really gets personnel enjoyment from driving a very expensive vehicle the extra expense is realistic. One car doesn't get to the grocery store any faster than the other... just in more style and enjoyment.

I really like the Collings SoCo Deluce and the SoCo Jazz Deluce. If I could afford one of them, then I would really think hard about getting one. My playing is terrible and there are other guitars that may sound the same or better and cost less, but the Collings design is wonderful and the guitars are a joy to play... that is worth a lot to each owner.


Cheers,
Steve

thanks for your perspective. incidentally, my car does get me to the grocery store much faster than almost any car a person can imagine.

[fumblefingers]

Originally Posted by Jake Hanlon

not wrong to want a guitar, we're guitarists we're freaks

6 grand though... the only people who have any business buying that level of axe are professionals and 6 grand, that's a new CD or enough to get a nice Tour going, that's money far better spent

i dunno. it has been my observation that really fancy guitars are about as practical to the pros as they are to hobbyists - they're for the house. fact is, most pros - unless they are "stars" - cant afford fancy ass guitars. at least that is what a top "fine guitar" dealer and top archtop luthier each told me.

[fumblefingers]

Originally Posted by jzucker

i also like to collect but I just dislike new, shiny guitars. Dunno why. Some folks hate fake relics but i'd rather have a fake relic than a new shiny guitar that's begging to be put in a semi-circle for a guitar forum picture.

i get you. i much prefer new shiny stuff, if its good/great. i dont like used homes, cars, guitars, anything really. i like to mess my things up myself. to each their own i guess.

[fumblefingers]

Originally Posted by msr13

BTW, just 'cause I am getting defensive, doesn't mean I don't agree with Jack's point . Last year, I posted a video of me playing a clip on the I-35, a PRS McCarty, and an American Tele Deluxe. I asked whether people could tell the difference. Again, my playing, the amp, my recording, etc. all played into it, but the overwhelming majority of folks couldn't pick the $5k from the $2k from the $1k-- let alone the variety of guitar stylistically. Here it is again.

which one did/do you enjoy playing the most?

[msr13]

Originally Posted by fumblefingers

which one did/do you enjoy playing the most?

The Collings. The McCarty and Tele are gone.

[jzucker]

soso, let's hear a clip of yours.

[msr13]

Originally Posted by jzucker

soso, let's hear a clip of yours.

I believe you did. These videos are Soco. He performs all over New York and is a great teacher, as well. I admit a bias, though-- I think of him as a friend and have learned a lot from him.

Originally Posted by Steve Z

Here are some good YouTube videos that I quickly found. Sure, many guitars can get a similar tone but the playability, feel, artwork, personnel enjoyment all go into the personal value of an instrument. I dig the Collings guitars.

Cheers,
Steve

Originally Posted by msr13

Here are a couple I like, that drove me to explore Collings in the first place. Both are Socos. The question, though is the sound a derivative of the guitar itself, the player, the amp, the song, the recording device, or youtube's compression? I don't know. As Steve said, for me they feel great, are especially comfortable, and boy, do I love to play mine.

Originally Posted by jzucker

no offense but these are incredibly mediocre IMO. I think my RL-4 actually gets a better tone. Could be the recordings of course but this reinforces my point. Anyway, I'm going to bow out here.

[jzucker]

Originally Posted by msr13

I believe you did. These videos are Soco. He performs all over New York and is a great teacher, as well. I admit a bias, though-- I think of him as a friend and have learned a lot from him.

That explains why he resorted to name calling. Well, his clip had a better tone than the version of yesterday. Nice playing Soco.

[Soco]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8pTa...el_video_title

[Soco]

Originally Posted by jzucker

That explains why he resorted to name calling. Well, his clip had a better tone than the version of yesterday. Nice playing Soco. I was wrong. I figured you for a poseur.

I think the name calling you did and later edited out was far worse.
Well, you didn't really think I was Ben Affleck did you?
You should try one of these guitars, I think they will sound good in your hands. No reason to get on people's case for getting these though. I paid less than 5K for mine new, but it was the still the biggest gear investment in my life. For me it was worth it.

[jzucker]

Originally Posted by Soco

I think the name calling you did and later edited out was far worse.
Well, you didn't really think I was Ben Affleck did you?
You should try one of these guitars, I think they will sound good in your hands. No reason to get on people's case for getting these though. I paid less than 5K for mine new, but it was the still the biggest gear investment in my life. For me it was worth it.

i didn't. Go back and read what I wrote. It was all tongue in cheek and I said once or twice that folks should play what makes them happy. You just got all sensitive that I didn't like the tone in the clip you posted and felt the need to get personal and yes, I called you a bad name back.

[msr13]

Originally Posted by jzucker

That explains why he resorted to name calling. Well, his clip had a better tone than the version of yesterday. Nice playing Soco. I was wrong. I figured you for a poseur.

I don't want to derail even further from the discussion about whether the high-priced guitars' tones are noticeably superior, but I do want to point out that the "Yesterday" video guy has over 200,000 channel views, over 3MM views, over 7500 subscribers, and only uses a handycam with its built-in mics. Dale is definitely doing something right to have that kind of following. He's good. A great teacher, and a constantly good player going a low tech route for recording.

[jzucker]

Originally Posted by msr13

I don't want to derail even further from the discussion about whether the high-priced guitars' tones are noticeably superior, but I do want to point out that the "Yesterday" video guy has over 200,000 channel views, over 3MM views, over 7500 subscribers, and only uses a handycam with its built-in mics. Dale is definitely doing something right to have that kind of following. He's good. A great teacher, and a constantly good player going a low tech route for recording.

you can be all that but it doesn't mean I have to like the tone. Anyway, I'm bowing out. Sorry for derailing the collings endorser channel. <note the wink>

[Soco]

Originally Posted by jzucker

i didn't. Go back and read what I wrote. It was all tongue in cheek and I said once or twice that folks should play what makes them happy. You just got all sensitive that I didn't like the tone in the clip you posted and felt the need to get personal and yes, I called you a bad name back.

You men the D-word?
Anyway you are in title to your opinion, but they way you express yourself is sometimes too insensitive. I really respect you and think you have a lot of knowledge that we can all benefit from, if you expressed your self a bit differently I think you would get into less arguments on the net.
I enjoy the videos I have seen and always read your posts, I don't always agree but at least you have really deeply worked deeply on your instrument and is a really accomplished player.

[msr13]

Originally Posted by jzucker

you can be all that but it doesn't mean I have to like the tone. Anyway, I'm bowing out. Sorry for derailing the collings endorser channel. <note the wink>

Absolutely! I couldn't agree more. None of these minor disagreements change my regard for you and your skill. I am not sure Collings would want me as an endorser-- but I can ask.

In all seriousness. I live in NYS. I am coming to Cleveland this summer. Perhaps I can loan you the guitar for a weekend while I am there. Let me know if we can work that out.

[fumblefingers]

Originally Posted by msr13

The Collings. The McCarty and Tele are gone.

thanks, that Teles me a lot.

sorry 'bout that. seriously though, i am not surpised at your answer.

maybe i should reset my original question as follows:

assume that you have all the other guitars that you want, and that you have a budget of $8K for a new semi-hollow, and you want the best playing, sounding, looking guitar that $5-8K can buy. what do you get?


Collings?
Benedetto Benny with f-holes from Bob's Boutique,
Gibson es-355 (carved top, not the Lucille)
Gibson Johnny A
PRS hollowbody - private stock
other?

[msr13]

Originally Posted by fumblefingers

assume that you have all the other guitars that you want, and that you have a budget of $8K for a new semi-hollow, and you want the best playing, sounding, looking guitar that $5-8K can buy. what do you get?
Collings?
Benedetto Benny with f-holes from Bob's Boutique,
Gibson es-355 (carved top, not the Lucille)
Gibson Johnny A
PRS hollowbody - private stock
other?

Well, this is just for me, based on what I know I like. I haven't tried the Benny or the Johnny A. I traded the PRS toward the Collings and never looked back. The 355s I've tried were less ergonomic and comfortable compared to the Collings. I love the Sadowsky semi, and if I ever get another semi, it will be that. (laminated, not carve top.) If I didn't have the I-35, I would definitely get another or get a Soco. The Soco is great, too.

[jzucker]

Slight derail, but I wanted to apologize to Soco and the group for being an @ss.

[Soco]

Originally Posted by jzucker

Slight derail, but I wanted to apologize to Soco and the group for being an @ss.

Apologie accepted.

[Soco]

Originally Posted by fumblefingers

thanks, that Teles me a lot.

sorry 'bout that. seriously though, i am not surpised at your answer.

maybe i should reset my original question as follows:

assume that you have all the other guitars that you want, and that you have a budget of $8K for a new semi-hollow, and you want the best playing, sounding, looking guitar that $5-8K can buy. what do you get?


Collings?
Benedetto Benny with f-holes from Bob's Boutique,
Gibson es-355 (carved top, not the Lucille)
Gibson Johnny A
PRS hollowbody - private stock
other?

I'd rather go for a regular PRS hollow, for instance the spruce which I own, than a private stock. The wait time is long on private stocks. A good friend of mine has the Johnny A. it is a really nice guitar, but it is a bit twangy due to the scale length and construction. I think it works better for blues/rock and country, although I am sure it could work for jazz. The gibson 356 is a nice guitar as well as the 446. The Sadowsky semi-hollow is also great.The new PRS JA-15 looks nice, I haven't tried it yet. I tried three guitars by Matt Artinger and they where really nice as well. There's a lot of choices out there. The best way is to be able to play these instruments. Soundclips can give you pointers, but seldom do the guitar justice.

[fumblefingers]

Originally Posted by Soco

I'd rather go for a regular PRS hollow, for instance the spruce which I own, than a private stock. The wait time is long on private stocks. A good friend of mine has the Johnny A. it is a really nice guitar, but it is a bit twangy due to the scale length and construction. I think it works better for blues/rock and country, although I am sure it could work for jazz. The gibson 356 is a nice guitar as well as the 446. The Sadowsky semi-hollow is also great.The new PRS JA-15 looks nice, I haven't tried it yet. I tried three guitars by Matt Artinger and they where really nice as well. There's a lot of choices out there. The best way is to be able to play these instruments. Soundclips can give you pointers, but seldom do the guitar justice.

wait - you mean the PRS over your Soco?

[Soco]

Originally Posted by fumblefingers

wait - you mean the PRS over your Soco?

Hi, no just the PRS versus a private stock PRS.
I still use my PRS from time to time but the Collings is my main guitar.

[derek]

I played msr13's I-35 last summer, and of all the 335 esque guitars, it is my fave. My only beef would be to have a chunkier neck. If I was in the market for a semi, I would probably go with Sadowsky.

[Soco]

Originally Posted by derek

I played msr13's I-35 last summer, and of all the 335 esque guitars, it is my fave. My only beef would be to have a chunkier neck. If I was in the market for a semi, I would probably go with Sadowsky.

I played the Sadowsky semi-hollow(great guitar), and it has a much thinner neck than the Collings. For me the Collings neck is very comfortable.