affordable model made by Bill Comins

**clem_gael** · 12-23-2011, 12:06 AM

Looks like Bill Comins decided to make his own asian-made guitar:

Home | Comins Guitars

This guitar looks nice. An other one on my wish list

What happened to the D'Angelico ex-ss that Comins redesigned?
Bad experience with D'Angelico?

**Steve Z** · 12-25-2011, 01:34 PM

I saw a link to this guitar on another thread and tried searching Google for any additional info... none to be found. It is definitely a great looking guitar that has me interested in the specs.

Image from Comings website...

**Cobra** · 12-25-2011, 06:42 PM

I wonder if this model is made in the same factory by the same folks that make the Sadowsky archtops?
It looks similar to the Sadowsky SH and the SS-15...

**clem_gael** · 12-25-2011, 10:11 PM

I don't thinks that this new model will be made in Japan. Sadowsky sell their guitar for more that 4000$...

Comins worked with D'angelico to redesign the ex-ss model and this model was/in made in Korea...

I don't have more info about it but right now I think that GCS will be made in Korea too...

**Flat** · 12-26-2011, 03:49 AM

Really looks fantastic, I think. A bit like a Sadowsky SH or the Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion at Eastman prices. This could be interesting...

**clem_gael** · 12-30-2011, 02:46 PM

more info on the Comins website:

About | Comins Guitars

**Steve Z** · 12-30-2011, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by clem_gael

more info on the Comins website:

About | Comins Guitars

Good to see a little more info, but unfortunately nothing that wasn't already guessed. What I'd really like are the guitar's specs. The guitar is definitely gorgeous, now give us some details.... Please

**Larry M** · 12-30-2011, 02:58 PM

Thanks for the information. This line looks like a winner.

**clem_gael** · 12-30-2011, 03:00 PM

Steve, they,re also a "more information" button under the guitar picture:

"The GCS-1 (GCS for Guitar Craft Series) is the first of this new series of instruments. It is a 14 5/8” lower bout, 1 5/8” deep, semi-hollow model, intended to be a highly versatile and roadworthy guitar. It adorns a laminated flame Maple top and laminated Sapele back. The sides and internal block are routed from a solid wood core, yielding enhanced sustain characteristics. The fingerboard is Indian Rosewood, 24 ¾” scale length, nut width is 1.70". The tuning machines are smooth operating Wilkinson, 18:1. Multi-ply ivory colored bindings surround the peghead, neck, and body back, with additional plys surrounding the body top. Kent Armstrong and I worked together on the pickups, and there is a push/pull pot for single coil mode. It is being offered with a light brown Tolexed TKL case. A version with a Bigsby vibrato is also available. More information soon..."

**Steve Z** · 12-30-2011, 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by clem_gael

Steve, they,re also a "more information" button under the guitar picture:

"The GCS-1... "

Oops... I didn't see that on my little phone as I was surfin'. Thanks for the info.

**Cobra** · 12-30-2011, 04:00 PM

I'm definitely interested in the GCS-1, but I'm also curious about what other models they will release after the first model...

**mangotango** · 12-30-2011, 06:47 PM

Almost inevitably, looks like the D'Angelico semi. Kurt-on-a-budget, anyone?

Does look good, though.

**clem_gael** · 12-30-2011, 07:03 PM

If Bill Comins makes the final setup before shipping, it's gonna be a serious contender to the sadowsky SH...at half the price!

**Larry M** · 12-30-2011, 07:30 PM

Agree with Clem. Bill's QC and set up are worth a ton.

**Dookychase** · 12-31-2011, 09:52 AM

Beautiful guitar. Classy headstock.

**Jabberwocky** · 12-31-2011, 10:16 AM

I made a dumbass comment. So, I took it out. Apologies to Bill Comins.

**Steve Z** · 12-31-2011, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by clem_gael

If Bill Comins makes the final setup before shipping, it's gonna be a serious contender to the sadowsky SH...at half the price!

Very true. I have been looking at several different thin hollow bodies and the price point has always been an issue as $4000 for a bedroom player like myself is a bit too much these days... but $1500 is definitely a bit more doable.

Now the wait to see how these will be distributed in retailers or if they are for sale only through Comins directly as has gone the way of both Sadowsky and Benedetto.

**Soco** · 02-11-2012, 01:33 PM

I tried one of these unplugged, it was very nice especially considering that it costs around 1500$.

**Flat** · 02-11-2012, 04:27 PM

When I think about the price of a Sadowsky Semi-hollow or a Collings Eastside LC or maybe some Benedettos, I have to wonder just how long that $1500 "Introductory Price" is going to last...

**Soco** · 02-11-2012, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by Flat

When I think about the price of a Sadowsky Semi-hollow or a Collings Eastside LC or maybe some Benedettos, I have to wonder just how long that $1500 "Introductory Price" is going to last...

True, but as nice as it was it was not in the same league as my Collings.

**Flat** · 02-11-2012, 06:14 PM

In what way, Soco? Fit and finish? General playability?

**Soco** · 02-11-2012, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by Flat

In what way, Soco? Fit and finish? General playability?

Hi, I didn't spend a whole lot of time with the instrument, but it felt nice. The fretwork seemed good but not as good as any Collings I have played. It was set up nicely an the neck profile and playability was pretty similar to Collings. It was definitively heavier.
Collings guitars are extremely well-made and you can feel a difference even compared to makers like PRS who makes great guitars. I don't know much about these Commin's guitars but I believe they are made in Korea and for that price they are worth looking into.

**jerrylm** · 02-11-2012, 07:33 PM

One caution on this guitar it is heavy heavy heavy! It's a dead ringer for a JB by Sadowsky but those are only 6 lbs.

**Flat** · 02-11-2012, 10:03 PM

Interesting, guys. Thanks. Wonder why it's heavier? A larger or heavier tone block? Or just a thicker laminate?

I don't know much about wood technology, but I understand that Sadowsky uses a laminate that is a bit thinner than others. Perhaps not all laminates are created equal?

Sure wish Comins or someone would put a clip on youtube!