-
I just bought a Collings I35 LC from an authorized dealer here in NYC used 2012. It seems in good shape - they remarked that there were not any major repairs or anything to it outside of normal wear however after buying and now that I have it at home for a few days I noticed that it looks like the nut may have been replaced. The instrument plays wonderful but curious as to if this is a problem worth worrying about. Attached a photo but not sure if it’s clear enough to tell anything. Opinions appreciated
-
-
I’ll note that the nut definitely appears to be genuine bone and the instrument plays like nothing I’ve ever played. It’s spectacular but wondering if the nut looks replaced and if it’s worth griping about? Could have gotten a new one for a lot more saved quite a bit with it being 2012 but don’t wanna invest in a bad instrument not sure how to really gauge it to be honest. Everything else seems to be great and in line with a 10 year old guitar
-
Here’s a link to the listing they had online actually. Plus they gave me 10% off this price. Was this a bad buy? Other similar aged models seem to be selling at like prices online…
Collings 2012 I-35 LC Blonde — Rudy's Music Soho
-
Beautiful guitar- congrats!
Of course, around here, the time to check on whether something is a good deal or not is before you buy, so now it sounds like you (sort of) have some buyer's remorse. That being said, it also sounds like you love the guitar, so maybe you're fretting more than you need about the nut (pun intended, of course!).
Enjoy the instrument!! 
-
I don't understand your trepidation.You say it plays great and you love it so relax and enjoy.The price was fine for a what Collings go for today.
-
I just picked up a more recent/used I35 LC. Wonderful guitar. Yours is an early one without neck binding. Enjoy.
-
I would not be the least bit concerned about a replaced nut. If it’s bone, and the slots are cut properly to provide a great playing experience - then all is good.
Not worth griping about - enjoy the guitar !
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Last edited by QAman; 12-07-2023 at 03:56 AM.
-
You can trust Rudy Pensa's shop and word.
-
I am familiar with Collings guitars and have a I-35 (but not an LC). From the photos, things look okay to me. It looks like a sweet guitar.
If you are happy with the feel and sound, don't mess with a good thing.
-
From the somewhat fuzzy photos I see no evidence that the nut has been replaced, but I couldn't completely rule it out. If it was replaced, and the guitar is easily playable, why would you care? A replaced nut shouldn't affect the price, nor the sound. There are a few reasons that a nut might be replaced. Perhaps someone filed the nut slots just a little too low. In that case, one could fill the slots with CA and sodium bicarbonate, shim the nut, or completely replace the nut. The latter would be the best solution, albeit the most time-consuming and expensive. Bone being an organic material, the nut could split. Not usual, but not impossible. Whatever the reason, a replaced bone nut, properly done, would not bother me at all. But again, I don't see any evidence based solely on the posted photos, but it's not conclusive. In any case, the nut seems to be well and neatly made. Get on with life and enjoy playing your guitar.
-
Why would you complain??? Maybe the nut is better than what preceded it. And no one messed up the job!
Many a great guitar is made better by some enhancement, especially in the hands of a skilled luthier. I have a few examples myself. Maybe Collings replaced the nut.
-
Just for my own education, what are you looking at that makes you believe the nut was replaced?
-
And BTW, we are not talking about a prized vintage guitar here. Maybe on a '59 Les Paul or a '54 telecaster this would be an issue of originality, but certainly not a modern guitar, where playability is the main goal. There should be no reduction of value, and hopefully an improvement in playability, if it indeed has been changed.
-
To answer one of your questions, not even close to be worth griping about!
-
My regret is that I'll never be rich enough to own a Collings guitar.
Reply With Quote
“Shearing style”
Today, 05:26 PM in Comping, Chords & Chord Progressions