My Collings - Original dreadnought, Auditorium and Grand Concert
Vložit
- čas přidán 7. 03. 2024
- Any adverts shown before, during or after this video are imposed by CZcams without my permission or approval.
I bought my first Collings guitar new, in 1999. It was (hopefully still is) a DS2h Original dreadnought. - I played it for 21 years, sold it in 2019.
My second one was the 2003 0002h auditorium that you see here.
My most recent purchase is the 1998 build (1999 ship) 002h Grand Concert.
I feel "safe" performing with my dreadnoughts, I teach and noodle with my 000, and my 002h, is really to complete the set - and I doubt that I will play it out of the house - it is a late night fingerstyle instrument (when the cat permits), but it was originally designed to perform to an audience of, perhaps 200, unamplified.
Dimensions :
Dreadnought: 25.5" scale, body width 15 & 5/8" depth 4 & 7/8"
Auditorium : 25.5" scale , Body width - 15" , depth - 4 & 1/8"
Grand Concert : 24 & 7/8", body width : 14 & 1/4", depth : 4"
All have a 1 & 13/16" nut width and string spacing od 2 & 3/8" on the dread, and " & 5/16" on the 000 and 00.
All are made with sitka tops and East Indian rosewood Backs and sides.
More details about my preference for these instruments to follow. - Hudba
Andy, thank you! I feel as if you were responding personally to my 12 fret questions from a few weeks ago. Many of us appreciate you putting things in historical context and also informing us of how these models suit your anatomy and playing style. Cheers from Florida, USA.
My pleasure Steve!. I confess that I'm nerdy about such things. Like people calling jumbos (J35/45 - AJs etc.,) "slope dreads", and all guitars smaller than OMs "parlours! Grrr!
Andy, well presented and informative. Whether it is a wide neck or narrow neck, 12 fret or 14 fret, if it feels right for you then that is the perfect instrument for you. In my mandolin world I prefer a little wider neck and 15 frets to the body. George in Montana
Hence my video : czcams.com/video/sNc25RLn77E/video.html
Hey Andy. As usual, I love watching your videos. I have a Collings 12 fret 000-1, and I absolutely love it. Its major advantage: It has a huge bass for a 000 size guitar. Its major problem:: It has a huge bass for a 000 size guitar. Ok. What do I mean? That extra bass makes it especially rich and full for a small body guitar, but for a finger style player, like me,, you have to remember that those bass notes are really going to jump, and if you aren’t careful they will overwhelm your picking. Gotta back off with that thumb! But once you get used to it, there is nothing like it. I would love a Collings 12 fret dreadnaught, but I am a huge fan of the sound they get out of their traditional series, and to date they don’t make a 12 fret dred in the that line. When they do, I’ll jump on it like a duck on a june bug;
I probably wouldn't have investigated Collings if it wasn't for their original dreadnought designs, but I love my 0002h too, although I don't think I've performed with it.
Thank you for this video. I was very interested to hear you comments about the features and benefits of 12 fretters. I love them!
I have one 14 fret guitar. All the others are 12 fret models. They are a mix of 1 3/4 inch and 1 13/16 inch nut widths. I much prefer to play the 1 13/16 inch nut width. My fingers don't taper very much so that slight extra room between the strings makes playing so much easier. The 12 fret guitars allow me what I call a much more comfortable playing geometry (ergonomics). I like the full depth of sound of the open chords that I get from first position. Even if I'm using a capo, I don't think I'm ever above the 7th fret. I play guitar to accompany myself singing. All of this is for my own enjoyment. My most comfortable guitar is a 1993 Collings OOO2H with a 1 13/16 nut and 2 5/16 inch string spacing at the saddle.
1993 0002h ? That's older than any of mine! My first Collings was a '98 build ser. no 4549. My most recent acquisition is my 002h which I guess is a '99.
Good evening Andy.
Nice video as usual; informative and interesting.
I disagree on a couple of points.
Like you I have a number of high end guitars, both 12 and 14 fret.
I’ve never found any issue either positive or negative regarding ease of tuning; for me it’s a non issue, non starter.
In regards to changing strings, 12 frets are a pain in the (any part of the anatomy you choose!).
Fiddly and awkward. Flat headstocks are way easier and more convenient.
I have no comprehension as to why you think otherwise ( although I’m sure that your take makes total sense to you).
My general observation is that if you ask 20 people for an opinion, you’ll get 20 different ones.
That’s what makes the world go round!
Best wishes
Phillip
Hi, re: fine tuning whilst performing - my history of wrist problems (CTS) is why I prefer the more ergonomic design of slotted headstock tuners.
String changing ? See this : czcams.com/video/6tU3OkoBMkE/video.html
All the best Philip, Andy.
Andy, thank you for your video. I grew up in the eastern part of America. I purchased my first real guitar in 1968. A Gretsch Chet Atkins style guitar. I recently handed it down to a family member.
I love the detail to your video. I’ve sold my jumbo guitars , as 000 and parlor are easier for me to play these days. I prefer 12 fret guitars but have never tried a 12 fret jumbo ( or dreadnought) but your video has inspired me to try one. Thank you.
Most welcome! Thanks for watching.
As usual, it is very informative and interesting video. I enjoyed. God bless.
Glad you enjoyed it - thanks, Andy
Hi Andy. I was wondering about your 12 frets. Happy Friday. Be well. Thanks for the video. Very informative and helpful.
Thank you for watching!
i play a Dowina it has a cutaway body shape really nice guitar actually to good for me ,i never got anwhere near the 14/15 frets never will ,so yes love the look of the 12 fret your collins fantastic looking and great sounding guitar,
I was aware of Dowina as a brand, but not much else. Slovakian ? Big on cutaways. I'll add to the old saying "no money above the fifth fret" - and no music above the 12th !
The slotted headstock is aesthetically more pleasing. I have one 12 fret in my quiver.
Well, I think so, and easier to restring - if you use my method.
Interesting take on the difference. Unfortunately, if one is playing standards in original keys (Eb, Ab, Db, etc) the 12 fret guitar limits one to playing melodies in the lower register in these keys thereby limiting the application of chord melody methods. However, if one plays mainly folk type accompaniment to vocal work then the 12 fret guitar may provide a richer tone. Personally, I would like to see a 14 fret guitar with a wide (1and 3/4" at least ) nut width. For me that would be the best. BTW, I do have a Bourgeois guitar with a cutaway and it makes playing in higher registers considerably easier.
Hi Joel, you have made well the point for both designs suiting two differing styles. I understand that after making guitars with rhythm necks for ages, they have now changed to 1 &3/4" nuts. Incidentally all three of my archtops have 1 &3/4" nut widths.
@@SillyMoustache my D28 is 1&3/4 and my Bourgeois is also, Sadly my Collings isn't and it requires considerable LH accuracy to play cleanly with the RH.
Great video as always!
But how does the bridge position differentiate the sound from a 12fret in comparison with the 14fret?
Do you know if these types of guitar are different braced?
Because I would wonder if nothing would’ve been changed construction wise in the guitar.
From my intuition, I would say that at 12 fret guitar would sound a lot more fuller, and Bassier than a 12 fret because the bridge is more in the middle of the body .
Hi Rice, every guitar is an individual, even mass produced martins, because they are made of wood which is infinitely variable.
I have not had the opportunity to make a direct comparison between , say, a Collings DS2h and a DSh of the same year, same woods etc., but a good guitar is a good guitar. I think the baring is very similar.
Have you ever played a Boucher guitar? I have a Collings C100, amazing instrument and my gig workhorse is a Martin D35. But I also have a Boucher 000 12 fret that is truly remarkable, East Indian Rosewood and Adi top. Mine has a cutaway, but the tone is full and rich, resonance is unbelievable. Lovely guitar. If you’ve not played a Boucher, I hope you have the opportunity one day. Thanks for your videos!
Hi, I am aware of Boucher guitars, but there is only one dealer in the UK and they presently have only two. They look great - love the white cases !
They are not easy to find even in the US, but worth the effort. I think there are a few dealers in France if you are ever across the chunnel. I believe you'd like them. Cheers, TJ @@SillyMoustache
12-fret? Of course. To my ear, better balance between treble and bass, with some bass enhanced tone. Places fingers and picks in good position. And the fretting hand doesn't have to reach as far. I am mostly a solo singer, so playing up the neck is not that much of a need. I have a Custom Shop D-28 12-fret VTS top, slab peghead (because I can't see the holes in the barrel to run the string through). With a Custom Shop I could specify the nut width and neck profile. Through the years my fretting hand has had issues including 2 surgeries before I was 5. I find 12-fret necks easier to play. Thanks, Andy.
Hi Tex, glad that you have found your ideal ergonomics. Thanks as always, Andy
Interesting… hate 1 11/16 and remember there is no money to be made anywhere beyond the 5th fret…
The jokey comment about the fifth fret was made in an acoustic country music vein. Don't think it refers to other genres, and certainly not for electric guitarists !