Collings 290 DC - Namm 2014

Some things are simply better in pairs. With a double-cutaway mahogany body and dual hand-wound P90 pickups from Jason Lollar, the 290 DC offers unhindered access to the upper frets and a wide range of tonal possibilities. From pristine clean tones with rich harmonic complexity to hard-hitting classic rock sounds, there are few bases the 290 DC cannot cover. To further the guitar's vintage-inspired tone and aesthetic, Collings has made available their own custom wraparound tailpiece that's been designed to deliver unsurpassed dynamic range and improved intonation up the neck.

For me, there are a very few iconic guitar shapes: In the solid body electric world, the double cut “junior” is one of them. Just looking at one (particularly in TV yellow) elicits so many images of great players, playing iconic solos on juniors: Leslie West, Steve Hunter on Lou Reed’s live version of “Sweet Jane,” etc., etc., etc.

You know that killer, ripping sound of a cranked mahogany-P-90s monster. Well, this- straight from Namm 2014- has all that and, trust me, a whole lot more.

This is one of my favorite Collings guitars, period. It’s got the look, the feel, the vibe and a simply beautiful TV yellow finish. I don’t know of anyone who is doing a better job - or even equalling the quality of - this finish. It’s just a knockout.

Collings is now making its own wrap-around stop tailpiece. It’s great. It’s like the unit drives a hard spike into the heart of the wood; the center of the tone.

As you may know, I’ve been a professional guitarist for many years. And while this guitar screams when you want it to scream, I’d take it on any gig anywhere. It’s that versatile. The P90s bleed a big bluesy sound, but, with a few twists of the volume and tone knobs, are fully capable of delivering an inspiring version of a jazz standard.

As for the guitar itself: I always ask Collings for a light build (they delivered). I request a rolled over fingerboard (the fretwork is simply superb, and comfy). The neck is a dream. '50s style heft without ever feeling “clubby.”

The body has a beautifully executed tummy cut. It’s carved at the bottom too (see the photos), making it a supremely comfortable instrument to hold and play. The double cut also gives you super access to the upper frets.

It’s just an eminently playable instrument.

There are many makers, large and small, that make a junior style instrument; mahogany, P90s, etc. But I believe this is the best - even from bespoke builders.

Most of all, (and this is one of those things you’ll immediately recognize when you play it) it’s just a blast to play. So much fun, from its tuning pegs to its masterful tailpiece. It begs for a long rainy afternoon so you can skip the chores and play away to your heart’s content.

This is a great example of a great model. Period. You’ll love it.

If you'd like to find out more about this item, just call or e-mail me. It would be my pleasure to talk to you about it.

ABOUT COLLINGS GUITARS
Bill Collings moved from Ohio to Texas in the mid 1970’s. Spurred by a lack of interest in medical school, this move enabled him to combine lifelong interests in both guitars and tools into the challenge of stringed instrument building and repair. After a couple of years in Houston, several guitars and a few banjos later, he headed west to southern California. Making it only as far as Austin, where he shared shops with fellow luthiers Tom Ellis and Mike Stevens. From there, he set up his own small shop in a wooden "one car" garage. His reputation for outstanding quality and meticulous attention to detail quickly spread. In 1989, he rented a 1000 square foot space and hired two helpers. Fast forward to present day where Collings craftsmanship is respected by professional and amateur musicians alike…anyone on the quest for quality. Some of these include artists; Keith Richards, Lyle Lovett, Pete Townshend, Emmylou Harris, Andy Summers, David Crosby, Chris Hillman, Joni Mitchell, Don Felder, John Sebastian, Lou Reed, John Fogerty, Tim O'Brien, Pete Huttlinger, Kenny Smith, Brian May, Joan Baez, John Prine, Nigel Tufnel of Spinal Tap, and Steven Spielberg to name a few. You owe it to yourself to try one.