Collings I-35 LC Deluxe Faded Crimson

The newest addition to the Collings I-35 Series features high quality laminate construction (LC) that faithfully reproduces the vintage semi-hollow tone and response desired by professional working musicians. Built alongside their solid wood counterparts with the same meticulous attention to detail, the new LCs offer a unique tone that expands upon the sonic palette of the Collings electric line.

Once again, I’ve had the opportunity to work with my friends at Collings on some special requests. My aim is to refine certain aspects of these guitars just for CR Guitars. While the alterations may seem small, I believe they’re very important. You may not be able to immediately ascertain what's been changed, but you’ll likely find that these guitars feel somehow more organic than other Collings you may have tried. Fortunately, I’m building on some truly excellent instruments.

Here’s what I’ve asked for: Lighter woods, pickup matching, neck profile (a little off the shoulders, please!). Even strap button placements are all thought about, and addressed (if needed) on the guitars I have in the shop. In short, I want every guitar here to be a complete thought with its own, strong, particular point of view.

Case in point: This lovely I35 LC Deluxe. It’s inspired by the venerable Epiphone Riviera - as played by both Michael Landau and Robben Ford. Inspired by them, I decided to take this instrument to a whole new level of performance and style. To do so, I specified Lollar Mini Humbuckers and a Bigsby. That took care of the performance part of the equation. On the other side, I wanted to make sure it had a strong personality - check it out: Tortoise pickguard, custom ivroid knobs, Collings’ “flourish” inlaid headstock, a superb, and beautifully grained Madagascar fretboard.

It has a truly wonderful sound. The Lollar mini hums along with the Bigsby give this guitar a pure (and beautiful)  vintage tone. The notes spit with articulation yet scream when overdriven. Think of a combination of a Firebird with some “Woman Tone” behind it. An absolutely character driven blues guitar. Yet, it can be delicate as well. In the middle pickup position I get just a wonderful rhythm tone - sort of like a fatter version of the middle position of a Tele.

Because of its versatility, this I35 can find a home in any track yet at the same time add its own personality to the mix. From the Byrds to the Beatles, from Robben Ford to Albert King this guitar knows very few stylistic boundaries.

A joy to play, a joy to hear, and obviously a joy to behold, I am happy to be able to offer you this wonderful Custom I35 Deluxe.

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.