OT: How to make a Collings even better!
Patch
Posted 2011-08-08 1:19 PM (#349699)
Subject: OT: How to make a Collings even better!



Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4232

Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent
I recently acquired a used Collings DS-41, and as I am sure you can imagine, it is a splendid instrument! Still, I needed to do (OK, OK....wanted to do) some minor modifications to make it all mine instead of formerly someone else's. (A man's gotta have a hang-up...er...hobby.)

Anyway, the first thing I did was give Bob Colosi a call. I've been playing Ovations for decades, so it is difficult enough to adjust to reaching around a woodbox this big without having it hang funny from the strap. Bob came through with an elegant, ivory strap button which has been duly installed right where Collings says it should be. My flash seems to have died on me, but you can still get an idea from this photo.



Nextly came the tuners. Waverlies deserve their reputation as excellent in every respect. But for some reason, the nickel Waverly tuners just didn't do it for me. Et Voila!

I was going to get engraved gold buttons, but when I saw these, the deal was done. Gold Waverlies with Snakewood tuning buttons look just perfect on this guitar!

By the way, if you need a decent deal on a set of nickel, slot-head Waverlies in like-new condition, I happen to know where there's a set available.

[COLOR="DarkRed"]Before....[/COLOR]



[COLOR="DarkRed"]After....[/COLOR]



And finally, a gold strap nut for the pick-up jack....to match the tuners of course. (BTW, you wouldn't believe how hard it is to find these to fit a K&K. About the only way is to order straight from the company.)



And now, just because there is room for another photo or two....










I'll say it again......

This is a great guitar! Now I need to get an original case for it. Don't worry, it'll happen.
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6L6
Posted 2011-08-08 2:29 PM (#349700 - in reply to #349699)
Subject: Re: OT: How to make a Collings even better!


Joined:
January 2003
Posts: 92

Location: San Francisco, CA
Absolutely STUNNING guitar!

No doubt about it, Bill Collings builds the finest guitars (acoustic AND electric) in the world.

6

'99 Collings D-1
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RNickels
Posted 2011-08-08 3:19 PM (#349701 - in reply to #349699)
Subject: Re: OT: How to make a Collings even better!


Joined:
May 2009
Posts: 364

Location: Bellevue, Washington
Boo get your fancy-pants Collings outta here!!!! (Secretly jealous that I've never had the chance to play one!)

Sweet looking git Patch!
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Darkbar
Posted 2011-08-08 4:52 PM (#349702 - in reply to #349699)
Subject: Re: OT: How to make a Collings even better!



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
Playing one is worse for your brain than looking at pictures
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MWoody
Posted 2011-08-08 8:16 PM (#349703 - in reply to #349699)
Subject: Re: OT: How to make a Collings even better!



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13996

Location: Upper Left USA
Love that Spuce!
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Capo Guy
Posted 2011-08-08 8:20 PM (#349704 - in reply to #349699)
Subject: Re: OT: How to make a Collings even better!



Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394

Location: East Tennessee
What material are the bridge pins made of ?
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MusicMishka
Posted 2011-08-08 11:57 PM (#349705 - in reply to #349699)
Subject: Re: OT: How to make a Collings even better!


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 5567

Location: Blue Ridge Mountains
Very Nice Patch...please buy a case...lol
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Patch
Posted 2011-08-09 10:27 AM (#349706 - in reply to #349699)
Subject: Re: OT: How to make a Collings even better!



Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4232

Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent
Lesse here....

Mike #1:
The bridge pins are ebony.

Mike #2:
It does have a decent case, but I want one from Collings. I've already contacted them and think their price for a replacement is fair....Pricey!....but fair.

I'm waiting to see how much cash I have to send the factory this month before I give Collings a call back. ;)
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stephent28
Posted 2011-08-09 11:52 AM (#349707 - in reply to #349699)
Subject: Re: OT: How to make a Collings even better!



Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303

Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066
If you already have a case for it, I would spring for one of those "Price" cases that Al carries (see his latest newsletter). Just as good as a Calton for less money.

Why put a 4-5K guitar into a $200 case to protect it. I would rather spend a bit more and give it the protection it deserves.....specially if it is gonna leave the house.

I have one of those style cases for each size I have...one for the C10, OM, etc......the rest in a regular case but if I travel guess which case is protecting my guitar!
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Patch
Posted 2011-08-09 3:05 PM (#349708 - in reply to #349699)
Subject: Re: OT: How to make a Collings even better!



Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4232

Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent
Thanks for the advice Stephen, I hadn't thought of that. It's worth asking, though it's probably out of my range.
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stephent28
Posted 2011-08-09 3:35 PM (#349709 - in reply to #349699)
Subject: Re: OT: How to make a Collings even better!



Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303

Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066
I think they are about in the $600+ range but well worth it since a "dread size" will most likely fit all the dreads you may one day have and the piece of mind is well worth the expense.

Remember the song about United destroying the guitar and the effort the owner went to in bringing United to task?

A case worth 1/6 to 1/8 the value of a nice guitar should not be underestimated in the "piece of mind" realm.

You certainly don't need more than 1 of each size but I think at least 1 (if you truly love the guitar in question) is an absolute necessity.
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Patch
Posted 2011-08-09 4:19 PM (#349710 - in reply to #349699)
Subject: Re: OT: How to make a Collings even better!



Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4232

Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent
One of the questions I sent to Al was whether there is a difference between a standard dreadnaught and a slope shoulder dreadnaught when it comes to buying a case. (What can I say, I know WAY more about Ovations than woodboxes. :rolleyes: )
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alpep
Posted 2011-08-10 8:20 AM (#349711 - in reply to #349699)
Subject: Re: OT: How to make a Collings even better!


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583

Location: NJ
dread should fit a slope

the price cases are pricey but you is your favorite guitar
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alpep
Posted 2011-08-10 8:20 AM (#349712 - in reply to #349699)
Subject: Re: OT: How to make a Collings even better!


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583

Location: NJ
dread should fit a slope

the price cases are pricey but you is your favorite guitar
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Paul Templeman
Posted 2011-08-10 9:31 AM (#349713 - in reply to #349699)
Subject: Re: OT: How to make a Collings even better!


Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750

Location: Scotland
Careful. if the Price case is padded to a snug fit for a 14-fret D, a 12-fret D will not fit, as the body is longer
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povation
Posted 2011-08-10 8:18 PM (#349714 - in reply to #349699)
Subject: Re: OT: How to make a Collings even better!


Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 403

Location: Thailand
Very Nice Guitar.
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