Collings

"We offer the 00 in its original, 12-fret configuration, a guitar shape that was first designed around the time of the Civil War. Its dimensions are similar to a typical classical guitar, with a slotted headstock and small pyramid bridge. The comfortable size and timeless appearance of the Collings 00 is matched by the ease of playing a wide neck and shorter string scale affords. The tone is typically balanced and precise, and we've seen it adopted for a wide range of playing styles from simple vocal accompaniment to ragtime solos. When you want the durability of a modern guitar but one that appears rooted in an earlier, simpler time, the 00 is a versatile choice." – From the Collings Website

There are some of us here at Maple Street Guitars, particularly those coming from a nylon string background, who would argue that the 12-fret 00 body is the optimal design for a steel string guitar.  In playing a guitar like this fantastic 001Mh 12-fret, one is quickly inclined to abandon any arguments to the contrary.  Of course, in the case of any Collings, there exists a very high standard of excellence in terms of voicing. We’ve come to expect powerful projection, singing sustain, clear note separation, even balance, dynamic response, and firm note foundation from any Collings-made guitar.  Yet, as has been exhaustively discussed elsewhere, 12-fret variations of a given model almost invariably possess an intrinsic openness, warmth, and breadth relative to their 14-fret counterparts.  This is mostly attributed to the 12-fret design’s rear-shifted bridge placement, which is more efficient in terms of transference of string energy; but, some of this extra presence can also be attributed to a slightly larger soundboard and larger resonating chamber.  Regardless, for fingerstyle players in particular, it is difficult not to be completely drawn in (to the point of drooling on oneself!) by the extra dimension and alluring spaciousness of such an expressive guitar. 

As a mahogany-topped variant of the 001 12-fret, this Collings speaks with a lively voice that also presents with a distinctive mixture of low-end warmth and dry, crisp attack.  This spunky but deceptively nuanced voice is particularly easy to explore in light of the guitar’s shorter scale length.  Apart from offering more comfortable reaches and less resistance for bends, the shorter scale has an impact on overall timbre:  At 24 7/8”, there is still plenty of tension to generate a lively and quick response; yet, the reduced string length (i.e., scale) and concomitant reduced overall string tension warms and softens the edge of the note.  In the case of an innately highly-refined and brighter voicing (like that of Collings), this gentle softening of the note definition is quite appealing, especially when applied to a dry and crisp soundboard like mahogany, as the result is a guitar that offers overall enhanced clarity with a bit of a played in tone.  Whether a guitar like this mahogany-topped Collings 001 12-fret is the ideal guitar is, of course, ultimately a matter of taste and debate.  However, there is no debating that this guitar represents the culmination of exceptional build quality, comfortable and versatile design, thoughtful tonewood selection, and classic aesthetics.  By any measure, this 001Mh 12-fret is a fantastic instrument; and, for some lucky 12-fret enthusiast, it will undoubtedly prove purely irresistible. 

Condition

On the whole, this 001Mh 12-Fret has been very well maintained.  While there are no structural issues, fret wear, or playability issues to report, there are a couple points of cosmetic wear that bear mentioning.  Most significant is a fairly deep finish gouge measuring approximately 2” on the side of the guitar just below the top binding near the curve of the treble side lower bout.  Just a bit further up the side from this is a shallow dent/dimple measuring approximately ¼” in diameter.  As one might expect of a guitar that was actually played, there are some faint pickguard scratches. Finally, there are a couple very minor dents/dings on the top edge of the headstock on the bass side.  VERY GOOD+ to EXCELLENT Condition

• 12-Fret 00-Body
• Solid Mahogany Top
• Sitka Spruce Pre-War Scalloped X-Bracing
• Mahogany Back and Sides
• Ivoroid/Faux Tortoise Rosette
• Faux Tortoiseshell Body Binding
• Black/White Fiber Top Purfling
• Style 1 Walnut Backstrip
• High Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer Body Finish
• Honduran Mahogany Neck
• Mortise and Tenon Hybrid Neck Joint
• Modified V Neck Profile
• Ebony Fingerboard
• 14” – 26” Compound Fingerboard Radius
• Mother of Pearl Dot Fingerboard Inlays (Short Pattern)
• Tapered Slotted Square Headstock with Volute
• High Gloss Polyester Resin Neck Finish
• Faux Tortoiseshell Pickguard
• Ebony Pyramid Bridge with Drop-in Saddle
• Nickel Waverly Open Gear Tuners
• Bone Nut
• Bone Compensated Saddle
• 1 13/16” Nut Width
• 24 7/8” Scale Length
• Original Hardshell Case