Collings I-35 Deluxe Quilt Top, Blonde (2008)

Description

"Every day we try to make a better guitar, every day. You're trying to reach for more, trying to do better, not trying to do the same. A lot of companies are trying to do the same, and that's okay - that's their deal. We're trying to stretch that. Our goal is a little more." - Bill Collings

We see so many new Collings guitars every day that it's really cool to spend time with an older model like this gorgeous 2008 I-35 Deluxe. To be sure, the "early period" guitars are every bit as good as the newer builds - Collings isn't really the kind of company that has "good" or "bad" periods, they're all amazing (truly). It's just cool to play one that's had the better part of a decade to settle in. All in our heads? Maybe, but come on, we're amongst friends here. You get where we're going, right? 

This is an outstanding guitar in every regard - looks, tones, feel, setup. Its neck feels a touch more like a 60s carve than some of the newer I-35s - more like a vintage 335 - and the slightly taut feel creates a punchy and rich acoustic voice. It's almost as if this guitar were made as an acoustic guitar first and foremost. No worries though, it shines when plugged in as well.

Speaking of which, the Lollar Imperial humbuckers sound fantastic in this guitar. They're a bit more open than other pickups and that pairs really well with the mahogany body/quilted maple top of this Deluxe model. The inherent 335 voice is still very much in this guitar - great midrange especially - but there's an almost Les Paul-like punch to single notes and dense jazz voicings. Some might even say it's a bit pianistic in this way, and we'd certainly agree. 

Condition: Excellent. This guitar almost presents as new with the exception of some very light fret wear. There's a tiny bit of red in some of the body's binding, but it is very subtle and looks like a great vintage guitar. Suffice it to say, this was a very well cared for guitar. 

This I-35 Deluxe could easily end your search for the perfect humbucker-equipped semi-hollow! Priced with hardshell case.