Collings CJ-A

My instrument was manufactured in 2001 in Austin, Texas. This particular instrument features select mahogany with an Adirondack spruce top, prewar scalloped bracing, grained ivoroid binding, black/white strip purfling, black/white wood and nitrate strip rosette, tortoise style pickguard, Gloss-finished mahogany neck (with a 1 3/4" width at the nut) with double-bound Collings offset peghead, ebony bridge, mother-of-pearl Collings logo and Nickel Waverly tuners. It comes without a pickup. The neck profile is a bit chuncky, although less so than Collings dreadnoughts. It came with a hardshell Collings luggage-type case. It's not endowed with lots of adornment, but it's simplistic aesthetic sense is quite attractive. I especially like the snazzy headstock.

I've a widely varied and eclectic style that encompasses blues, jazz, rock, folk, litugical/gospel, and fingerstyle (celtic and others). Currently I'm not using any amps or accessories other than a slide and a capo. If/when I do have a pickup installed, it will run through an LR Baggs ParaDI direct box into an SWR California Blonde amp
As for the instrument itself, it is a very full and rich sounding instrument with a crisp steely tone. It is a very powerful instrument. The high end is very prominent, but also very sweet and musical. It has rich bass response. Overall it is very even and balanced up and down the fingerboard. As there are lots of things going on (overtones) it can get out of control if you're not a precise player. The instrument would work well for bluegrass, but is very much at home (and excels) at just about all styles. It responds well to very well fingerstyle playing, but really takes a pick extremely well too. Basically I like (love!) everything about the instrument. It plays easily, sustains like crazy, and sounds wonderful

The guitar came from the factory with a great setup. It's action is suitable for fingerstyle, but will work well with a flatpick. The action was lower than the typical dreadnought, but high enough for great tone. The fit and finish are flawless. There was a very slight imperfection on the grain of the top, near it's edge. I'm not complaining. Collings really goes the extra mile in their fit and finish. I think they set the mark.

The instrument is built extremely well, using choice materials. It is however an acoustic guitar. All of the caveots of fine acoustic instruments apply. I'd use this thing without a backup without worry. As for it's duribility, we'll wait and see.

I've dealt with the company with another Collings I owned. Their customer support is awesome - very friendly, helpful, and personable. The guitar has as lifetime warranty

I've been playing guitar for over 25 years, although I'm fairly new (2+ years) to playing acoustic guitar. I also own a limited edition Taylor (GAWS), a Taylor 414KCE (Koa with fishman onboard blender), a Taylor 355-12 string, and a Larrivee Parlour. I sold a Collings D1 and custom shop Taylor 512 to afford this instrument. I bought this guitar because it fit me like a glove, and sounds/plays/looks wonderful. If it were lost or stolen I'd definately order another just like it. I love everything about it; it's purchase was an easy choice. If I had to hate something it'd be it's dang near $4000 pricetag. I compared it to the Collings D1 I owned, everything Taylor and Martin currently manufacture, as well as the offerings of Santa Cruz and a couple of custom luthiers. I chose this one because it hit all of the right buttons. For me, it does everything it needs to do and some. I sort of wish it had a pick, although there are none out there with which I'm 100% satisfied. I may eventually install one. Some may feel that the instrument could be more ornate. I guess an abalone rosette or slightly more fancy position markers would have been okay, but to be honest I really do like its aesthetic simplicity.
All in all, this is one of the best instrument I've ever picked up, including custom made high-end stuff by boutique luthiers. I've played instruments on par that cost over twice as much (Traugott and Ryan guitars come to mind), but nothing that strikes me as better. The slope shouldered body shape fit like a glove. It's comfortable to play seated or strapped on. I'm really in love with this guitar. It wasn't easy to surrender my Collings D1 (also a wonderful instrument) and probably one of the best (and most beautiful - cherry sunburst)Taylor guitars every produced, but I liked this guitar more than either of those two as soon as I picked it up, and it will replace both of them with one instrument. It wasn't an easy decision to reach, but whenever I pick up the CJ-A I've no regrets. It ain't cheap by any means, but it is such a great guitar!