The Humble Beginnings of the Legendary Collings Guitars
Collings Guitars is a name that resonates with guitar enthusiasts across the world. Known for their unparalleled craftsmanship, stunning aesthetics, and rich tonality, these instruments have found their way into the hands of renowned musicians and budding artists alike. But what is the story behind the creation of these legendary guitars, and what sets them apart from other brands in the market? Let's delve into these questions today:
The Humble Beginnings
The story of Collings Guitars begins in the late 1970s when Bill Collings, a passionate engineer and motorcycle racer, decided to follow his love for music and guitar-making. He started his journey in a small apartment in Houston, Texas, where he began building guitars and mandolins for friends and fellow musicians. His commitment to quality and attention to detail quickly earned him a reputation as an exceptional luthier.
In 1989, Bill Collings moved his workshop to Austin, Texas. With its vibrant music scene, Austin was the perfect place for Collings to grow his business. This move marked the beginning of Collings Guitars as we know it today. The company expanded into a bigger facility in 1992, where they continued to build high-quality instruments with a small team of dedicated craftsmen.
The Journey to Perfection
Collings Guitars' reputation for creating world-class instruments grew steadily, and they began to attract the attention of renowned musicians such as Lyle Lovett, Keith Richards, and Pete Townshend, to name just a few. The company's commitment to using the finest materials, employing skilled artisans, and maintaining strict quality control measures contributed to its rapidly rising success.
Over the years, Collings Guitars expanded its product line to include electric guitars, archtop guitars, mandolins, and ukuleles - each crafted with the same dedication to quality and precision as their acoustic counterparts.
The Legacy of Bill Collings
Sadly, Bill Collings passed away in 2017, but his legacy lives on through the company he built and the instruments that continue to bear his name. Today, Collings Guitars is run by a dedicated team of craftsmen who remain committed to the founder's vision of creating exceptional instruments that inspire musicians around the world.
What Makes Collings Guitars Legendary?
While you might have already guessed a couple of things that make Collings Guitars such a legendary name, let's delve deeper into them and shed light on a few things you potentially might not know:
1. Uncompromising Quality
Collings Guitars are known for their meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality. Each instrument is crafted from the finest materials, such as premium tonewoods, and undergoes a rigorous quality control process before it leaves the workshop.
2. Master Craftsmanship
The skilled artisans at Collings Guitars are responsible for handcrafting each instrument to perfection. Their dedication to the art of luthiery ensures that every Collings guitar is a work of art that offers exceptional playability and tonal quality.
3. Custom Options
Collings Guitars offers a wide range of custom options, allowing customers to tailor their instruments to their unique preferences regarding tonewoods, finishes, inlays, and more. This level of customisation ensures that each Collings guitar is truly one-of-a-kind.
4. Celebrity Endorsements
Over the years, Collings Guitars has been the instrument of choice for numerous world-renowned musicians, including Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, and Brian May. These endorsements have further solidified the brand's legendary status in the music industry.
Conclusion
The history of Collings Guitars is a testament to the power of passion, craftsmanship, and dedication. From its humble beginnings in a small apartment to its current status as a world-renowned guitar manufacturer, the company has remained true to its founder's vision of creating exquisite instruments that inspire musicians and music lovers alike. Today, Collings Guitars are celebrated for their exceptional quality, playability, and tonal richness, making them a true legend in guitars.
Musicstreet is a family-owned, independent guitar store specialising in various guitars, including electric, acoustic, and bass guitars. In addition to our physical store, which houses hundreds of instruments and accessories, we also offer amplifiers, effect pedals, and other musical instruments. If you are looking for a guitar shop in East Anglia that sells Collings acoustic guitars and more, check out what's available!
