Inspired by the slope-shouldered dreadnoughts of the 1940s, the CJ-45 T blends classic American style with Collings’ renowned precision and refinement. With this model, Collings introduces a slope-shoulder guitar built with the same approach and focus of the Traditional Series, which reflects Bill Collings’ desire to revisit the voicing and responsiveness of the vintage American flat-tops.
This CJ-45 T (serial #32806) was made in 2022, and it features a Sitka Spruce top with a stunning sunburst finish paired with Honduran Mahogany back and sides, delivering the bold, rounded low end and dry, woody midrange that define the slope-shoulder sound. This model employs its own unique "CJ45 Wartime" scalloped bracing, and this guitar feels open and quick to attack with a big dynamic range. The lighter build and careful hand-voicing create a tonal profile that feels like an old guitar—warm, full, and resonant—but it still has the signature Collings clarity.
With its a comfortable short scale (24-7/8") and full-feeling neck profile (rounded with a hint of a V), the CJ 45 T offers a similar feel to guitars of the '40s, but this is a modern-day boutique guitar built with 21st-Century precision. The Rosewood fingerboard has a smooth 12" radius, and the fretwork is absolutely perfect. Fit and finish are immaculate. This Collings suits both flatpicking and fingerstyle playing, and in many ways it feels like a blank canvas. Plenty of articulation for intricate, detailed passages, but a fundamental sound that is fantastic as an open-chord strummer. Because of the focused midrange, this guitar accompanies voice nicely as well. Whatever you need, it can deliver.
This 2022 Collings CJ 45 T is gently used and shows some minor signs of play and use (see photos). The end block has been prepped for a pickup with a 1/2" endpin jack, but no pickup is installed. It's currently rigged with a StewMac NoJak end pin, and the action is exceptional. Tortoise-pattern guard + simple Ivoroid binding = Classy AF. The back of the neck shows gorgeous Mahogany flame. This Collings includes its original TKL hardshell case.