The Traditional Series (or “T-Series”) reflects Bill Collings’ return to his guitar-making roots, offering a distinct tonal variation on the signature Collings sound. Each T-Series model features a very thin, all-nitrocellulose lacquer finish, and its bracing pattern is more faithful to iconic ’30s-era guitars than the standard Collings line. The result is an exceptionally dynamic and responsive instrument—a modern interpretation of prewar templates. Bracing and tonewoods are carefully adjusted for weight and thickness to create a voicing characterized by warm, rounded highs, a present low midrange, quick attack, and strong projection.
This OM2H A T (serial #36300) represents the Orchestra Model platform within the Traditional Series and features an upgraded Baked Adirondack Spruce top. The torrefied top delivers the openness and dryness of a well-played vintage instrument from day one, along with a slightly darker, aged appearance. In the OM body, that responsiveness translates to remarkable range: it has the headroom and projection to handle assertive flatpicking, while retaining the balance, clarity, and dynamic sensitivity fingerstyle players rely on. Notes stay defined under a heavy right hand, yet remain nuanced and articulate when played lightly—making this an especially versatile choice for players who move between styles.
Like every Collings guitar, the attention to detail sets this OM2H A T apart from others. The back shows gorgeous book match, and the Traditional Series touches come together so nicely. The cutthrough saddle and small brown Herringbone pay homage to the '30s, but this guitar was constructed with 21st Century precision. With a 1-3/4" nut width and 2-5/16" spacing, the feel is just right. And Collings factory setup never disappoints—this OM2H plays beautifully right out of the box! Nobody does it like Collings; playing this guitar is an experience just a cut above the rest.
As with every Collings guitar, the attention to detail shines throughout. The East Indian Rosewood back shows beautiful bookmatch, and the Traditional Series appointments—such as the cutthrough saddle and small brown herringbone—nod to 1930s design but proudly display 21st Century precision. With a 1-3/4" nut width and 2-5/16" string spacing at the bridge, the feel is just right, especially with a comfortable Traditional neck profile. Collings factory setup is absolutely dialed, so this OM2H A T plays cleanly and effortlessly right out of the case.
- Body Size: 14-Fret Orchestra Model
- Top: Baked Adirondack Spruce
- Back & Sides: East Indian rosewood
- Construction: Traditional Series build and voicing
- Neck: Honduran mahogany
- Body Binding: Ivoroid with small brown herringbone purfling
- Bridge: Ebony belly-style with 2-5/16" spacing
- Fingerboard: Ebony with gold MOP short diamonds & squares
- Fingerboard Radius: 14"–26" compound
- Bridge Pins / End Pin: Ivoroid with black dot
- Nut: Bone, 1-3/4"
- Saddle: Bone, cutthrough
- Neck Profile: Traditional
- Peghead Profile: Square with volute
- Neck Joint: Mortise & tenon hybrid
- Truss Rod: Fully adjustable
- Frets: Medium 18% nickel-silver
- Peghead Veneer: Stained exotic ebony with gold MOP Collings logo
- Tuners: Nickel Waverly
- Backstrip: 2-style (zipper)
- Rosette: Custom wood rosette
- Scale Length: 25-1/2"
- Brace Material: Sitka spruce
- Brace Pattern: Custom Traditional Series pre-war scalloped X-brace (abbreviated soundboard graft / tongue brace)
- Body Finish: High-gloss ultra-thin nitrocellulose lacquer
- Neck Finish: High-gloss polyester resin
- Pickguard: Tortoise
- Case: Deluxe hardshell case