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 an ultra-thin nitrocellulose lacquer finish and a bracing pattern inspired by the finest guitars of the 1930s. The result is an exceptionally responsive instrument with warm, rounded highs, strong low-mid presence, quick attack, and impressive projection. While unmistakably Collings in its precision and consistency, the Traditional Series captures a more relaxed, vintage-inspired voice that feels remarkably open and alive.
This Parlor 2H T (Serial #36790) pairs the Traditional Series approach with a compact Parlor body inspired by some of the earliest steel string guitar designs. We ordered this one with an upgraded Baked Sitka Spruce top to complement the East Indian Rosewood back and sides. The torrefied top contributes an immediacy of response and a sense of maturity, capturing the openness, dryness, and responsiveness of a well-love vintage instrument. But, this Parlor 2H T is a brand new, top-of-the-line boutique guitar built to the uncompromising 21st-Century Collings standard.
Thanks to the Baked Sitka top, the smaller parlor body feels incredibly lively under the fingers, with excellent note separation, surprising headroom, and a focused, articulate voice. It responds instantly to a light touch, rewarding dynamic players with exceptional clarity and expression. At the same time, the Traditional Series voicing adds warmth and fullness that prevent the instrument from sounding boxy or overly delicate. This is a guitar that feels comfortable and familiar with responsiveness that encourages deeper exploration of technique and touch.
As with every Collings guitar, the craftsmanship is second to none. The Traditional Series appointments—the small brown herringbone trim, Pyramid bridge, and vintage-inspired details—evoke the golden age of American guitar building. But of course, Collings' legendary fit and finish is delivered with state-of-the-art precision. From the flawless setup to the refined aesthetic and remarkably expressive voice, the Parlor 2H T stands as a compelling modern interpretation of a classic small-body guitar.
- Body Size: Parlor (12-Fret)
- Top: Baked Sitka Spruce
- Back & Sides: East Indian Rosewood
- Construction: Traditional Series build and voicing
- Neck: Honduran Mahogany
- Neck Profile: Traditional
- Fingerboard: Ebony with gold MOP short diamonds & squares
- Fingerboard Radius: 14"–26" compound
- Scale Length: 24-7/16"
- Nut Width: 1-3/4"
- Bridge Spacing: 2-5/16"
- Bridge: Ebony belly-style
- Nut & Saddle: Bone nut, drop-in bone saddle
- Body Binding: Ivoroid with small brown herringbone purfling
- Rosette: Custom wood rosette
- Backstrip: 2-style zipper
- Bridge Pins / End Pin: Ivoroid with black dot
- Peghead Veneer: Stained exotic ebony with gold Mother-of-Pearl Collings logo
- Peghead Profile: Slotted square with volute
- Tuners: Waverly (Engraved Brass, 3-On-Plate w/ Ivoroid Buttons)
- Neck Joint: Mortise & tenon hybrid
- Truss Rod: Fully adjustable
- Frets: Medium 18% nickel-silver
- Brace Material: Sitka Spruce
- Brace Pattern: 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
- Case: Deluxe hardshell case