When Bill Collings launched the Waterloo line in 2014, his intention was to build guitars that look back in time to when there was a genuine need for soulful tone that could be coaxed from simple instruments. The blues, country, and folk music played on these instruments was made in heartfelt response to the hard times of the depression era. The Waterloo line captures the sound of yesteryear—but with modern precision and attention to detail. The WL-14 is the flagship model of the Waterloo brand.
Keeping true to the design and style of the '30s, the Waterloo WL-14 is available in ladder-bracing as well as X-bracing. This 2017 WL-14 (serial #1646) features X bracing, so its warm, rich tone retains tighter focus and balance across the register. Its response is also quicker and more predictable, and it has a wider dynamic range that doesn't top out and break up as ladder-bracing often does.
Waterloo offers two different neck profiles on this model, and this WL-14X has the standard sizable, vintage-inspired neck with a prominent "V" shape. It provides authentic '30s feel and vibe that is a perfect match for the guitar's sound.
- Body Size: 14-fret
- Bracing: X-Bracing
- Top: Solid Spruce
- Back & Sides: Solid mahogany
- Binding: Ivoroid-bound top and soundhole
- Neck: Solid Mahogany
- Nut: 1-3/4" Ebony
- Neck Support: Adjustable Truss Rod
- Neck Profile: Prominent "V" Shape
- Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood w/ 12" radius
- Scale Length 24-7/8"
- Bridge: Ebony w/ 2-3/8" spacing
- Bridge pins: Ebony
- Pickguard: Tigerstripe Celluloid
- Tuners: Golden Age Restoration
This 2017 Waterloo WL-14X is gently used, and the previous owner installed a K&K Pure Mini + Pre-Phase (which features a volume control and phase switch in the soundhole). It is fairly clean cosmetically, but it has one noticeable top ding along the edge of the lower bout in addition to a few minor bumps and bruises here and there (see photos). It is set up to play like it should, and with a strap button installed on the neck heel, this one is ready for the stage or the studio. Original hardshell case included.