With the I-30 LC, Collings takes the concept of a double cutaway, fully-hollow, P90-equipped guitar to a higher level. While it may look familiar, the I-30 LC offers musicality and resonance like never before. By developing new techniques and technology, Collings has produced one of the most acoustically responsive and versatile electric guitars we have seen.
The lightweight, "trestle" braced body of the I-30 LC was refined through extensive R&D. It is the extension of lessons learned from Collings' popular I-35 and their Statesman LC series. The trestle brace design directly couples the neck and tail block, creating exceptional strength and acoustical energy transference, while also allowing for a light, responsive feel that is touch sensitive and a joy to experience.
Playing the I-30 LC, you feel the acoustic energy travel through the symmetric arches and re-curves of the top and back. These plates have been custom laminated and voiced for tonality that is like an acoustic in its resonance and dynamic response, yet it remains focused and feedback resistant enough to be utilized in jazz, blues, rock n' roll and other electric settings. Collings' custom-designed trapeze tailpiece provides just the right amount of "give" for a relaxed string feel and effortless playability.
Collings built this I-30 LC in 2019, and it features a full-body Aged Jet Black finish with Aged hardware. This one was ordered with upgraded ThroBak 55/56 Dogear P90s, which are a perfect match for the instrument's natural acoustic response. Plugged in, this I-30 LC delivers a wide palette of tones from— rich jazzy warmth to 1960s British Invasion style chime.
This 2019 Collings I-30 LC shows minimal signs of play and use (see photos). It doesn't appear to have spent much time outside the case, and the setup/playbility is excellent. Collings' approach to aging is more subtle than other brands, so this one looks classy and elegant. In your hands, this I-30 LC looks like it has been waiting since 1960 for someone to open up the case and put it to use. It includes its original Ameritage case and paperwork.
- Construction: Fully hollow w/ parallel trestle brace
- Body: Maple laminate w/ highly-figured curly Maple veneer
- Top: Maple laminate w/ highly-figured curly Maple veneer
- Finish: Aged Jet Blackt
- Neck: Honduran Mahogany
- Body Binding: Non-grained Ivoroid
- Fingerboard Binding: Non-grained Ivoroid
- Bridge: Aged Kluson ABR-1 (nickel-plated zinc w/ retains wire)
- Tailpiece: Aged Collings original trapeze
- Fingerboard: Rosewood w/ Mother-of-Pearl 5 mm dots
- Fingerboard Radius: 12"
- Frets: Medium 18% nickel-silver
- Pickups: ThroBak 55/56 Dogear P90s w/ custom aged phenolic covers
- Pots/Caps: DiMarzio 500k / Jupiter Vintage Yellow
- Knobs: Aged Black top hat
- Wiring: '50s style
- Nut: Bone, 1-11/16"
- Scale Length: 24-7/8"
- Tuners: Aged Nickel Gotoh w/ Ivoroid buttons
- Case: Deluxe hardshell from Ameritage