The Traditional Series (or "T-Series”) reflects Bill Collings' return to his guitar making roots, and these models offer a different tonal variation on the distinctive Collings sound and build. Inspired by the classic building techniques of the '30s, T-Series capture a slightly looser, more “broken in” feel and tone, featuring a rounder high end and fuller low midrange.
Along with the understated Traditional Series appointments, each T-Series guitar is built with an abbreviated soundboard graft (tongue brace), unique neck construction, and an ultra-thin, all-nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which all contribute to a more dynamic and responsive playing experience. Bracing and tone woods are adjusted for weight and thickness to create a voicing characterized by warm, rounded highs and a present low midrange, while retaining a quick attack, strong projection, and plenty of bass to balance out the sound.
The OM1 T features a 14-fret Orchestra Model body. We ordered this OM1 T (serial #37077) with a Baked Sitka Spruce top and Honduran Mahogany back and sides. Baked Sitka has become one our favorite upgrades with Collings because it gives a new guitar the seasoned, broken-in richness of an old guitar. As you put it through the paces for years and years, it'll only sound better and more refined. We think Baked Sitka aligns perfectly with the Traditional Series vision, so it's our favorite choice for this model.
This OM1 T is a comfortable, approachable body size that plays very nicely with its Traditional neck carve. This model comes from the factory with a '30s-appropriate 1-3/4" nut width, and the string spacing measures 2-5/16" at the saddle. A natural choice for fingerstyle players, this OM1 T holds up to a strong flat pick just the same. It packs a versatile, open sound with strong fundamental tone and woody mahogany character. Up and down the fingerboard, notes flourish, bloom, and take on a life of their own. An impressive guitar from an impressive builder.
- Body: 14-Fret Orchestra Model
- Top: Torrefied Sitka Spruce ("Baked")
- Back & Sides: Honduran Mahogany
- Construction: Traditional
- Finish: High gloss ultra-thin nitrocellulose lacquer
- Braces: Sitka Spruce
- Brace Pattern: Custom Traditional Series pre-war scalloped X-brace (abbreviated tongue brace)
- Neck: Honduran Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Ebony with Gold Mother-of-Pearl Dot Inlay
- Fingerboard Radius: 14"-26" compound
- Frets: Medium 18% nickel-silver
- Nut: Bone, 1-3/4"
- Neck Profile: Traditional
- Scale Length: 25-1/2"
- Bridge: Ebony belly-style with 2-5/16" spacing
- Saddle: Bone, Cut-through
- Tuners: Aged Nickel Waverly (16:1 ratio)
- Case: Deluxe hardshell case by TKL