Collings Baby 1E Walnut, Engelmann Spruce, Figured Walnut, NAMM 2023 - NEW

(NEW) Collings has made the decision not to display at the 2023 NAMM show in California, and while this wasn't a huge surprise to us (they are still dealing with a massive backlog of orders since the pandemic, probably not on the hunt for new dealers!) we are going to be the lucky recipients of a couple special instruments originally intended for the show.  The first to arrive is this exquisite Baby 1E, which is without a doubt one of the finest Baby Collings that we've ever heard!  It's the perfect situation, really: a special guitar intended for a trade show, but not subjected to all of the DNA that tends to transfer at those things!

We've long evangelized the use of Engelmann spruce on small guitars, and it doesn't get smaller than the Baby!  Engelmann is relatively soft compared to other species of spruce, and imparts a warmth and quickness of response that works especially well on the Collings Baby.  As a bonus, they decided to use some gorgeous figured black walnut, and these two tone woods couldn't compliment each other better!  The sound is clean and clear, but also warm with great sustain.  We still think walnut is an underrated tonewood, considering that it has a lot of the fundamental sound of mahogany, but usually something a little extra, in either sustain or overtones.  We're here to tell you, this Baby is wanting for NOTHING!

1 3/4" nut width, 2 3/16" string spacing at the saddle, short 24 1/8" scale length.  Mahogany neck with walnut stain, modified "V" profile.  "1 Style" appointments include tortoise body binding, b/w/b top purfling and dot inlays on the fingerboard.  This one has a marquetry backstrip, some nice figuring in the ebony bridge, and the usual nickel Waverly tuners.  It is one heck of a little guitar!  Includes original hard case. 

Serial #33342
AMW Price: $5,925 (Online checkout, Collings 2023 MAP price)

For more information, email info@acousticmusicworks.com or call (412) 422-0710