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Average Price: $5,900

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$200

$601+

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Description

Discover the artistry of sound with the Collings 003, a masterfully crafted steel-string acoustic guitar that combines timeless design with modern precision. This compact instrument is ideal for both fingerstyle enthusiasts and those seeking a richer tone in a smaller body. The Collings 003 is renowned for its hand-selected tonewoods, which contribute to its exceptional clarity and balance, making it a favorite among discerning musicians.

The guitar's top is made from premium solid Sitka spruce, offering a bright and responsive tone, while the back and sides are built from solid Honduran mahogany, providing warmth and depth. The detailed craftsmanship extends to the body’s elegant appointments, including its intricate rosette and high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which enhance both its aesthetic appeal and acoustic performance.

A meticulously designed neck profile ensures comfortable playability across all frets, while the ebony fingerboard and bridge add to the guitar’s refined feel and tonal quality. The Collings 003 also features precise tuning machines for stable, accurate tuning, making it a reliable companion for both studio sessions and live performances.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top for bright, responsive tone
  • Solid Honduran mahogany back and sides for warmth and depth
  • Ebony fingerboard and bridge for enhanced tonal quality
  • High-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish
  • Comfortable neck profile for ease of playability
  • Intricate rosette and premium appointments
  • Precise tuning machines for stable tuning

Product specs

Brand Collings
Model 003
Made In United States
Categories Concert Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Body Shape 00
Fretboard Material Ebony
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
String Type Steel

FAQs

What is the body shape of the Collings 003, and how does it affect the sound?

The Collings 003 features a 00 body shape, which is known for its balanced tone and clear articulation. This shape is ideal for fingerstyle playing and provides a focused midrange with a comfortable size for extended playing sessions.

What type of wood is used for the fretboard on the Collings 003?

The fretboard of the Collings 003 is made from ebony, which offers a smooth playing surface and contributes to a bright, articulate tone with excellent sustain.

Is the Collings 003 suitable for live performances without additional amplification?

The Collings 003 does not come with a built-in pickup, making it more suited for acoustic settings unless paired with an external microphone or pickup system for live amplification.

How many frets are available on the Collings 003, and what is its scale length?

The Collings 003 has 20 frets, providing ample range for both rhythm and lead playing. The scale length typically found on guitars of this type is around 24.9 inches, offering a slightly shorter scale for easier playability.

Does the Collings 003 come with an active preamp?

No, the Collings 003 does not feature an active preamp, as it is designed to be a purely acoustic instrument without built-in electronics.

Artisan Guitars

Artisan Guitars

Collings 003 Alaskan Blue Spruce

Video thumbnail for Collings 003 Alaskan Blue Spruce by Artisan Guitars

Collings 003 Alaskan Blue Spruce

Artisan Guitars

Artisan Guitars

Video thumbnail for Acoustic Music Works - Collings 003 14-Fret, Alaskan Blue Spruce, Figured Mahogany, Limited by amwsteve

Acoustic Music Works - Collings 003 14-Fret, Alaskan Blue Spruce, Figured Mahogany, Limited

amwsteve

amwsteve

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Collings 003.

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners report factory setups often have high action, with measurements like 3mm at the 12th fret; recommend lowering it to around 2-2.25mm on the low E string.

    Source
  • It's suggested to sand the saddle for adjusting action, often needing to reduce saddle height by twice the desired action reduction at the 12th fret.

    Source
  • Truss rod adjustments can aid in action changes, especially if neck curvature causes height issues; typically, 1/8-1/4 turn adjustments are recommended.

    Source
  • Regular setups are advised due to environmental changes affecting wood, particularly with guitars shipped from China facing significant humidity and temperature shifts.

    Source
  • A proper setup sequence includes setting neck relief, filing nut slots, and adjusting saddle height; polishing frets and oiling the fretboard are also beneficial steps.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite initial high action, Eastman guitars like the AC522CE are praised for their potential playability improvements post-setup, enhancing user experience significantly.

    Source

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