Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $4,913
High-end/Boutique
$200
$601+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Discover the Collings CJ: a masterpiece that bridges the gap between the robust jumbo and the classic dreadnought. Crafted by the legendary Bill Collings, this acoustic marvel offers a unique blend of size and shape, designed to cater to the discerning ear of the modern musician. With its roots inspired by the iconic Gibson J-45, the CJ stands out with a Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides, ensuring a sound that's as rich and deep as its heritage. Whether you're a fingerstyle virtuoso or a chord-strumming singer-songwriter, the Collings CJ is poised to become the most versatile member of your musical arsenal.
Key Features:
- Sitka spruce top for clear, powerful tones
- East Indian rosewood back and sides for rich, deep resonance
- Inspired by the Gibson J-45, offering a unique blend of jumbo and dreadnought characteristics
- Crafted by master luthier Bill Collings, ensuring unparalleled quality and attention to detail
Product specs
| Brand | Collings |
| Model | CJ |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | None |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| String Type | Steel |
FAQs
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What type of body shape does the Collings CJ have?
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The Collings CJ features a slope-shouldered dreadnought body shape, which offers a distinct tonal character compared to traditional dreadnoughts.
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What is the fretboard material of the Collings CJ?
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The fretboard of the Collings CJ is made from ebony, providing a smooth playing surface and a bright, articulate tone.
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How many frets does the Collings CJ have?
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The Collings CJ comes with 20 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and playability across the neck.
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Does the Collings CJ come with a built-in pickup?
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No, the Collings CJ does not have a built-in pickup, making it ideal for pure acoustic performance.
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Is the Collings CJ suitable for fingerstyle playing?
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Yes, the Collings CJ's slope-shouldered dreadnought design and tonal balance make it suitable for fingerstyle playing, offering clarity and projection.
Videos
Carter Vintage Backstage
Collings CJ A Acoustic Guitar Played By Carl Miner
Collings CJ A Acoustic Guitar Played By Carl Miner
Carter Vintage Backstage
Todd Wisenbaker playing our 1995 Collings CJ at Norman's Rare Guitars
Normans Rare Guitars
Collings CJ Custom in Faded Cherry
Artisan Guitars
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional sound quality with outstanding sustain and unique tone
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Versatile playability, suitable for a variety of players
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High-quality craftsmanship with attention to detail
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Inspiring overtones and superb bass notes
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Rich, deep tone with impressive depth and harmonics
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Perfectly balanced and versatile for various musical styles
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Impressive projection and loudness for a mahogany guitar
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Stunning aesthetic appeal, considered a piece of art
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Excellent fit and finish, showcasing Collings' build perfection
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Inspires frequent playing and musical creativity
CONS
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Some variations may not have the same sustain as others
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Premium pricing may be a consideration for some buyers
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Collings CJ.
User experience
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A ten-year-old Collings CJ with some wear and replaced frets was preferred for its superior tone over newer models.
Source
Comparisons
Build quality
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Consistent high quality and wood selection are noted across all Collings guitars, regardless of decoration or model.
Source -
The bracing on the Collings CJ is noted to be similar to the Gibson J35 but slightly shifted forward.
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Inside the Collings CJ, the assembly is exceptionally clean, with no glue squeeze out or rough wood, and the kerfing is as well-finished as the binding.
Source
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Acoustic Guitar magazine July 2012 cover story p. 49 " Lovett takes that guitar (D3) and a 1992 Collings CJ (rosewood and Adirondack spruce, lacquer finish) on tour"
In the live performance video of "Never Once," Matt Redman is seen playing a Collings CJ acoustic guitar. Initially, he paired it with an LR Baggs M1A pickup before switching to an LR Baggs Anthem.
The item can be seen 13:19 into this video.
On the Collings website it says:
Legendary Texas songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker's weapon of choice is a sunburst Collings CJ. Photo by Rick Patrick.
Source: Collings
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Collings CJ, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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