Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $7,100

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Collings CJ-45 T is a beautifully crafted steel-string acoustic guitar that blends traditional design with modern enhancements, appealing to both seasoned musicians and passionate hobbyists. Known for its exceptional tonal balance, this guitar embodies the classic jumbo shape with a unique twist that ensures a rich, resonant sound. The CJ-45 T stands out with its hand-selected tonewoods, providing an impressive level of projection and sustain, ideal for both fingerstyle playing and robust strumming.

The top is made from select Sitka spruce, delivering bright, articulate tones, while the mahogany back and sides contribute to its warm, full-bodied character. Its pre-war scalloped X-bracing is a nod to vintage craftsmanship, enhancing the guitar's responsiveness and dynamic range. The neck, crafted from Honduran mahogany, offers a comfortable playing experience with its modified V profile, making it a versatile choice for different playing styles.

With a high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish, the CJ-45 T not only looks stunning but also allows the wood to breathe and mature over time, adding to its tonal depth as it ages. Its meticulous construction and attention to detail make it a prized addition to any musician's collection.

Key Features:

  • Jumbo body shape for powerful projection
  • Select Sitka spruce top for bright, articulate sound
  • Mahogany back and sides for a warm, resonant tone
  • Pre-war scalloped X-bracing for enhanced dynamics
  • Honduran mahogany neck with a modified V profile
  • High-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish

Product specs

Brand Collings
Model CJ-45 T
Made In United States
Categories Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Dreadnought
Fretboard Material Ebony
Number of Frets 19
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Collings CJ-45 T, and how does it affect the sound?

The Collings CJ-45 T features a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. This combination provides a warm, balanced tone with a clear midrange and strong projection, ideal for a variety of playing styles.

Is the Collings CJ-45 T suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Collings CJ-45 T's dreadnought body shape and responsive tonewoods make it versatile for both fingerstyle and strumming, offering rich dynamics and sustain.

How many frets does the Collings CJ-45 T have, and what material is the fretboard made of?

The Collings CJ-45 T has 19 frets, and the fretboard is made of ebony, which is known for its smooth playability and durability.

Does the Collings CJ-45 T come with a built-in pickup for amplification?

No, the Collings CJ-45 T does not come with a built-in pickup, making it a pure acoustic guitar without electronic components.

What is the body shape of the Collings CJ-45 T, and how does it influence the guitar's sound?

The Collings CJ-45 T has a dreadnought body shape, which provides a powerful, resonant sound with strong bass response, suitable for both live performances and studio recordings.

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Collings Guitars

Introducing the Collings CJ-45 T

Video thumbnail for Introducing the Collings CJ-45 T by Collings Guitars

Introducing the Collings CJ-45 T

Collings Guitars

Collings Guitars

Video thumbnail for Bob Minner - Collings CJ-45 T - "VanWart" by Collings Guitars

Bob Minner - Collings CJ-45 T - "VanWart"

Collings Guitars

Collings Guitars

Video thumbnail for Bob Minner - Collings CJ-45 T - "Liam's Lullaby" by Collings Guitars

Bob Minner - Collings CJ-45 T - "Liam's Lullaby"

Collings Guitars

Collings Guitars

Video thumbnail for Collings CJ-45 T by soundpurestudios

Collings CJ-45 T

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | Collings CJ Series | CJ-45 T by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | Collings CJ Series | CJ-45 T

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for A Collings CJ-45 T by williesguitars

A Collings CJ-45 T

williesguitars

williesguitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Collings CJ-45 T.

Comparisons

  • Collings CJ-45 T's bracing is closely aligned with the Gibson J35 but slightly more forward, offering distinct tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • When compared side-by-side with a Gibson J45, the Collings CJ-45 T offers a clearer, more defined sound without the muddiness experienced in some Gibson models.

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  • The Collings CJ-45 T is contrasted with a Gibson J-45, revealing that the CJ-45 T exposes playing faults in more detail, potentially aiding skill improvement.

    Source

Build quality

  • The interior assembly of the Collings CJ-45 T is noted for its precision, with no glue squeeze out and smooth kerfing, indicating meticulous craftsmanship.

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  • Owners appreciate the CJ's sound quality, even when comparing used models to new ones, indicating durability and tonal improvement over time.

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User experience

  • Owners highlight that Collings guitars, including the CJ-45 T, maintain high build standards even after multiple restrings, showcasing lasting quality.

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  • Owners report that high-end guitars like the Collings CJ-45 T offer more tonal colors, enhancing the depth and variety of musical expression compared to mid-tier instruments.

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  • A 2008 Collings CJ with Adirondack Spruce top and Mahogany back is praised for its rich, open sound, encouraging frequent play.

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  • An owner purchased a CJ 2008 after 20 years of playing and anticipates using it for decades, suggesting long-term satisfaction and a legacy instrument feel.

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Use cases and applications

  • Some players find the Gibson J-45 better suited for songwriting due to its compatibility with certain vocal ranges, while the Collings CJ-45 T might be more challenging to master.

    Source
  • The precise playability of the Collings CJ-45 T can inspire players to improve their skills, much like how some users experienced with Martin and Gibson models.

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Value and pricing

  • The cost increment in boutique guitars such as the Collings CJ-45 T is often attributed to detailed craftsmanship and quality materials, beyond just branding.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The inclusion of a Dual Source pickup in some models enhances amplified sound quality, catering to live performance needs.

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  • The varnish sunburst finish and tigerstripe pickguard are highlighted as attractive aesthetic features adding to the instrument's visual appeal.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Collings CJ-45 T Guitar | Acoustic Guitar

acousticguitar.com

A stunning blend of vintage inspiration and modern craftsmanship, the Collings CJ-45 T is a slope-shouldered dreadnought that dazzles with its sunburst finish and robust neck. With exceptional clarity and dynamic range, it offers a warm, old-timey tone perfect for both flatpicking and fingerpicking. While the neck's substantial size is a love-it-or-hate-it feature, those who embrace it will savor an unparalleled playing experience. However, its $6,400 price tag might deter some, despite the guitar's remarkable sound and craftsmanship. Overall, it's a captivating choice for those seeking a premium acoustic guitar.

positive

Collings CJ-45 T | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The Collings CJ-45 T is a stunning nod to vintage design with its slope-shouldered body echoing the classic Gibson J-45. Lightweight with a robust Honduran-mahogany neck, it offers a choice between Sitka or Eastern Red spruce tops. Its beauty lies in its playability and tone—soft whispers to booming resonance, and an impressive tonal range with dry, warm, woody character. While the $6,400 price tag may give pause, its exquisite craftsmanship and sound quality showcase why we're in a golden age of lutherie, making it a worthwhile investment for serious players.

positive

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