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Average Price: $7,162

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Collings CW is a steel-string acoustic guitar that marries traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, offering an exceptional playing experience for discerning musicians. With its origins rooted in the detailed artistry of Collings guitars, the CW model is specifically designed for bluegrass and flatpicking enthusiasts. Its exceptional dynamic range and clarity make it a standout choice for those who demand precision and nuance in their performance.

Crafted with a Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, the CW produces a rich, warm tone that resonates beautifully, whether you're on stage or in the studio. The guitar's advanced bracing pattern enhances its resonance and projection, ensuring that every note is delivered with crisp articulation.

The CW's neck is made from select Honduran mahogany, providing a comfortable grip and smooth playability, while the ebony fingerboard facilitates effortless movement across its frets. With an intricate design that includes a tortoise-style pickguard and a high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish, this guitar not only sounds exquisite but also looks the part.

Key Features:

  • Sitka spruce top for a balanced, dynamic tone
  • Indian rosewood back and sides for rich resonance
  • Advanced bracing pattern for enhanced projection
  • Select Honduran mahogany neck for comfortable playability
  • Ebony fingerboard for smooth, precise fretting
  • Tortoise-style pickguard and high-gloss nitrocellulose finish for aesthetic appeal
  • Ideal for bluegrass and flatpicking styles

Product specs

Brand Collings
Model CW
Made In United States
Categories Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Body Shape Dreadnought
Fretboard Material Ebony
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
String Type Steel

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the Collings CW's fretboard, and how does it affect playability?

The Collings CW features an ebony fretboard, which is known for its smooth feel and durability. Ebony provides a fast playing surface, making it ideal for both fingerstyle players and flatpickers.

Is the Collings CW suitable for bluegrass music?

Yes, the Collings CW is well-suited for bluegrass due to its dreadnought body shape, which offers strong projection and a rich, balanced tone that cuts through in ensemble settings.

How does the dreadnought body shape of the Collings CW influence its sound?

The dreadnought body shape of the Collings CW provides a powerful and bold sound with deep bass and clear treble, making it versatile for various music styles, especially where volume and presence are needed.

Does the Collings CW come with a built-in pickup system?

No, the Collings CW does not come with a built-in pickup system, making it a fully acoustic guitar focused on natural sound projection.

How many frets does the Collings CW have, and what is the benefit of this configuration?

The Collings CW has 21 frets, allowing for extended range and versatility in playing, especially beneficial for lead guitarists who require access to higher notes.

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Collings CW - Dreadnaught Acoustic Guitar Demo

Video thumbnail for Collings CW - Dreadnaught Acoustic Guitar Demo by soundpurestudios

Collings CW - Dreadnaught Acoustic Guitar Demo

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Video thumbnail for 2005 Collings CW Indian-A (Rosewood & Adirondack) Review by Acoustic Letter

2005 Collings CW Indian-A (Rosewood & Adirondack) Review

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for Collings CW Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar | CME Quick Riffs | Dan B. by Chicago Music Exchange

Collings CW Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar | CME Quick Riffs | Dan B.

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Collings CW, Brazilian rosewood, demonstration by Larry Chung by GryphonStrings

Collings CW, Brazilian rosewood, demonstration by Larry Chung

GryphonStrings

GryphonStrings

Video thumbnail for Collings CW A Indian Rosewood Guitar Demo by Mass Street Music

Collings CW A Indian Rosewood Guitar Demo

Mass Street Music

Mass Street Music

Video thumbnail for Collings CW Indian Rosewood Adirondack 2007 played by Kylie Kay Anderson | Demo by TFOA Demos

Collings CW Indian Rosewood Adirondack 2007 played by Kylie Kay Anderson | Demo

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound quality with mature, deep, and balanced tones

  • Highly praised by long-term owners for its enduring quality

  • Considered a 'life guitar' by dedicated enthusiasts

  • Outperforms other high-end models like the Martin D-45

  • Beautiful craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal

CONS

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Collings CW model features an Adi top and braces, combined with an enlarged soundhole, contributing to its distinctive shimmer and tonal clarity.

    Source
  • The neck of the Collings CW is a sizable soft V shape, offering a unique playability within Collings' lineup, with comfortable string spacing of 1 23/32" at the nut and 2 1/4" at the bridge.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners find that monel strings are an ideal match for this model, providing warmth, clarity, and overtones throughout the neck.

    Source
  • Caution is advised against using stands without neck support, as they can lead to the guitar tipping over, especially in the presence of children.

    Source

User experience

  • It's noted that the guitar, after 16 years, has broken in well without losing its vibrant sound, though it's never described as "mellow."

    Source

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