Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $11,940
High-end/Boutique
$200
$601+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
The Collings OM42 is a masterfully crafted steel-string acoustic guitar that resonates with the precision and meticulous artistry of its creators. This Orchestra Model (OM) guitar is known for its balanced tone and exceptional playability, making it a versatile choice for fingerstyle players and flatpickers alike. Each Collings OM42 is individually made with a solid Sitka spruce top that offers a bright, responsive resonance and is paired with East Indian rosewood back and sides that enrich the depth and warmth of the sound.
The guitar's aesthetic appeal is equally impressive, featuring intricate abalone inlay work that adorns the top, rosette, and fingerboard, making it as much a visual delight as an auditory one. The mahogany neck, with its comfortable modified V profile, provides effortless playability and smooth navigation across the ebony fingerboard.
Collings' dedication to quality is evident in every detail, from the hand-scalloped bracing to the precision-machined tuning pegs. This attention to craftsmanship ensures that each OM42 is not just an instrument, but a legacy piece that can be passed down through generations. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Collings OM42 offers a harmonic complexity and clarity that will elevate your sound.
Key Features:
- Solid Sitka spruce top for bright and responsive tonal qualities
- East Indian rosewood back and sides for rich, warm sound
- Abalone inlay work on top, rosette, and fingerboard
- Mahogany neck with modified V profile
- Ebony fingerboard and bridge
- Hand-scalloped bracing for enhanced resonance
- Precision-machined tuning pegs for stable tuning
Product specs
| Brand | Collings |
| Model | OM42 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | OM and Auditorium Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Body Shape | Orchestra |
| 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 is the body shape of the Collings OM42 and how does it affect the sound?
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The Collings OM42 features an Orchestra Model body shape, which provides a balanced tone with clear articulation, making it ideal for fingerstyle playing and solo performances.
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What type of fretboard material is used on the Collings OM42?
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The Collings OM42 has an ebony fretboard, known for its durability and smooth playability, contributing to the guitar's overall high-quality feel and sound.
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How many frets does the Collings OM42 have, and what does this mean for playability?
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The Collings OM42 has 20 frets, offering a wide range of notes that are particularly beneficial for complex fingerstyle pieces and intricate solos.
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Is the Collings OM42 suitable for both right-handed and left-handed players?
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The Collings OM42 is designed for right-handed players. Left-handed players would need to seek a left-handed model or custom option.
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Does the Collings OM42 come with any built-in electronics or pickups?
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The Collings OM42 does not include a pickup or active preamp, making it a pure acoustic instrument, ideal for traditional acoustic performance settings.
Videos
Bernard Godfrey Guitars
Collings OM42 | European Spruce . Wenge
Collings OM42 | European Spruce . Wenge
Bernard Godfrey Guitars
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Collings OM42.
Setup and maintenance
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Used guitars may be preferred by some due to aesthetic wood grain considerations, impacting resale value and purchase decisions despite similar pricing to new models.
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User experience
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A Larrivee D-10 owner claimed it outperformed all other guitars they had experienced, suggesting exceptional playability and tone.
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A user mentioned owning two Emerald guitars (X20 and X30), preferring them over a Martin D35 that remains unused.
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A Collings OM2H owner sold their guitar after finding the Bourgeois Vintage OM more satisfying, suggesting a subjective tonal superiority.
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A user reported a preference for used guitars due to better deals on visually less appealing wood grain, highlighting aesthetic considerations in buying decisions.
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Comparisons
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A user noted that Alvarez-Yairi guitars, handmade in Japan, were preferable to their previous Martins and Taylors.
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A user found a Bourgeois Vintage OM (Rosewood/Adi) superior to a Collings OM2H, highlighting a tonal preference for Bourgeois.
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The OM42 is often compared unfavorably to boutique guitars like Bourgeois and Collings, which are perceived as offering better tone and craftsmanship for similar prices.
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Multiple users favor the 000-28 1937 Authentic over the OM-42 for its superior balance and projection.
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Owners compare Collings OM42 to Bourgeois and Santa Cruz, suggesting the OM42 may not match the tonal character of Martin, despite being highly valued for its craftsmanship.
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Some prefer the Collings OM1A for its resonant top and overall tonal quality, even over Martin OMs.
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Mods and upgrades
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The Hyvibe system, installable on any guitar, provides self-amplification and effects like delay, reverb, and EQ, requiring a luthier for setup.
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Use cases and applications
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The Martin 0000 (M-36), with its jumbo body and OM depth, offers more bass response for fingerstyle compared to an OM or OOO.
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Some users suggest that boutique brands like Collings, Thompson, and Santa Cruz provide better craftsmanship and sound for the price compared to Martin's 40-series.
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The OM-42's neck and projection suit recording, providing clear sound without overpowering bass.
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Value and pricing
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The OM42's high price is partly attributed to its intricate inlays and binding, making it a luxury item with aesthetic emphasis rather than purely tonal improvements.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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