Pricing and availability

Average Price: $5,998

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Collings SoCo 16 LC is a masterfully crafted semi-hollowbody electric guitar that harmonizes vintage aesthetics with modern performance. This guitar is renowned for its articulate sound and versatility, making it a standout choice for musicians seeking a refined tonal palette. The SoCo 16 LC features a Laminated Construction that provides a unique tonal character, offering a rich resonance that is both warm and clear. Its design is inspired by the classic electric guitars of the 1960s, yet it incorporates contemporary features to meet the demands of today’s players.

Equipped with hand-wound pickups, the SoCo 16 LC delivers a dynamic range of tones, from smooth jazz to gritty blues, with exceptional clarity. The mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard ensure a comfortable playing experience, while the meticulously crafted hardware enhances tuning stability and sustain. The elegant appointments, including the vintage-style tuners and stylish inlays, add to its sophisticated look, making it a visual and auditory delight.

Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Collings SoCo 16 LC offers a versatile performance that caters to a wide array of musical styles, ensuring it becomes a cherished instrument in any musician's collection.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design with laminated construction for a unique tonal character
  • Hand-wound pickups for a dynamic range of tones
  • Mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard for comfortable playability
  • Vintage-style tuners and elegant inlays for classic aesthetics
  • Versatile performance suitable for various musical styles

Product specs

Brand Collings
Model SoCo 16 LC
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of tonal qualities can I expect from the Collings SoCo 16 LC?

The Collings SoCo 16 LC offers a rich, resonant tone with a blend of warmth and clarity, thanks to its semi-hollow body design. It is well-suited for jazz, blues, and rock genres, providing a versatile sound palette.

Is the Collings SoCo 16 LC suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Collings SoCo 16 LC is ideal for live performances. Its semi-hollow construction provides excellent feedback resistance, while its high-quality electronics ensure clear sound projection on stage.

What is the neck profile like on the Collings SoCo 16 LC?

The Collings SoCo 16 LC features a comfortable neck profile that allows for smooth playability, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists. Its set-neck construction enhances sustain and stability.

How does the Collings SoCo 16 LC handle different genres of music?

The Collings SoCo 16 LC is highly versatile and can handle a wide range of genres, from jazz and blues to rock and country. Its semi-hollow body design offers a balanced tone that adapts well to various musical styles.

Does the Collings SoCo 16 LC come with any specific pickup configuration?

The Collings SoCo 16 LC typically features high-quality humbucking pickups, which provide a warm and full-bodied sound with excellent noise reduction, making it suitable for both clean and overdriven tones.

GryphonStrings

GryphonStrings

Collings SoCo 16 LC Archtop Guitar Demo by Rick Vandivier

Video thumbnail for Collings SoCo 16 LC Archtop Guitar Demo by Rick Vandivier by GryphonStrings

Collings SoCo 16 LC Archtop Guitar Demo by Rick Vandivier

GryphonStrings

GryphonStrings

Video thumbnail for Comparison of a Gibson ES-335 and a Collings Soco 16 LC by Duane Allen Music

Comparison of a Gibson ES-335 and a Collings Soco 16 LC

Duane Allen Music

Duane Allen Music

Video thumbnail for Comparison of Collings Eastside LC and Soco 16 LC by Duane Allen Music

Comparison of Collings Eastside LC and Soco 16 LC

Duane Allen Music

Duane Allen Music

Video thumbnail for Collings SOCO 16 LC Faded Cherry at The Fellowship of Acoustics by The Fellowship of Acoustics

Collings SOCO 16 LC Faded Cherry at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for Collings Soco 16 LC Demo by Duane Allen Music

Collings Soco 16 LC Demo

Duane Allen Music

Duane Allen Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Collings SoCo 16 LC.

Setup and maintenance

  • Adjusting P90s by sinking pickups and raising poles about 1/8 inch can enhance brightness and string articulation.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A Fender blackface amp or Suhr Badger is recommended for achieving a similar tone to the Collings SoCo with P90s.

    Source
  • Some players prefer the Gibson 336's dimensions, particularly its 13-inch wide lower bout, over the SoCo's larger size for left-handed models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The middle pickup position on the SoCo with P90s offers a unique "roundness" without dullness, appealing to those who typically dislike this setup.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report P90 pickups can sound muddy if not adjusted properly, but with the right setup, they deliver a "divine" sound.

    Source
  • Left-handed owners appreciate the availability of the SoCo LC, avoiding the need to switch to right-handed play.

    Source

Build quality

  • The SoCo 16 LC for left-handed players features a 15-inch wide lower bout with a depth of 1 5/8 inches at the edges.

    Source

Critic Reviews

M Music & Musicians Magazine » COLLINGS GUITARS SOCO 16 LC

mmusicmag.com

The Collings SoCo 16 LC is a triumph of craftsmanship, melding vintage charm with modern flair. Bill Collings' expertise shines, producing a guitar with impeccable intonation and a soundscape enriched by Lollar Imperial pickups. It dazzles with a sharp, sparkling treble and a warm, yet clear bass response. While its price may be a hurdle for some, for those who can swing it, the SoCo 16 LC delivers a distinct and rewarding musical experience.

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Artist usage

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See how Ray Benson uses Collings SoCo 16 LC

Ray Benson

Guitarist

Asleep at the Wheel

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Verified via Premier Guitar

The guitar was featured in 2021 Premier Guitar rig rundown.

This 2016 Collings SoCo 16 LC Deluxe is a semi-hollowbody built with Collings’ proprietary laminate recipe. It features a long-scale (25.5”) maple neck with Collings larger peg head, a custom neck carve, ebony fretboard, a Lollar Imperial Low Wind neck pickup, and a Lollar Novel T bridge pickup.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Collings SoCo 16 LC, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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