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Pricing and availability

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Description

The WL-14 is the flagship model of the Waterloo guitar line and the inspiration that started it all. Keeping true to the design and style of the era, the WL-14 is available in "ladder" bracing (L) as well as "X" bracing (X). The ladder bracing option provides woody and open tone, with midrange honk that's perfect for fingerstyle blues. The "X" braced version retains tighter focus and balance across the tonal range.

There are currently two different neck profiles and two neck support options available for the WL-14. The standard neck profile is a sizable, vintage-inspired neck with a prominent "V" shape. For those who prefer more moderately sized necks, an alternate lower-profile option is available by request. For neck support, choose from either a T-bar for ultra-lightweight rigidity or an adjustable truss rod for greater setup flexibility.

Specs: - Top: Solid spruce - Back/Sides: Solid mahogany - Color: Vintage-style Sunburst or Jet Black - Binding: Ivoroid bound top and soundhole - Bridge Pins: Ebony - Tuners: Golden Age Restoration - Bracing: Choice of ladder (L) or x-bracing (X) - Pickguard: Tigerstripe celluloid - Body Finish: Semi-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish - Neck: Solid mahogany - Fingerboard: Indian rosewood - Bridge: Ebony with 2 3/8" spacing - Nut: 1 3/4" ebony nut - Saddle: Bone drop-in - Neck Support: Choice of carbon fiber T-bar or adjustable truss rod - Fingerboard Inlays: 6mm acrylic dots - Neck Profile: Prominent "V" shape - Logo: Stenciled Waterloo - Scale Length: 24 7/8" - Fret Wire: Medium 18% nickel-silver

  • Body Width: 14 3/4"
  • Body Length: 19 1/4"
  • Body Depth: 4 1/4"
  • Scale Length: 24 7/8"
  • Nut Width: 1 3/4"
  • Saddle Spacing: 2 3/8"
  • Recommended Strings: D'Addario EJ16 (.012"-.053")
Guitarist

Guitarist

Collings Waterloo WL-14 X acoustic guitar review demo

Video thumbnail for Collings Waterloo WL-14 X acoustic guitar review demo by Guitarist

Collings Waterloo WL-14 X acoustic guitar review demo

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for Waterloo WL-14X at The Music Emporium by The Music Emporium

Waterloo WL-14X at The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

Video thumbnail for Waterloo WL 14 Ladder   Black by Eddie's Guitars

Waterloo WL 14 Ladder Black

Eddie's Guitars

Eddie's Guitars

Video thumbnail for Waterloo WL14X vs Martin CEO7 Guitar Demo by Tim

Waterloo WL14X vs Martin CEO7 Guitar Demo

Tim

Tim

Video thumbnail for Waterloo WL-14X VS. Waterloo WL-14L at The Music Emporium by The Music Emporium

Waterloo WL-14X VS. Waterloo WL-14L at The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

Video thumbnail for Waterloo WL-14X vs. WL-14L by Artisan Guitars

Waterloo WL-14X vs. WL-14L

Artisan Guitars

Artisan Guitars

Video thumbnail for New Guitar Day! Waterloo WL14 Guitar Chat by Ian Meadows

New Guitar Day! Waterloo WL14 Guitar Chat

Ian Meadows

Ian Meadows

Video thumbnail for Waterloo WL-14L Acoustic Guitar Played By Carl Miner by Carter Vintage Backstage

Waterloo WL-14L Acoustic Guitar Played By Carl Miner

Carter Vintage Backstage

Carter Vintage Backstage

Video thumbnail for Waterloo WL-14X Boot Burst - Folkway Music by Folkway Music

Waterloo WL-14X Boot Burst - Folkway Music

Folkway Music

Folkway Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waterloo WL-14.

Build quality

  • The black finish on the Waterloo WL-14 is reported to stain easily and is difficult to clean, resulting in a sheen on the bridge over time.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Truss rod access is inconvenient, making adjustments challenging. Action height is slightly higher than desired without easy modifications.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The neck profile is comparable to V-shaped Alvarez necks, providing a familiar feel for those used to that style.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The WL-14XTR stands for "X brace, Truss Rod," indicating its construction and adjustability features.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Three New Waterloos: WL-14, WL-K, and WL-JK [Video Review] | Acoustic Guitar

acousticguitar.com

The Waterloo WL-14 captures the vintage charm of Depression-era guitars with modern playability and responsiveness. Crafted in the same Austin shop as Collings guitars, it offers a unique aesthetic and a surprisingly affordable price for its quality. The WL-14 delivers a raw, punchy sound suitable for various playing styles, though some may find its chunky neck profile less appealing. While the craftsmanship is intentionally vintage with minor imperfections, it excels where it matters most, like fretwork and setup. Overall, a delightful instrument that balances nostalgia and functionality.

positive

Waterloo WL-14 X review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Waterloo WL-14 X is a nostalgia-fueled journey into vintage blues and folk tones, offering a rich, authentic sound that echoes the iconic Kalamazoo guitars. Its standout features include top-notch build quality and a sound that excels in capturing the essence of country-blues-roots music, making it a delight for genre enthusiasts. However, its intentional finish imperfections and niche tonal focus may not appeal to everyone, and it lacks the versatility of an all-rounder guitar. Perfect for those seeking genuine vintage vibes, but at a premium price.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Phoebe Bridgers uses Waterloo WL-14

Phoebe Bridgers

Singer, Guitarist

boygenius

...
Verified via Photo

Phoebe talks about this guitar on a GuitarWorld interview in 2020: “Conor Oberst got me a totally murdered-out Waterloo guitar a couple of years ago for my birthday and that’s my prized possession now. Even the tuning pegs are black, the pickguard is black. Collings makes them and I feel like Collings are my favorite new guitars, by far." The brand confirmed that the exact model is in fact a WL-14 in this instagram post.

See how Jeff Tweedy uses Waterloo WL-14

Jeff Tweedy

Singer, Guitarist

Wilco

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live performance on KEXP, Jeff Tweedy plays two different Waterloo WL-14 guitars.

See how Julian Lage uses Waterloo WL-14

Julian Lage

Guitarist

The Nels Cline 4

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video it is possible to see Julian Lage playing his Waterloo guitar.

See how Bill Frisell uses Waterloo WL-14

Bill Frisell

Guitarist

Naked City

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video,Bill Frisell played the classic Roy Rogers tune on a Waterloo WL-14 (x-braced) guitar.

See how Doyle Bramhall II uses Waterloo WL-14

Doyle Bramhall II

Guitarist, Music Producer

Bryan Adams & Roger Waters

...
Verified via Photo

In this image from the Waterloo Guitars website, Doyle Bramhall II is seen holding a WL-14 in a "Boot Burst" finish.

See how Joey Landreth uses Waterloo WL-14

Joey Landreth

Singer, Guitarist

The Bros. Landreth

...
Verified via Photo

In response to being asked if his Waterloo is an X or ladder bracing...

"it's the X I'm dying to try one of the ladder braced axes to see how they differ..."

See how Father John Misty uses Waterloo WL-14

Father John Misty

Singer, Guitarist

Fleet Foxes

...
Verified via Billboard

In 2018, Father John Misty was seen using the Waterloo WL-14 guitar during live performances, as reported by Billboard.

See how Ariel Posen uses Waterloo WL-14

Ariel Posen

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Ariel's Waterloo WL-14 is shown in this photo from his Instagram.

See how Andy Shauf uses Waterloo WL-14

Andy Shauf

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Twitter

You can see Andy playing with the Waterloo in this Tiny Desk Concert

See how Molly Tuttle uses Waterloo WL-14

Molly Tuttle

Guitarist, Singer

♀♀♀♀: The Collaboration

...
Verified via Photo

Molly has posted about this guitar several times on her facebook page, and also mentions it at 2:34 in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Etg152GcDgI

See how Margaret Glaspy uses Waterloo WL-14

Margaret Glaspy

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Photo

About that guitar she said on Instagram: "Love my Waterloo :) Thank you @collingsguitars! Love writing songs on this guitar." (https://www.instagram.com/p/6iGakGDaGo/)

See how Chris McQueen uses Waterloo WL-14

Chris McQueen

Guitarist

Snarky Puppy

...
Verified via Photo

In this video, Chris can be seen playing a Waterloo WL-14.

Album Usage

The Waterloo WL-14 has been featured on the following albums:

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 Waterloo WL-14, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Gibson L-00
Gibson L-00 Acoustic-Electric Guitars
1

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