Pricing and availability

Average Price: $4,850

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Discover the Waterloo WL-S Deluxe Parlor Acoustic, a guitar that impeccably marries vintage charm with contemporary craftsmanship. This steel-string acoustic guitar is a tribute to the parlor guitars of the early 20th century, delivering a warm and intimate tonal quality that is perfect for both fingerstyle and strumming techniques. Crafted in Austin, Texas by skilled luthiers, the WL-S Deluxe features a solid spruce top that enhances its resonant sound, while the mahogany back and sides provide a balanced, mellow tone.

The WL-S Deluxe is celebrated for its scalloped X-bracing, which not only enhances its structural integrity but also contributes to its rich, dynamic sound projection. The comfortable V-shaped neck profile and short scale length allow for effortless playability, making it a favorite among both beginners and seasoned musicians. With its vintage-inspired detailing, including a hand-polished nitrocellulose lacquer finish and slotted headstock, this guitar is as visually appealing as it is sonically impressive.

Whether you're a performing artist or a home strummer, the Waterloo WL-S Deluxe Parlor Acoustic is a timeless instrument that promises to inspire your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Solid spruce top for enhanced resonance
  • Mahogany back and sides for balanced tone
  • Scalloped X-bracing for dynamic sound projection
  • V-shaped neck profile for comfortable playability
  • Nitrocellulose lacquer finish for vintage appeal
  • Slotted headstock reminiscent of early 20th-century guitars
  • Short scale length for easy finger movement

Product specs

Brand Waterloo
Model WL-S Deluxe Parlor
Year 2016 - 2018
Made In United States
Categories Parlor Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Cherry
Body Shape Parlor
Color Family Natural, Tan
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 18
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Cherry
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Waterloo WL-S Deluxe Parlor Acoustic?

The Waterloo WL-S Deluxe Parlor Acoustic offers a warm, balanced tone with clear articulation, thanks to its spruce top and cherry back and sides. It's well-suited for fingerstyle playing and vintage blues.

Is the Waterloo WL-S Deluxe Parlor Acoustic suitable for beginners?

While it can be played by beginners, the Waterloo WL-S Deluxe Parlor Acoustic is often favored by experienced players due to its vintage-inspired design and nuanced sound, making it ideal for those who appreciate traditional blues and folk music.

Does the Waterloo WL-S Deluxe Parlor Acoustic have a built-in pickup?

No, the Waterloo WL-S Deluxe Parlor Acoustic does not have a built-in pickup, making it a purely acoustic guitar designed for natural sound projection.

What materials are used in the construction of the Waterloo WL-S Deluxe Parlor Acoustic?

The guitar features a spruce top, cherry back and sides, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fretboard, contributing to its warm and resonant sound.

How many frets does the Waterloo WL-S Deluxe Parlor Acoustic have?

The Waterloo WL-S Deluxe Parlor Acoustic has 18 frets, offering a range suitable for both rhythm and lead playing in fingerstyle or flatpicking styles.

What is the body shape of the Waterloo WL-S Deluxe Parlor Acoustic?

The guitar has a parlor body shape, which is smaller and more compact, making it comfortable to play and ideal for intimate settings and traditional acoustic genres.

Eddie's Guitars

Eddie's Guitars

Waterloo WL-S Deluxe

Video thumbnail for Waterloo WL-S Deluxe by Eddie's Guitars

Waterloo WL-S Deluxe

Eddie's Guitars

Eddie's Guitars

Video thumbnail for Acoustic Guitar Demo: Waterloo WL-S and WL-S Deluxe Guitars by Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Acoustic Guitar Demo: Waterloo WL-S and WL-S Deluxe Guitars

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Video thumbnail for Waterloo WL-S Deluxe - Carl Miner by Waterloo Guitars

Waterloo WL-S Deluxe - Carl Miner

Waterloo Guitars

Waterloo Guitars

Video thumbnail for Folkway Music - Waterloo WL-S Deluxe by Folkway Music

Folkway Music - Waterloo WL-S Deluxe

Folkway Music

Folkway Music

Video thumbnail for Waterloo WL-S Deluxe - Folkway Music by Folkway Music

Waterloo WL-S Deluxe - Folkway Music

Folkway Music

Folkway Music

Video thumbnail for Waterloo WL-S Deluxe at Boutique Guitar Shop by Boutique Guitar Shop

Waterloo WL-S Deluxe at Boutique Guitar Shop

Boutique Guitar Shop

Boutique Guitar Shop

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Waterloo WL-S Deluxe is a ladder-braced parlor guitar with a varnish finish, known for its dry, snappy tone reminiscent of old Stella guitars.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The WL-S Deluxe is considered superior in build quality to vintage parlors, with Collings' craftsmanship ensuring a higher standard of fit and finish.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The WL-S Deluxe is noted as expensive and hard to find, while the WL-14L offers a more accessible option under $3K on Reverb.

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User experience

  • The Waterloo WL-S Deluxe is reported to be louder than a friend's Martin 000-18, suggesting impressive projection for its size.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is noted for its versatility, suitable for both fingerpicking and strumming, while maintaining clarity and projection across styles.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Video Review: Waterloo WL-S and WL-S Deluxe by Collings Guitars | Acoustic Guitar

acousticguitar.com

The Waterloo WL-S Deluxe, crafted by Collings Guitars, shines as a vintage-inspired gem. Its notable features include a lightweight body, distinct cherry wood construction, and a hand-polished varnish that enhances its sound and aesthetic. Both the WL-S and its Deluxe counterpart deliver immediate, balanced tones ideal for fingerpicking and genres beyond their old-timey roots, like jazz. The Deluxe edges out with a slightly superior resonance, attributed to its varnish finish. While they may not match the depth of larger rosewood guitars, their raw, sweet sound is undeniably captivating. Overall, these guitars offer a delightful blend of nostalgia and modern playability, making them exceptional choices for musicians seeking character and responsiveness.

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