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Description

The Waterloo WL-S Parlor Acoustic guitar embodies the essence of early 20th-century acoustic craftsmanship with a modern twist. Built by the renowned Collings Guitars, this parlor-sized steel-string acoustic is perfect for both intimate performances and casual strumming sessions. Inspired by the vintage charm of small-bodied guitars, the WL-S offers a ladder-braced top design, which delivers a warm, articulate tone with an impressive dynamic range. This guitar is a tribute to the sound and playability of instruments from the 1920s and 1930s, making it an ideal choice for musicians who appreciate classic tones and meticulous craftsmanship.

The guitar's solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides provide a balanced tonal palette that suits a variety of musical genres. The WL-S is designed with a slightly shorter scale length, offering a comfortable feel and ease of play, especially for fingerstyle techniques. A subtle V-shaped neck profile adds to the vintage aesthetic while ensuring comfortable playability. Its simple yet elegant appointments, such as the ebony bridge and bone nut and saddle, further enhance its tonal characteristics.

Whether you're a seasoned player or an aspiring musician, the Waterloo WL-S Parlor Acoustic is crafted to inspire your creativity while serving as a reliable companion on your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Solid spruce top with ladder-braced design
  • Solid mahogany back and sides
  • Ebony bridge with bone saddle
  • Bone nut for superior resonance
  • Shorter scale length for enhanced playability
  • V-shaped neck profile for a vintage feel
  • Simple, elegant appointments

Product specs

Brand Waterloo
Model WL-S Parlor
Year 2016 - 2018
Made In United States
Categories Parlor Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Cherry
Body Shape Parlor
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
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 is the sound profile of the Waterloo WL-S Parlor Acoustic guitar?

The Waterloo WL-S Parlor Acoustic offers a warm, vintage tone with clear, articulate highs and a focused midrange, thanks to its spruce top and cherry back and sides. This makes it well-suited for fingerpicking and blues styles.

Is the Waterloo WL-S Parlor Acoustic guitar suitable for small-handed players?

Yes, the parlor body shape and shorter scale length make the Waterloo WL-S Parlor Acoustic comfortable for players with smaller hands, offering easy playability and reach across the fretboard.

Does the Waterloo WL-S Parlor Acoustic guitar come with a pickup?

No, the Waterloo WL-S Parlor Acoustic does not come with a built-in pickup. It is designed as a purely acoustic instrument, ideal for traditional acoustic playing without amplification.

What is the neck profile of the Waterloo WL-S Parlor Acoustic guitar?

The Waterloo WL-S Parlor Acoustic features a comfortable V-shaped neck profile, crafted from mahogany, which provides a vintage feel and suits a variety of playing styles.

How does the cherry wood used in the Waterloo WL-S Parlor Acoustic affect its sound?

The cherry wood used for the back and sides of the Waterloo WL-S Parlor Acoustic contributes to its warm, mellow tone, offering a unique sound character that enhances its vintage appeal.

Jeremy Sheppard

Jeremy Sheppard

Buying a 2016 Waterloo WL-S made by @CollingsGuitars I I can't put this guitar down.

Video thumbnail for Buying a 2016 Waterloo WL-S made by @CollingsGuitars I I can't put this guitar down. by Jeremy Sheppard

Buying a 2016 Waterloo WL-S made by @CollingsGuitars I I can't put this guitar down.

Jeremy Sheppard

Jeremy Sheppard

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 12 fret shootout: Waterloo WL-S vs. @CollingsGuitars 001 by Jeremy Sheppard

12 fret shootout: Waterloo WL-S vs. @CollingsGuitars 001

Jeremy Sheppard

Jeremy Sheppard

Video thumbnail for Waterloo WL-S by AcousticMusic.Org's Guitars For Trade

Waterloo WL-S

AcousticMusic.Org's Guitars For Trade

AcousticMusic.Org's Guitars For Trade

Video thumbnail for Michael plays a Waterloo WL-S by GryphonStrings

Michael plays a Waterloo WL-S

GryphonStrings

GryphonStrings

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • Waterloo WL-S Deluxe is praised for its vintage blues tone, reminiscent of an old Stella, but with superior Collings build quality.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • WL-S Deluxe is considered expensive and hard to find, while the WL-14L is available for under $3K on Reverb.

    Source

User experience

  • The WL-S Deluxe is described as the best factory-made blues guitar, highlighting its suitability for that musical style.

    Source

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