I hopefully will get to visit the Collings factory in June '06 and was wondering if I should take my OM1 with me. Would they have time to look at it? Maybe buff out some scratches or set it up. I imagine that they are pretty busy, and don't know if they'll do this for visitors.

Also, I was wondering if they take orders for guitars. I think it would one heck of a guitar buying experience to talk about woods with them and see the raw materials before they start production. Perhaps even choose the woods?!? I do realize that the guitar would have to be shipped and sold through a retailer afterwards.

007,
I'm sure you can take your guitar with you but their being able to work on it (if necessary) might depend on how busy they are the day you are there. Maybe calling ahead of time would help.

I know SOMEONE in our group stayed late at the factory and ended up choosing the woods for his next guitar (like he needs another one!). You probably would still have to place your order with a dealer, I would imagine. I could be wrong so if I am, someone please correct me.

You will not be disappointed with your visit. What we saw last weekend made it clear why they build some of the best guitars out there.

-----------------------------------------------

I am excited!
I was talking to my wife today and we're going to be in Austin for a week. I doubt I'll take my guitar, but if there is room in the car, it might come along for the ride.

I just looked at the new pics. of the most recent "forum" guitar. I think it would be fun to pick out woods and take pictures like that.
I'll give Collings a call a few weeks before the trip for sure.

007, Pat at Quincy's Guitars arranged for me to go to the factory and pick out my woods for my custom OM 3 that I recently ordered through him. Pat and I had to schedule that ahead of time to ensure that Bruce (the wood guy) was available. I owned a D2H at one time and got to know the guys at Collings--even met Bill Collings while I was there and they graciously did some setup work for me on my D2H. But I did call ahead first to be sure the guys that take care of that sort of thing were there.

Easy - what woods did you choose?
Did you get the guitar yet?

Not yet 007.

It should be ready in December or January. I ordered a Sikta Spruce top with a slight silk pattern. I selected a stiffer version of Sikta to give me more headroom when strumming. I picked out rosewood back and sides with a more reddish hue than the darker brown hue that was on my D2H. I even added a flourish pattern on the headstock. I have a Taylor 310 to keep me company until I get this baby.

easy - did you happen to take any pictures of the raw wood? I'd love to see them. Also, did this cost you any extra $$? email me if you don't want to talk price here.
pdy_aca_jbo@nwoca.org

Thanks!

No extra cost for just picking my woods. I did add a few options to make the guitar my own, like a flourish on the headstock, and a subtle diamonds only inlay.

I will send you a few of the pics.