Gotta say the C-10 gets the nod. So crisp and clear - the sitka over mahogany combo. It's the first mahogany guitar I've owned and I'm playing a lot of blues on the couch. When I gig it's the OM, which is more versatile for Beatles, Stones, acoustic rock, blues, country, etc. Then again, sitting around at unplugged practice with the same guys, I reach for the C-10. I've been thinking about the C-10 at a gig (love the K & K) but it doesn't have a strap button. When I record the C-10 I'm surprised by the nice smooth bass.
Superb recording. I don't see a mic: how is the sound laid down? Protools stuff, or through a board? The sound has so much nice wood and air in it. The playing doesn't hurt! I'm just curious, since I'm considering some video recording, too, and am a rookie at that part. Studio stuff I've done a ton of, but the computer world.... new departure. thanks tom
Thanks for taking the time to watch and for the kind words, they are very encouaging.
Randy - Isn't it nice to have two guitars that each kind of do their own thing well. Has your C-10 aged over time to your ears & did you buy the guitar new in 94?
Sonoman - I've got to be honest, the sound is coming straight from my wife's camera - I cannot believe how it either. You are FAR ahead of me and I can't even discuss this topic in much depth, but my ear hears that woody tone as well, it has been fun to hear the guitars from a position other than behind them.
Again thanks, nice words from great players kind of keeps you going! dale
dale, I bought the black C-10 last summer after being alerted by hmsbeagle, a Forum member, who was aware of my 12 year lust for one. Here's the link to pics: http://collingsforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/125105645/m/8981036543 I don't know what it sounded like in 1994 but, yes, it qualifies as "opened up". This is an understatment . It's also one of the lightest Collings I've ever held, though I've only played one or two other C-10s. It's tone and personality are matched only by it's good looks. A keeper - and I mean it this time! Unlike the clear Dan Armstrong guitar, the white Fender Bandmaster, the black Les Paul Special, the Gibson LG-O... you get the idea.
Wow - what a cool guitar. That is the most unique C-10 I've ever seen - love it. The cutaway and the peghead and ivory keys look great. I have a 290 with the same headstock and I just think they are cool. Your guitar gives me a Champ Hood vibe - which is a good thing. Thanks for sharing the pics.
Randy, wow that C10 is a killer! A couple of questions...I don't think I have ever seen a C10 cutaway in person, obviously despite the already small body you don't think the cut is detrimental to the tone/volume, etc.? You mentioned you use if for blues (only fingerstyle?), is it short scale, do you think that matters much? I too passed up a black sitka/hog c10 recently that sounded awesome and I am kicking myself a little over it. Seeing yours may push me over the edge...
Sorry for all the questions...thanks for any insights you have!
Every comment I have read states that a cutaway makes no difference and no one could pick one out in a blind test. I always play with a flat pick and use two fingers as well - a hybrid style. Mine is not short scale. I love the fingerboard extension detail, that lovely curve gets me every time I pick it up - it complements the beautiful curve of the cutaway. I also like the way the grain is visible through the black stain. I've been tempted to put it in the burst thread for that reason, but I don't think the burst crowd would approve.
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. It's also one of the lightest Collings I've ever held, though I've only played one or two other C-10s. It's tone and personality are matched only by it's good looks. A keeper - and I mean it this time! Unlike the clear Dan Armstrong guitar, the white Fender Bandmaster, the black Les Paul Special, the Gibson LG-O... you get the idea. 
Man, hold on to that camera.
