Could somebody please explain why is the bridge on SJ different from the standard one on dreads and OMs. Smaller bridges on smaller guitars make perfect sense but the reason for making the SJ bridge the way it is - eludes me. I have never seen an SJ bridge on any other guitar although I think it could visually complement the offset peghead.
What are your thoughts: aesthetics or engineering?

i think you mean CJ not SJ

I'm just guessing here, but I think it's an aesthetic preference that Bill has to put a little different bridge, maybe more modern looking, on the SJ body. I have no idea if it's an option on other body styles.

Kenny I wanted to illustrate that an SJ bridge would look good on other guitars as well. Here is that picture again - labeled.

okay, now I get it... a little photoshop and now you have a CJ with an SJ bridge. I don't know what to tell you.. I think Collings would not change the specs on something like this, even if you asked. I think they would just refuse do to it... As far as aesthetics, both look fine. I don't have a preference. Purists would want a CJ to look like an old Gibson slope-shoulder and not like the SJ bridge. Personally, I'm not a purist, so I would not have a problem if Collings decided to do this.

The SJ bridge is extremely subtle and sculptural. It's not elaborate or in-your-face like a moustache bridge (either Gibson's or those weird ones on earlier eighties Taylors). I'd have one on a CJ any time, but that's not what I ordered on mine (if the sucker actually exists and will eventually make its way here- it's starting to seem like Loch Ness creatures, or Jimmy Hoffa's grave site). tom

Kenny, that is my whole point: if the SJ bridge is made for pure aesthetical reasons, I could also see it on a CJ and on the C10 for sure. Not on anything with the square peghead. It seams that Collings has a double standard: I’ve seen SJ, CJ and a C10 with the OM neck but would they make available (custom, of course) the SJ bridge on other models?
Here is (the last Photoshop attachment in this post): C10Dlx with the SJ bridge:

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ivan364537,

I think I've seen an SJ bridge on something other than an SJ, but I'd be durned if I can remember where or what. But it does seem consistent with the Gibsonesque qualities of the SJ, CJ, and C10, and certainly moreso that grafting a Martin style neck on a Gibson style body as they quite commonly do. Heck, the C10 with a Martin neck is so common it has its own model name: the camper.

I never really thought about this. the only SJ I ever had was a custom order and had the vintage now neck with a Martin style bridge to go along with it. I'll have to look close at my buddy's SJ next time I'm up that way.

Must be some reason for it I would expect.

My old SJ (#314) has a standard Martin-style bridge so Bill must have just gotten out of bed one morning with a better idea....

I asked for an SJ style bridge on my OM but Collings would not do it as they won't put a "Gibson" style bridge on a " Martin " style guitar they have done them on C10's and I would personally love one on an OM as I think it is the nicest bridge design by far.

Since Collings has designated their C-10 "camper" as the hodge-podge of guitar design, maybe they'd put a Martin neck, an SJ bridge, a Gibson body style, and a some Hawaiian palm trees stilleto'ed on the front... call it the "Camper Gone Wild" guitar???