have you guys been checking out the collings electrics? the I-290 (sunburst) at gryphon is amazing. not so sure about the higher end models yet

Acoustic Music Works has an I-35...absolutely amazing!

Have you gentlemen actually played these guitars? I'm extremely curious, having long established a right of first refusal on an I-35 (I didn't know at the time what the hey they were gonna call it). What amp did you play through? Details, please!?!?!

Why, pray tell, is the "new" guitar in the shop? I was actually planning on pursuing one of these new electrics, but now I'm a bit scared to do so... please explain.

Mike,

Good question! He purchased it from Collings (one of first 11 made) after summer NAMM. He is keeping in the store to show potential buyers what they are getting because the concept is so new. The thing is just amazing, and I know Steve already has orders for six or seven. His "keep the first for people to see" approach must be working!

well the 290 got sorted out. first off, collings proved again they are absolutely first class in service and the 290 I have is beyond amazing. Sure, the quality of Collings' finish can't be touched, but this is a player's instrument. I love strats and the p 90's on this thing just sing (jason lollars). the p90 neck is lush while airy and the bridge pick up can cover country as well as any tele I've had. I opened the switch cavaties and you would be amazed at how well this thing is wired together--looks more like high end audio work than guitar work--every solder joint is perfect, the cables nicely shielded and the cavities cut like none I've seen before. $2160 is a lot for a guitar but this thing is way under priced. go try one.

The I-35 deluxe is en route to me from Mass Street. They say it's the best electric guitar that's ever been in the shop. It better be; the price edges into brazilian territory. Pictures are at the Mass Street website. I'll report back when I've had a chance to put it through its paces. Am I a sucker or what!? Tomorrow afternoon, supposedly, I'll find out.

sonoman, where are you going to play it? I'd love to have one if I had a real venue to be heard on electric. for what I do, an old Teisco or Sears Silvertone with the amp built into the case might do the trick.

you'll love it. there is one down here at the local store and it is amazing. carved top i think. the lollars are really perfect for this guitar. there is no better 335 style built anywhere...but then again, there is no 335 at this price point.

Well, the I-35 deluxe got here yesteday morning, and I"ve spent the better part of a day and a half trying to find something wrong with it. I can't. It's a whole lotta money for an electric guitar, since it has everything on it (split deco trapezoids on the brazilian board, sunburst straight from heaven), but I haven't played anything electric in 41 years that touches it, or even comes close. I've owned old Gibsons, scads of Fenders, Gretches, PRS, Anderson, and on and on. I'd have to say that, in a world where beat up early sixties factory Strats sell for eight or ten grand, six large on this I-35 is inexpensive. I'm just glad I don't play mandos or archtops. Want sticker shock? Check those puppies out at ten, twelve, seventeen grand. I'll be eatin' a whole lot of potatoes and rice, but the guitar is all the buzz claims that it is. Bill's done it again. As far as where I play it, that would be in small local clubs with a swing/jazz/folk rock band. My other band is quasi-bluegrass, where I play a CJA. the bottom line, as even my long-suffering wife (36+ years) agrees, is that if I stop playing out or somehow tire of the 35, I could sell it here or on ebay in about 12 hours.

Hi Sonoman and localplayer
congrats on the I-35. I love to play electric and have my eye on the new Collings. so far I have not been able to play one. I have not read anything that gives a description of the necks. Do all the models have the same neck. The 290 is a guitar that intrests me as well as the I-35. Anyway I was wondering if those of you that have actually played these guitars could share your thoughts about the neck shape, size and feel compared to some of the old standards. Thanks Paul

I just bought the 290 from Cotten Music, black with ivoroid stock and guard. Amazing, as has already been said the fit and finsih no need to discuss any further - flawless. The set up for me was dead on from the factory. Accoustically it is great which is the place it all starts for a good electric right. Agree with Localplayer, the P90s are terrific, they have been my favorite pickup for a while and these are amazing in all positions. To my ear they can do so many different things well and the JLollar are the best I've played. It is a lot of money for a LPJR type guitar but really the body shape is all they have in common. As far as the neck, I would compare it to a PRS McCarty wide fat. Not a ball bat, but not wimpy either, not as big as an R8 reissue, those are just about ridiculous big I think. I think they nailed it, VERY comfortable and substantial. Very true to the original. I love the body carve on the lower side where it fits your leg seated and on the top, very comfortable. Mine is light. The pics are still on the Cotten sight, I will post them here as well. I've enjoyed this thread, I'm envious of all those with the I-35, one of these days I hope!