GEAR: Collings C10 Custom Doghair Finish
Collings
C10 Custom
Doghair Finish
Does this small-bodied guitar punch above its
weight class? Enter the arena to find out…
I
n their pursuit of
improving on an historical
classic, Collings have
employed the gamut of
their characteristic construction
methods and selection processes,
resulting in this small-bodied
guitar.
Immediately identifiable by
its visual cues, possessing a
smaller waist than a traditional
orchestral model, displaying a
grain-filled finish and pearloid
scratchplate and headstock, the
C10 is a showman’s guitar which
embodies a fighting spirit. This
model is inspired by the pre-war
OM model body designs, and
exhibited here are a number of
personal attributes which go
to make up this unique guitar’s
personality. It has narrower
upper bouts than a regular OM,
an increased depth to the body,
and an enlarged soundhole
design.
Just how did they produce
that finish? Initially the guitar is
sprayed black, and then white
grain filler is applied. Timing is
critical as the filler dries very
quickly and excess must be
removed while it is still wet.
58
Collings C10 Review.indd 1
Sanding is out of the question end grain of the neck – its design. This twin pair system,
as this would remove the black weakest point. Rather, there is a comprising four thin steel bars,
coat. It is lacquered using stronger than usual joint. Also, has been born from Bill Collings’
polyurethane for the base coat as a bolt-on neck, Collings have research of early pre-war
and then nitrocellulose for the foreseen the ease with which instruments. Typical of that time
latter layers. you can later remove and reset period, many guitars had just the
Much thought has been this when the time arrives. The one single reinforcing rod and
poured into how this guitar’s tongue of the fingerboard is the no truss rod per se. As such, this
construction will ultimately only part that is physically glued contributed to maintaining an
release optimal playability. to the top, and is readily removed even response, and so after much
Looking briefly at the neck would by steam should this or any other further experimentation the new
not in itself reveal the secrets Collings require such attention. design now promotes a guitar
within its design. Externally you Within the neck itself also free of dead spots.
can enjoy the perfect playability lives Collings’ very own truss rod In addition to this facilitating
of the slim neck profile from
low to high registers, and barely
any pressure is required from
barre chords and fretting, thus Barely any pressure is required from barre
allowing crystal-clear note chords and fretting, thus allowing crystal-
definition to ring out. This truly
is one of the easiest guitars you clear note definition to ring out
could play; it is quite exceptional.
Further to this, the neck is also
home to more sonic secrets. The
heel cap houses a birch dowel
which runs along its length
and is half an inch in diameter.
This serves to strengthen its
connection to the two fixing
bolts used to join the body to the
neck. This way the connection
is not solely dependent on the
fixing bolts connecting to the
The distinctive finish that gives the guitar its name
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 October 09 Acoustic 67

Collings C10 Review.indd 2 26/10/2009 11:00

 GEAR: Collings C10 Custom Doghair Finish
Collings
C10 Custom Doghair Finish
www.acousticmagazine.com for reviews
Technicalspecification
Manufacturer: Collings Guitars
Model: C10 Custom Doghair finish
Price: £3,600
Made In: Austin, Texas, USA
Top: Solid Honduran mahogany
Back & Sides: Solid Honduran
mahogany
Neck: Solid Honduran mahogany
Fingerboard: East Indian Rosewood
Frets: 20 nickel silver
Tuners: Min Schaller
Nut Width: 1 11/16”
Scale Length: 25 ½”
Onboard Electronics: No
Strings Fitted: D’Addario EJ16
Phosphor Bronze, 012 top
Left Handers: Yes £300
Gig Bag/Case Included: Hardshell
case
Contactdetails
Guitar XS Ltd
Tel: 01227 832558
collingsguitars@guitarxs.com
Whatwe think
Pros: Effortless playability and small
heel. Regular C10 at £2,899.
Cons: Aesthetics may be an acquired
taste for some players.
Overall: Expensive, yes. Carries the
torch in premium quality.
Our Ratings Explained
5 Stars: superb, almost faultless.
4 Stars: Excellent, hard to beat.
3 Stars: good, covers all bases well.
2 or 1 Stars: Below average, poor.
Ratingout of five
BUILD QUALITY
SOUND QUALITY
VALUE FOR MONEY
60
Collings C10 Review.indd 3
Stiking pearloid facing draws the eye - but might not be to everyones taste
maximum vibration, the end
block is specifically only glued
to the back and sides of the This attention to detail is so appreciated
guitar to prevent the top being
dampened unnecessarily. This is when endeavouring to maintain volume and
a simple stroke of practical guitar presence from a small instrument
design which results in yet more
vibration.
When sat playing this guitar,
you are welcomed by its possible has been achieved This could easily become man’s
intimacy, and I am confident thanks to (the otherwise hidden next best friend. It’s got the
you would likewise easily forge quality) a convex hand graduated faithful integrity of beautiful
a new friendship with it. It’s an top affords. This slightly convex tones and a modern soul of
amalgamation of cute looks and shape runs in parallel with the clinical precision in finish. After
killer tones which are a thorough strings and promotes strength in you play it you will hear voices
pleasure to release from its construction along with allowing saying, ‘Daddy, can I take this
distinctive body. This is primarily for a thinner perimeter. one home, please?’
because it’s so responsive, This Doghair is actually one Russell Welton
punchy, and loud for its size, and dark horse – full of surprises.
is also very focused in its note
clarity and projection.
This compact sonic cannon
speaks from its finely crafted
guts. Before I even started to
play the guitar, when it was at
rest I noticed how sensitive
to vibration the top of this
instrument was. As I coughed,
the top sympathised by echoing
and sustaining with surprising
volume. Much of this is down to
the top having been hand-chosen
and tap-tuned, with the guitar
being built around this specific
piece of wood – a procedure
which has been entrusted
to the same man at Collings
guitars for more than 20 years.
This attention to detail is so
appreciated when endeavouring
to maintain volume and presence
from a small instrument. Keeping
vibration alive for as long as
26/10/2009 11:00