The Collings CJ GSB is a fantastic instrument, taking cues from classic slope-shouldered dreadnought models and far surpassing them in build and materials quality. The CJ stands for “Collings Jumbo” while the “GSB” means that this guitar has both a German Spruce top and a Sunburst finish, two of the basic options for this model. This guitar has a full 25.5 inch (647.7mm) scale length, like the classic SJ (Southern Jumbo, sometimes named Country Western if it had a natural finish).

Here we’re looking at a Collings CJ GSB built during 2006 at the Collings shop in Austin, Texas. It’s in very good, clean condition with very light wear. The German Spruce top is paired with Indian Rosewood for the sides and back, with Mahogany for the body blocks and neck, and Ebony for the bridge and ivoroid- bound head plate and fingerboard. The sunburst finish is nitrocellulose lacquer, and Collings does as good a job as anyone on the planet. On this example, wear is very minimal, mostly seen as a few light finger or pick marks around the faux-tortoise pickguard. Fret wear is negligible. This guitar plays very well, and like other Collings designs has a great sound with lots of projection.

The original Collings arched top, hard shell case built by TKL is included.

More From The Builder On The Collings CJ GSB:

“The Collings Jumbo, or CJ, is our version of the classic slope-shouldered dreadnought, a shape that has enjoyed renewed popularity in recent years. While the CJ is similar in width and depth to the traditional dreadnought, it has a distinctly different tone. Despite its large size this model works well with the optional shorter string scale, resulting in a somewhat percussive bottom end ideal for acoustic blues or other styles that benefit from a more controlled bass response.

Of all the Collings body shapes, this is the one most often requested with a sunburst top finish, and the wide range of wood options, neck widths, and string scales allow the CJ to be many different guitars to a wide variety of players.”

Collings CJ GSB Specifications: