2004 Collings OM1 Guitar

Comments	Today we’re looking at a near perfect 2004 Collings OM1 Guitar. The Orchestra Model, based on the OOO body style, was originally built by Martin for Perry Bechtel to accomodate the first 14-fret necks. The object was to help sell guitars to plectrum banjo players, who were used to the longer necks. This example of the OM1 has been very carefully kept and well maintained. It’s definitely been played, as there’s a small amount of fretwear and a few small marks on the neck and minor scuffing on the back, but having been played has opened the tone up nicely. It’s rich, full and well balanced, without the boominess that’s so often a part of the dreadnought tonal profile. These guitars are ideal for fingerstyle and record very well. And being a Collings, the build quality is extremely high with tone to match. Visit the Collings page about the OM1 here.
Serial Number	10404, built during 2004 at the Collings shop in Austin, Texas.
Pricing	$2,699.00 CND with original Collings case.
Neck	Mahogany neck with unbound ebony fingerboard and 15 degree headstock angle. 25 1/2 inch scale length, 1 11/16 inch nut width, 14 inch to 26 inch compound radius fingerboard. Square headstock with ebony overlay and mother of pearl Collings inlay. Collings uses a Mortise and tenon hybrid neck joint – this couples a carefully fitted mortise and tenon with a pair of bolts, so that when decades of use mean it’s time for the inevitable neck reset, it’s a much easier task.
Frets	Original 18% nickel-silver frets with minor wear. 20 frets in total, 14 to the body.
Body	Based on the 000 or OM body design, this 2004 Collings OM1 features an Sitka spruce top on mahogany back and sides, and an ebony bridge. The bracing uses a pre-war scalloped profile, and the binding is faux tortoise, like the pickguard. The OM design differs slightly from the OOO in that the upper bouts are ‘squashed’ down towards the waist to allow for the longer 14-fret neck.
Finish	Clear Gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish in very good condition.
Hardware/electronics	All original hardware, nickel plated Waverly tuners. Bone nut and saddle.
Playability/Action	As with all Collings instruments, this guitar plays extremely well. It’s been very well maintained and the OM style body is very comfortable.
Case	Collings hardshell archtop case included.