“Every day we try to make a better guitar, every day.”
~ Bill Collings (1948-2017)
Founded by Bill Collings in Austin, Texas in 1973, Collings expanded into electric guitars in 2006 and quickly built a reputation that rivals the acoustic side of the shop. The electric line is anchored by the I-35 (a semi-hollow inspired by classic thinline designs), the City Limits and CL Deluxe (solidbody electrics in the LP tradition), the 290 (a P-90 loaded slab body), the SoCo (Collings' take on a smaller-bodied semi-hollow), and the Statesman and Eastside archtops. Same Austin shop, same tolerances, same obsessive attention to fit and finish - applied to a different kind of instrument.
The Music Emporium has been Collings' largest dealer worldwide for many years, and our electric selection runs deep. We've spent the years since the line launched getting familiar with how each model plays, which pickup options suit which player, and the kind of in-the-room detail that's hard to pick up from a spec sheet. Whatever you're after - a stage instrument, a studio companion, or the one you keep at home - it's worth a visit.
71
Vintage swagger. Boutique precision.
The Collings 71 channels the raw energy of early bolt-on electrics into a finely tuned, player-centric package.
Built for dynamic response and effortless feel, it's a lean, mean machine for those chasing stripped-back tone with boutique refinement.
620
Sleek lines. Serious attitude.
Inspired by ‘50s and ‘60s American guitars, the 620 blends retro aesthetics with Collings’ obsessive attention to detail. Lightweight, ergonomic, and bursting with tone, it’s a fast, fun guitar that never compromises.
Ladybird
Elegance meets electricity.
The Ladybird is Collings’ modern reimagining of the single cut-style guitar. With sleek lines, a laminate top, and vintage-inspired tones, it brings sophistication, soul, and sonic versatility in equal measure.
470 Julian Lage
Built for one of today’s finest. Designed for all.
Julian Lage’s signature Collings is a minimalist masterpiece - lightweight, incredibly resonant, and built for expressive touch. It’s an electric guitar that plays like an acoustic extension of your hands.
SoCo
Full-bodied tone. Slim-body feel.
Named for South Congress Avenue in Austin, the SoCo merges semi-hollow warmth with solidbody comfort. It’s a workhorse with refined tone and classic looks, ready for any gig.
I-35
The modern semi-hollow standard.
The I-35 blends classic semi-hollow tones with Collings' hallmark clarity, sustain, and feel. Whether in a clean jazz combo or a loud rock mix, it delivers articulate, balanced tone that fits anywhere.
I-30
Featherweight feel. Hollowbody voice.
The fully hollow I-30 captures the airiness of vintage thinline guitars with none of the fragility. Lively and expressive with Lollar P90s, it’s a dynamic companion for roots, rock, jazz, and beyond.
City Limits
Solidbody tone. No limits.
A powerhouse LP-style guitar with more nuance and clarity, the City Limits is built for players who want heft, sustain, and punch - with more definition than most humbucker guitars deliver.
290
Stripped down. Fired up.
The Collings 290 is a love letter to the raw power of early rock ‘n’ roll. With P90s or humbuckers, wraparound bridge, and minimal frills, it’s all about tone, touch, and attitude.
Collings Electric Guitars FAQ
Common questions about Collings electric guitars - the models, the build, and where to play them.
What Collings electric models does The Music Emporium carry?
We carry the largest selection of Collings electrics anywhere. The line is anchored by the I-35 (a semi-hollow inspired by classic thinline designs), the City Limits and CL Deluxe (solidbody electrics in the LP tradition), the 290 (a P-90-loaded slab body), and the SoCo, Statesman, and Eastside archtops. As Collings' largest dealer worldwide, we often have hard-to-find configurations in stock at our Lexington, MA showroom near Boston.
Are Collings electric guitars as good as the acoustics?
Collings brought the same Austin, Texas precision and hand-finishing to its electric line. The I-35 and 290, for example, are widely regarded as among the finest production-built electrics available, with fit, finish, and tone that rival custom shops.
What is the difference between the Collings I-35 and City Limits?
The I-35 is a semi-hollow electric inspired by classic thinline designs, with a center block for sustain and feedback resistance. The City Limits is a solidbody in the Les Paul tradition, with a thicker, more focused voice. Our staff can walk you through how each one plays in person.
Can I try Collings electrics near Boston?
Yes - our Lexington, Massachusetts showroom is a short drive from Boston and draws players from across New England specifically for our Collings selection. Open Monday–Friday 11am–5pm and Saturday 10am–5pm.