Collings CJ Brazilian Varnish Sunburst w/Collings Case (USED, 2006)

Can it be that it's been 20 years since we custom-ordered this Collings CJ? Shockingly, it can be. This guitar was commissioned by a client and hasn't been on the market before. We selected the AAA-graded Brazilian Rosewood from the stash of material Collings had in the early aughts; and the guitar sports the finish that was the rage in that era (Collings's gloss oil varnish). The then-made promise that a varnished guitar would deliver a more open, complex tone still rings true (no pun intended). Some of the best sounding Collings guitars we've had in the shop recently are varnished instruments from this period, which were given a thin, pliable finish when they were built and now have had 20 years to open up. This CJ delivers true grand-piano sound, with sweeping, ethereal balance, and glassy, round trebles. It's responsive enough to be a fingerpicker's main axe, yet it can also deliver a pure, clear growl when played aggressively with a pick. A stunner of a guitar, and a great choice for the Collings enthusiast who's looking for something special. To reiterate: this guitar has been played lovingly for 20 years. So while interested buyers should not expect a minty clean instrument, especially given a varnish finish's softness, they should expect a beautiful looking guitar with a maturity of tone impossible to find in something brand new. The body finish shows the expected scratches and pick wear consistent with regular use. Collings has just serviced the guitar at their factory, refinishing the neck, installing a new nut and saddle, and performing a complete setup. To play this instrument today -- you'd think you were holding a newly-completed CJ, though the sound you'll hear is something entirely different. As a nice bonus, this guitar comes with a now-unobtainable Collings vintage-style hardshell case built for a CJ! Interested buyers are welcome to contact us for an in-hand description.