Flawless build, rich tone & lightweight feel - this Collings I-35 Deluxe blends Les Paul punch with 335 airiness in a boutique semi-hollow package.

If you’ve spent any time exploring the world of boutique electrics, you’ve undoubtedly come across Collings Guitars. Based in Austin, TX, this small shop of about 70 craftspeople builds some of the most respected acoustic guitars, electrics, and mandolins on the market today.

Collings has earned its reputation through relentless consistency - flawless build quality, exceptional tone, and unmatched playability. When customers call us asking, “Is this one good?” we have to remind them: they’re all good. Simply put, Collings doesn’t let anything out the door unless it’s perfect. That kind of quality control is rare - you can definitely feel it when you sit down with one - especially with carved maple tops, where every piece of wood adds its own tonal character. Unlike laminate construction, which offers more predictability, carved tops give you wider EQ and a touch more dynamic range. Paired with a mahogany body, the result is a semi-hollow that blends the airiness of a 335 with the punch and girth of a Les Paul. Clean tones feel open and sweet; overdriven, it delivers rich sustain with just the right amount of bite.

And then there’s the playability - simply outstanding. Collings fretwork is second to none, and the medium neck profile will feel great to just about any player. One of the best surprises? The weight. This 2015 I-35 Deluxe clocks in at just 6lbs 13oz. That’s remarkably light for a carved-top semi-hollow and makes the guitar feel just as inspiring to hold as it is to play.