Description

We admit - we're a bit spoiled when it comes to Collings. This I-35 Deluxe is a friendly reminder that no matter how you think an instrument will turn out, the end result is always waaaayy better.

This I-35 Deluxe features a few serious upgrades that take this modern semi-hollow electric platform and squeeze every ounce of potential out of it. Thanks to a stunning quilted maple top, the premium Mermaid Blue finish proves what a fantastic color this can be. At certain angles, the blue presents itself as a smokey grey with some deep navy ascents and softer grain structure of the quilt. Tip the guitar in a different light, and the blue finish explodes from the top with the deep ripple of the quilt. Photos do give it some justice, but it reveals itself as an absolute beauty in person.

Looks aside, how does it sound? These Deluxe variants with their carved mahogany bodies and carved maple tops seem to provide a bit more harmonic complexity and richness, but with that familiar airiness exhibited in a semi-hollow electric. The Throbak SLE 101+ pickups help deliver a powerful yet articular voice ripe with midrange punch and unmistakable vintage clarity. It's a devastatingly versatile match, capable of delivering jazz, rock, blues, and even country with the right approach.

This one scores an easy 11 on a scale of 1-10.

Price includes hardshell case.

Specs

• Premium Grade Quilt Maple Top w/ Mermaid Blue finish
• Mahogany back and sides
• Honduran mahogany neck
• Grained ivoroid body, fingerboard, headstock binding
• Kluson ABR-1 (nickel-plated zinc w/ retaining wire)
• Rosewood Fingerboard w/ Parallelogram Inlay
  
• Throbak SLE 101+ MXV Pickups
• Nut 1 11/16"
  
• Scale Length 24 7/8"
• Neck Joint Extra long mortise & tenon
• Frets Medium 18% nickel-silver
• Ebony Peghead Veneer w/ Parallelogram Inlay
• Nickel Gotoh Tuners
• Wiring 50s style
• Fingerboard Radius 12"
• SN I35211178