Buying a 2016 Waterloo WL-S made by

#WaterlooGuitar #12fret #slopeshoulder
Here's the story on how I bought this Waterloo (by ‪@CollingsGuitars‬ ) WL-S for $1,500 in the Shenandoah Valley.
I'm Jeremy Sheppard, the Guitar Hunter. Find great guitars that make you a better player and fill the world with music and friendship.
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[@lduplago]

Love your song! Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer at 51 and given 18 months to live. I'll be 71 this year, you never know where life will take you. Wish you well!

[@pelicanhead]

Good for you buddy.

[@bsmith8943]

Congratulations and keep fighting the fight

[@spencertherren6806]

How'd you survive? Honestly curious.👍

[@lduplago]

Changed my diet to 8oz of pomagraniite juice daily, no red meat, no refined sugar, high soy protein AND saw an MD in Cleveland. Dr. Nemeh. He is a faith healer and an MD. Always thought they were frauds and NEVER believed what they did was real. Saw him at a Catholic Church and watched as most people fell to the ground, I new it was BS BUT, when he came to me I was overwhelmed by something and when I did fall backwards it felt amazing. Saw him many times after and always the same. Very humbling experience. Also did chemo for 6 months and surgery. I know how blessed I am to be here, and never take it for granted. Not to preach but always felt that my life was in God's hands. Take care. If you know anyone with prostate cancer and have more questions I would be happy to give more info. My wife and I are nurses and it's been a crazy, interesting ride.@@spencertherren6806

[@hahahallo12]

I pray 🙏 ❤Please Jesus heal this lovely man and give him grace to believe in you . Much comfort and strength dear sir ❤

[@aamapes]

Your song really speaks to me, Jeremy. I’m pushing 70 and hoping to stay around to see 2 little granddaughters grow up.

[@chadgranoff5698]

A keeper for me too. So versatile. NOT a one trick blues pony. It works for folk, gypsy jazz, fingerstyle, country, bluegrass, Americana, swing, and anything!! And its light and LOUD. Nice Harvest Moon btw!

[@DeltaBlues61]

I've got a WL-S. It's incredible. I've had it for years and I'm in love with it. I haven't bought any other guitars since. It's the best (for me)! Collings built pure magic with this model.

[@williamstevens7648]

The story attached to that song at the end makes it powerful. I cant wait to hear it recorded, good job dude.

[@martinbrault7791]

I have a WL-14, ladder brace. I drove 7 hours to try it out at Folkway Music in Toronto five years ago despite all models in stock being sold. Love at first sight. And I waited 8 months before the factory could deliver my order. This year I bought a used Waterloo Jumbo King. These are two guitars that I will never part with.

[@cliffordbachison8093]

I am wondering if you have any thoughts or experience with the Yamaha Handmade L26, L36 and L56 guitars? I think I have the models right but maybe not. I think these are custom made in Japan by a Japanese luthier and his 16 helpers without any power tools, all by hand. At least that is the story I have been hearing on the Internet. I have not seen or played one, just wondering if you have. I appreciate your channel. I have been watching you for a while now.

[@jeffbaker2376]

I completely agree, as I have recently won a Waterloo WL-14 ladder braced guitar from Tony's Acoustic Guitar Challenge. Completely flipped me out how good it sounds & how easy to play.

[@JeremySheppard]

Wowowo! Congrats!

[@jjallyn3151]

This video and the sound of this guitar set me on a quest to find one, while they were not being made because of Covid and they’re focusing on Collings line primarily. I finally found a used one and I am in love with it. Thank you for the exposure to a guitar I would have never met otherwise. Now a favorite!

[@Buddy.Butler]

i think its because it is a 12 fret neck that you like it. The last acoustic I purchased is a 12 fret 0000-18 and when comparing the 12 fret and 14 fret guitars there was a huge difference in tone and feel. I love my 12 fret guitar.

[@caveatemp]

It's not unusual. ALL Collings guitars are stellar.

[@michaeldeaves7566]

Jeremy let your God given talent shine from a 68yr old vet love you young man!!! Thank you!!!

[@richardjohnson9702]

This is proof that some guitars are better than their counterparts. It's also proof that a SMALL percentage of guitars ARE just special, magical, whatever you want to call It...... Lucky man Jeremy!!!!! When/IF you sell this one, you're gonna do some serious soul searching!!!!!

[@gr6914]

Sometimes a guitar just works, I have heard it myself. I'm not sure how rare it is that a guitar sets itself apart from its brethren, but it is a pretty cool thing when it does happen. The player can feel it, and I think it can be heard in the sound.

[@day_man]

Stopped at shop while headed through Wisconsin about a year back. They had $5000 small bodied sprucetop Collings. Probably the most eloquent and responsive guitar I've ever played with volume to boast. Love your videos man.

[@laurenstone6420]

All us true music instrument lovers totally understand your highs and lows. Your fantastic... lucky kids! God Speed 😊😎👌

[@rogerd9150]

This is perhaps my favorite video that you’ve done. So heartfelt. But I have immensely enjoyed all of your videos Jeremy. I live I Texas and always thought how cool it would be to own a Texas made guitar. Maybe I need to look into a Waterloo. Keep up the great work Jeremy.

[@tywoodruff8578]

If you get to the Austin area when the world returns to some semblance of normal, maybe Collings will be back to doing factory tours Friday afternoons. Fun, really interesting couple hours.

[@rogerd9150]

@@tywoodruff8578 Hello Ty. Yes I’ve always wanted to do that. Hopefully this madness will be over sooner than later! Take care

[@HollowayIP]

I like the song, "Wanta Grow Old." You'll get there. Happiness is the key. The guitar is happiness and find other things to add into the mix for happy everyday.

[@stratocactus]

One of the most beautiful sounding guitar I've ever played was a 100+ years old 7 strings Russian guitar. Ladder braced, slim body (80 mm deep), and tilt angle mechanism for the neck (Stauffer style). I think there are a lot of misconceptions in the guitar making world, about what's supposed to make a guitar sound good or not. It's such an interesting craft.

[@obiwanudonnome814]

I couldn't agree with your last line more. I am almost as fascinated by and, frankly, as in love with the physics, design, art, and craftsmanship involved in luthiery as I am with listening to and playing guitars.

[@bigmac51290]

That might be the best sounding ladder braced guitar I've ever heard. The ones I've played do have a lot of initial punch but the notes fall off quickly, that one has surprising sustain but still has that really raw woody sound.

[@MrWilly2204]

That's the biggest sounding little guitar I've ever heard. Thing sounds massive. Excellent for recoriding.

[@petergoddard1960]

I honestly haven't looked forward to a video more in such a long time. This Waterloo is beyond doubt the one guitar I want to own. Not easy currently in the UK, even new they are fairly rare. If one came up used I'd be all over it. I patiently wait until one does show, even new.

[@shawnadams1693]

Congrats, man, very happy for you!!

[@colindamo]

Hi Jeremy your video Is an awesome showcase for the Waterloo guitars. I own 2 Waterloo’s a scissor tail and a jumbo king standard but with Indian Rosewood back and sides. They’re both left-handed as well. It’s good to hear that this guitar made you write songs and inspired you. Because that is exactly what both my guitars have done for me as well. Excellent work on your video Jeremy. RIP Bill Collings

[@rdmkeytohwy]

I am seriously considering a new acoustic guitar and I knew these Waterloo’s would be pretty good. Thanks for the great pics and playing examples. Beautiful instrument.

[@matthewfrench1123]

Collings just does something special. I traded, grinder and flipped stuff for years and got my Collings D1 this year. There is just something about what they do.

[@christopherparis1173]

I’m so glad you found that, a guitar that sings to you is the very best! It’s a special one, I got the sense through the video and TV speakers. Watching for a few minutes, I had to stop and play a while. Wonderful! 😎👍 Edit: Sing it! Nice! 😎

[@wilkowilkinson4864]

... that is one sweet sounding guitar Jeremy. Love your channel and the videos are so helpful and informative. Keep up the great work buddy...

[@OriginalClaw]

Let me tell you right now Jeremy... if you think the WL-S is all that, wait until you try the WL-K. Every one of these Waterloos I have had the opportunity to play, I have been impressed with. You're absolutely correct about the build quality/materials being the defining factor that separates these guitars from the old gibsons etc... Nice video. Keep up the good work. Oh, and I subscribed. BTW.... Great song!!!

[@endo-poptart]

Dude, you are amazing! I'm so glad to have found your channel! Your knowledge is vast and the enthusiasm for guitar is infectious. Love the song!

[@BoatersMarineSpply]

Jeremy, I agree that Waterloo guitar sounds wonderful. Soothing warm lows, middle, and clean highs. Love your videos, enthusiasm and honesty! Refreshing w/ all that's going on these days. Thanks, Louisville mediocre picker

[@canoma98]

The first time I consciously registered a Waterloo guitar was at a Ryan Bingham show here in Cologne. A Parlor model from which he got unbelievably good sound. Collings is already building insanely good instruments.

[@RandyCantrell]

Very nice. The guitar and your song. Especially the song. Happy to see the guitar become your newest muse!

[@gr6914]

~"when you get the right guitar in your lap you learn new things about yourself."

[@Tbone1952]

I understand your feeling of the guitar speaking to you. I recently purchased a 37 year old Yairi guitar that doesn't look like it's ever been played, I fell in love with it, drove 5 hours to look at it and buy it, I had cash, some in one pocket the rest in the other pocket, a trick I learned from you. I got it for one pocket of cash! I brought it home did a setup on it including new strings. I have not been able to put it down, it's the best playing and sounding guitar I've ever played. I have 4 other guitars, nice ones but this one is special. Great video !!!!! Keep them coming.

[@1boortzfan]

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is prophesy, today is a gift which is why we call it the present.

[@kellycollins1960]

Thank You Jeremy! And Good Bless You❤️

[@awabbievet]

You lucked out on that guitar. It looks and sounds great. Checking the web they’re going for over 3 grand. Hang on to it.

[@joeyride58]

Thanx for takin the time to share your story / thoughts / and song about the courage thing... Mee Tooooo !!! My new Johnny Cash D X does that 4 me... Needs more Martin's indeed 👊😁

[@richardhoran6360]

I bought the WLS-14X. One of the greatest I’ve ever bought or played. So much punch and so LOUD.

[@georgebailey3786]

I agree with you Jeremy! Got my Waterloo WL-14 a few months ago. They are great sounding and playing guitars in my experience. With the WL-14 being a clone of the Kalamazoo KG-14 only with the exception of a truss rod in the neck. I have found the ladder bracing to produce a very balanced sound. No booming bass, no sharp trebles. Just right in my opinion.

[@jasoncalderon5415]

Jeremy I recently found your channel, and what a breath of fresh air it is! I few weeks ago I purchased a Waterloo WL-KTR and every explanation you gave of how your Waterloo makes you feel and how it feels when you play it are spot on to exactly what I’ve experienced, playing mine. Waterloo (Collings) has truly created something magical with this line of acoustics. I’ve played guitar for 24 years and haven’t been this excited to play since I first began. This guitar has relit a passion to play and discover new things again, I can’t put it down. Great video & such a lovely song!! Thank you & please keep these videos coming.

[@JeremySheppard]

Glad were connected, Jason! I love my Waterloo!

[@michaellaverty1844]

I love everything about this guitar. The looks, small bodied, big sound. Congrats on

[@StefanGBucher]

Got myself a used X-braced Scissortail on Reverb, and it worked out SO well! It's so inspiring! The vibration is NUTS!

[@JeremySheppard]

I haven't put this one down since this video.

[@andrewhumphrey1047]

I feel like the waterloo line is probably Bill Collings Magnum Opus of sorts. They are something he always wanted to build as an ode to the craft of early guitar making and they are all so awesome. I really can't stress how comfortable a small 12 fret guitar is to play, not only sitting down but standing with a strap.

[@JeremySheppard]

Could not agree more.

[@basanova3382]

I stumbled upon your channel and thoroughly enjoy. I've recently picked up a couple old neglected parlor guitars and with a little work brought them back to play again. They've thanked me with cool tones. Jeremy enjoy the Waterloo, she found you. Sometimes good souls get rewarded. Stay healthy.

[@C-DM96]

Need to hear more of your originals !

[@sionetane]

I picked one of these up a few months ago and it is fantastic! It made my day to see you love it so very much.

[@dwoodinnyc]

I own 2 of these and a deluxe version. And having owned lots and lots of very nice high end guitars these and the wl-k’s and the wl-14x braced guitars are probably the best guitars on planet earth to my ear. Especially for the money.

[@tcjensen1]

Got a WL-14 XTR yesterday. Absolutely love it.

[@laurenswindlehurst8484]

I just started to learn Harvest Moon on guitar today. What a freaky coincidence when I opened this video to hear you playing it. Great video!

[@jadeedmundson5715]

Beautiful sounding guitar, congrats! And, wonderful original, love it!

[@johnwashburn3793]

This is truly a player's guitar and you are on my prayer list now. 🙏

[@briandesjardins728]

Cool guitar man! I'm a builder at Bourgeois and one of my favorites is our LDBO deep body an L-00 with mahogany. It's thr most versatile guitar I've ever played! I love that paint job too! Your absolutely right. When you find YOUR guitar your constantly inspired, this is how I felt the moment I strummed my Furch Yellow Masters Cedar Indian rose Grand auditorium. Everytime I play it I get inspired. Wish you good health my friend. Come take that Bourgeois shop tour!!

[@rmzzz76]

Waterloo WL-S is one of the guitars at the top of my list... Played one of these at Fullers Guitars in Houston a few years back, although my collection has kept me from having GAS for years the Waterloo haunts me.... Just an amazing instrument.

[@HenryPipes]

I personally didn’t hear it with this one until you sang your original at the end. Wow, that guitar really fits you! Sometimes a guitar just comes out of nowhere and really surprises you. I found that out firsthand recently when a really spectacular J-45 fell into my lap a month ago. As a Martin guy I never really gave Gibson much thought, but when I played that J45 I was stunned. Then I traded my D-28 for it! Some guitars are such a pleasant surprise. Glad you found a good one Jeremy.

[@user-yl3dw9py4j]

Jeremy this Waterloo is so sweet and just sings, , love your passion man, what a find, love all your vids...enjoy the Waterloo...lager & ale..

[@russellsmith6881]

Enjoyed your original song and great lyrics, also you performing it. I was singing along..

[@macoper8er]

Thank you for sharing your story! Your an inspiration to anyone who loves making music!

[@JeremySheppard]

Thanks, Rich!

[@johnagel419]

Enjoyed your performance as well. Thanks for sharing!

[@norm302]

This is the first time I've watched one of your videos, and I subscribed right away. You've got to make your music. I can't wait to hear more of it.

[@davesworld1460]

Glad you shared the song. Beautiful!

[@h.sinclair]

that thing sounds beautiful Jeremy (and of course your playing makes it sing), but yeah what a find. The thing rings out sweetly!!! 🔥

[@roymoderatto]

Live’s brief and wonderful! Publish the album, keep the keepers and enjoy every single moment. Cool video, amazing little guitar!

[@ronleatherwood4398]

You have an amazing old soul than shows in your music! Good luck and wish you well!

[@jeremiebau]

Man I request one song each new guitar you present ! I loved it !

[@thepokerpilotapp]

Wow! Excellent song. Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@lebe220]

Karl Miner (North American Guitar) privately plays Gibson J45 and a Waterloo. He mainly does flat picking.

[@PaisleyPatchouli]

I'm sorry you eventually had to sell it. I currently have one, and really love it. I also have two versions of their WL-K - they are bigger, at 00 size - but also sound amazing. I recently found an amazing 1933 Kalamazoo KG-11 which is so much like the Waterloos, you can really see that Bill Collings got his inspiration from an old Kalamazoo which apparently sat on his desk for a decade. Anyway, I guess you've been without your WL-S for a year or so; do you miss it a lot? Have you found any other Waterloos for sale? I really wanted to get a WL-S Deluxe with all the beautiful marquetry and hand rubbed finish; they are amazing. Collings is now only making one Waterloo guitar a month, apparently just to keep the brand alive, but they are so understaffed since COVID that they've had to set aside Waterloo for now. It's a shame, as the brand was really taking off with singer/songwriters and touring players. I'll probably be looking to let mine go soon, as I'm old and have lately been really ill, and not able to play much. I keep hoping I'll get some decent medical care and make a rebound, but nothing's guaranteed...

[@bibliophile2707]

I have toured their shop. Everything is so meticulously done. It was very impressive.

[@Richard_Lush]

Sounds great Jeremy! Singing is tough. We all criticize our selves. It’s the most open vulnerable thing a guitarist or any musician can do. Trust your voice it’s good.👍

[@Richard_Lush]

Keep up the good work. I like that you don’t just fixate on higher end guitars. There are a lot of folks looking to get into guitar but are dissuaded due to either the fact that to get a decent guitar you have to spend a mint or they’ll sound crappy. Eastman is one of those companies where you get an almost boutique type guitar for a fraction of the price. My personal preference is Gibson or Martin but that may not be attainable for some.

[@xkukubax]

Your vocals has a remote Billy Corgan vibe - I like it! Great piece Jeremy. Stay around.

[@JeremySheppard]

Thanks! That's high praise, I love Billy Corgan!

[@martinbolt6906]

Never stop playing your songs. Record this even if its not perfect in your mind. Because the beauty is perfect imperfection i think. Love to see you play and i am jealous about that guitar. I think it put me in a good direction for buying a good guitar.

[@dbkoala]

A little Iron & Wine. Nice. Great sounding guitar Jeremy. I've been eyeballing one as well.

[@jamesjams5085]

Even on the video I can hear the even Resonance from each string... Beautiful.

[@buddyd1069]

JS, maybe this guitar is a lot like you. They didn't see ya coming. I love your enthusiasm and passion. Never quit.

[@JeremySheppard]

Wow, thanks, Randy!

[@MelvinHughesatp]

I always like to think that a new (to me) guitar that speaks to me brings its own music and shares it with me.

[@billpiotter8190]

Your song is a winner. I should say “you and your song are winners”.

[@turbogrooves]

Great video! I just scored a unicorn myself; black tuxedo Waterloo WL-12. I have been looking for a while and finally got one. Mine is ca 2017 and has its share of playing character but sounds amazing! My brother has one like yours and it’s amazing how they got ladder bracing to sing (my 1937 Kalamazoo has the classic ladder brace sound). Having owned two 30’s eras Gibsons it’s amazing how they nailed these. It’s like getting a new one in 1936!

[@rong648]

Thank you for sharing your song.

[@benl2681]

Beautiful song, Jeremy.

[@mgulewich]

Damn. My high opinion of you just got raised a whole lot with your playing and singing

[@mars-lpv3458]

That song is from the heart man. . No pun intended.

[@JeremySheppard]

This is my favorite comment.

[@theclanmorrison]

Thanks for sharing your personal story mate 🙏🏼❤️

[@edhume5219]

Nice job on the review and the song Jeremy. I have a 1930’s Regal slothead that is my fav for fingerstyle. Also, your honesty about your health condition is inspiring. Get the recording done one song at a time so as not to feel like such an impossible task. Good luck.

[@BradTeena]

Umm-- Some Froggy Bottoms have ladder bracing and they sound pretty darn good!😮 And this guitar sounds awesome and I think you play awesomely so good for you! Two thumbs up.

[@ciachetti]

Beautiful song. Beautiful story

[@kindadiamons2569]

Thank you for sharing. Looking for a waterloo as well. You sealed it for me. Great song. Keep em coming!

[@tacob69]

Awesome I love not so popular guitars I guess thats why your video was recommended by KZbin.Went ahead and subscribed.Looking forward to your content.

[@ronnyskaar3737]

Perfectly good guitar. I own a Collings 002h. Would really like a waterloo. Best to you!

[@ACOUSTIC_4LOVE]

The Recipe is Decades old- All solid Woods. Braced light. Patterned after prewar Gibsons and the Early CF Martin Acoustics. Ladder Braced guitars can be very responsive. Overtime though Ladder braced guitars will develop top bulging-but that’s 40 years down the road -so enjoy it. Great Song at End👍 Heartfelt ❤️ time will fly Brother-then you’ll suddenly turn around and be old like me. God Bless🇺🇸

[@johnwashburn3793]

Jeremy, please read this and please watch this again. I did. Great song. WE are still waiting for your music! The D42 made you sing, but I have never thought of you as a blingy rosewood guy. I suppose I don't know you that well. I watch, pay attention and remember. I don't see well so I must. This is a beautiful guitar, my favorite color. It's always good when the teacher admits that he is still learning. Happy birthday. Whenever. Also, the guys who charge $100 a year or $30 a month for whatever, are making MONEY. (Tony P., David Hamburger, etc.).Perhaps you could teach dadgad or worship leaders. Find a niche and soar.

[@karlmuller1976]

Mate this song is awesome. The guitar sounds beautiful and your voice it great. Choked me up man ❤️

[@Klemmytime]

Nice job! Guitar fits the song. Really enjoy your videos and your heart. Keep it up!

[@chrisbethea4750]

I love the song man!!! You played the first two chords and I had to pause the video so I could grab my guitar off the wall and play along with you. Awesome awesome stuff. “All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given us” JRR TOLKIEN- LOTR (Fellowship) You have chosen beautifully my friend.

[@andyroberts792]

Rock on, Jeremy.

[@stonersteve420]

Great looking. Great sounding. The price was right. Score man. Thanks for sharing.

[@JeremySheppard]

This is still my favorite guitar and a constant songwriting partner.

[@stonersteve420]

@@JeremySheppard I'm also delighted to find your channel. You seem to mix a passion for the gear with a passion for music that is highly relatable. And I dig your personality. Very humble and easy going. Please keep it up. I look forward to many more of your videos.

[@mcmule2007]

Dude where you been ;) Love my 2015 Waterloo WL-14L t-bar. Congrats on acquiring an inspirational guitar and very nice tune

[@Ledzepfan88]

congrats on your new baby! it compliments your voice really nicely, great playing. happy hunting!

[@msinger5340]

Had a WL-K for a while. Had to sell it to pay some other bills. I went into it the same way you did, skeptical that I wouldn't like the sound. I wasn't totally knocked out being used to Martins & Larrivees. However, the playabiilty and weight were extremely addicting .I must admit I miss it. Might try the ladder braced this time. Never imagined they would sound as good as your demo. Just an excellent video, very well done sir. I am pretty sure I have not seen the last of a Waterloo in my collection! Of course being made by Collings is huge. My OM1 was the nicest guitar I have owned(so far!)

[@andrewbowen8122]

So cool Jeremy, love your honesty about these deals as opposed to the usual hush, hush type of stuff which is helpful to nobody. Lest not forget the genius of Bill Collings who made super high end guitars but had a Kalamazoo and wanted to experiment as Gibson did, with making a less labour intensive and “cheaper” guitar? You should check out silly moustache on KZbin for his own Waterloo story.

[@falcon8553]

Great words about the life one desires!

[@TheCamerai2i]

Thanks for the story and review. Very nice guitar for sure. You have a nice voice.