I tried a 9000 dollar Collings guitar...

This is certainly not a sponsored video even though it might seem like it :) I have no contact with Collings but I just wanted to share this video where I try this guitar out at The Fellowship Of Acoustics in The Netherlands. It was such a special guitar.. and the story about the blue sitka is amazing.. you can probably find info at the fellowship of acoustics website... it's apparently a Collings OM2H Custom Cocobolo Blue Sitka.
The song I'm playing is "Mountains of Illinois", written by Chet Atkins and Pat Bergeson.
Thank you to Maico Vimuto (@maico_vimuto instagram)
for filming this!
Thanks for watching!
Lessons: www.proguitar....
My website: www.emilernebr...

[@EmilErnebroGuitar]

The song I'm playing in this demo is "Mountains of Illinois", written by Chet Atkins and Pat Bergeson.. This is not a sponsored video, - I have no contact with Collings, but I just wanted to share this demo (from The Fellowship of Acoustics in The Netherlands) because I really thought this was an amazing instrument.. apparently, the "blue sitka" spruce top is reclaimed from floating Alaskan logs.. These logs were used throughout the 20th century for floating structures that supported the fishing and logging industry. The wood had been in salt water for decades, and when processed it turned out to have taken on a gray to bluish color. The wood is aged through this process, lighter in weight and also stiffer in structure.. which gives the guitar a unique sound.. pretty cool!! :)

[@Dm.ReZnikoV]

Круто!

[@pasha355]

Hoppas att de hör av sig för att du förtjänar en sådan Collings :)

[@stevefulnecky4563]

I don’t think there ARE any mountains in Illinois. Barely has skateboard hills. Nice playing though. You could get rid of the finger squeaks ( mostly ) by sanding the basses with 10 or more grades of micro-mesh sandpaper.. it isn’t quite as dead as coated strings, which are expensive and dead to start with. Good luck!

[@EmilErnebroGuitar]

@@stevefulnecky4563 The title of the song is apparently a joke, Chet was funny too!😆

[@stevefulnecky4563]

@@EmilErnebroGuitar one thing I know is that the beach in Vancouver, BC, Canada, walking distance from an area that had over 50 coffee shops ( in early 90’s ) has many hundreds of cut tree trunks, many spruce, that were floated in by the logging industry. So it’s an “ endless “ source for wood of this type. They’re just seen as driftwood by the locals. It must’ve been cheaper and easier to just float the wood from the forest to the mills downstream. There is wood in the Great Lakes that was cut over 100 years ago as well that they use to build pianos ( “ sinker mahogany “ ). In Spain they make some guitar backs out of the centuries old Front Doors of Old Churches. ( This is Wood grown from trees that are no longer in the forests. )

[@rwayne3243]

Nine thousand dollar guitar or not, that was nine million dollar playing. Incredible!!

[@leonchalita2169]

Right!?

[@sigmaman721]

Yeah probably he would sound almost the same on 2000€ Martin

[@gtrgeorge348]

@@sigmaman721 or a $500 Yamaha…

[@dmcrisp]

There’s literally 9 million people on earth that can play just like that……you should get out of your house more often

[@TheOneZenMusic]

​@@dmcrisp There's a statistic thrown around that says about 10% of humans have tried their hand at the guitar. I'd guess maybe 1/100 people worldwide can play it with any sense of musicality, and maybe 1/300 with some proficiency. Call that 30 million people. Of the 30 million "guitar players" in the world, how many do you think have reached Emil's level of skill? Of course, this "skill" also includes his touch and feel. Do you think he's in the 1%? Oh, I don't. I think he's at least an order of magnitude beyond that, and even then thirty thousand people sounds a bit generous. Regardless, at that point, comparison among artists becomes stupid. Yes, there are incredible musicians on every corner and in every dive bar. But guys like Emil are simply in a different category of the craft. Maybe if you got out more often, you'd stop being a hater and learn how to get over whatever insecurity caused you to type this comment.

[@AndyKimbel]

The Collings OM2HC has been my workhorse since about 1998/99. It constantly exceeds my expectations and does more than I ask. The guitar makes every performance just a pure joy. Although I have many guitars and have performed with quite a few, It is the Collings that draws the most attention and has so many asking me "What Kind of Guitar is that?' Looking forward to the D1!

[@solideomusical]

What type of music is it best suited for?

[@markc4768]

In spite of the ancient -45 in my photo, I'm an OM guy, thru and thru. My go to for 25 years has been a '79 Martin Custom Shop OM in Brazilian and Sitka that was specd by Stan Jay of Mandolin Bros for a well known folk rocker. Lots of players including a few virtuosos have declared it to be the best sounding, or best playing instrument (or both) that they've ever laid hands on. That may be so, but ever since I played a rosewood and sitka Collings OM2 at a guitar expo in 2010 (and as much as I love my OM) I've known in my heart that "I bought the wrong one..."

[@solideomusical]

@markc4768 For what style of music?

[@markc4768]

@@solideomusical Prine, Guy Clark, Kristofferson, Tom Paxton, and more recently Chris Stapelton and Tyler Childers

[@Yorkie285]

This guy is pure joy to listen too, his talent is at a masterclass level.

[@maicovimuto6341]

It was a pleasure to have you in front of my camera and record this Emil! 🙏

[@EmilErnebroGuitar]

You’re the best 🙌 🍻

[@ayuttaya.ambient1970]

One of the most sublime 1 minute and 45 seconds of acoustic playing I have heard in years.

[@joshcantrell8397]

Ya the end was my favorite part too! 1:45

[@kevinwatkins3856]

Doesn’t matter the make of guitar, Emil will always *make* it sound priceless.

[@stevefulnecky4563]

I believe the saying in America is, " It ain't the arrow; it's the Indian. " ( nice to have good guitar though. }

[@keary18]

yes, I agree...

[@jotacalvo]

Which is why it’s crazy for anyone to spend $9k on a guitar lol

[@darlenearseneault3356]

Agreed this guy is a great player however collings is a great guitar also , a great match here.

[@theshapeexists]

​@@jotacalvofor some people $9000 isn't a lot, but collings are amazing. I recently played a $6000 collings. It absolutely blew everything away over ever played by a long shot. If I had the money, I wouldn't hesitate buying it for how much I play.

[@baldbearded9601]

First time hearing you play. The guitar doesn't matter much.. your technique and playing is the real difference maker. I subscribed.

[@baronistheone]

If anyone "deserves" an instrument of that quality and sound, it would be you. Fine playing indeed.

[@johnmichaelginty3210]

Beautifully played & presented. What a stunning instrument. "Blue sitka"? Wow! Combined with cocobolo - can't get much more exotic than that. Worth every penny.

[@josephtyreman6966]

The first thing that strikes you (besides the skill of the player) is the even tone, the projection of each string is balanced. No annoying "B" out of place. No heavy-toned low E. It's all even.

[@Mike-jv4rz]

At 9G's I think it would be perfect-

[@WilliamMcCurdie]

That smile at the 22 second mark speaks volumes! Gorgeous playing on a stunning guitar.

[@ShinMadero]

Most beautiful cover of this song I’ve seen on the guitar. Your touch, dynamic range, and time feel is so soulful.

[@DARKLYLIT]

Beautiful, masterful playing Emil. Plus that Collings, like all Collings guitars, is stunning. Thank you!

[@haroldclark1787]

Wow, this guitar was made for you! When you pair an incomparable instrument with a true guitar virtuoso, the result is astounding. You are an amazingly talented musician. Thanks for posting this video. And keep them coming!

[@philmccrevis4493]

I'm seriously all in and encapsulated by your skill and precision. Remarkably well done.

[@z-ray-dadbod]

Beautiful playing. Someone who actually understand the dynamics of acoustic playing.

[@csnide6702]

too bad the person RECORDING it doesn't

[@gilldavidmour4199]

@@csnide6702 What should be different?

[@csnide6702]

@@gilldavidmour4199 recording level .... can't you hear the constant overloading & break-up.... ? sounds like recording guy's first day

[@gilldavidmour4199]

@@csnide6702 Sounds great to me, as in very clear and full sounding.

[@Magnum_Opus_Music]

💯✅

[@ZIgnorantProdigy]

Mannnn, you're guitar playing and harmonic game is so next level. Absolutely love watching/listening to you play

[@darinplott5186]

Incredible. Loved the harmonics at the end sent shivers down my spine.

[@robertwilson6144]

I’ve had mine for two months now and am still amazed at the sensitive response - and the sheer volume!

[@GabrieleSantoro]

Collings are incredible guitars. I tried a dreadnought a couple of years ago, and I can't forget it. It was like a... bubble made of wood. Light, resonant, a waterfall of harmonics

[@leraph3904]

Try furch vintage series. Amazing

[@Bek-bl2ed]

Had that happen with a used Kopp AJ for sale… had to grab it. 😊

[@BrandonPetrucci]

Beautiful Emil ... I am such a big fan of yours my friend, your 'way' of playing is so very special. The 'secret'? heart ... plain & simple heart & soul w' excellent technique & touch. Love it & keep it up!

[@DianeLee999]

What a gorgeous sounding guitar! Well played! 💜🇺🇸

[@tedhart7708]

That was exquisite! Beautiful instrument in a master's hands. Years ago I was noodling around with several guitars at First Quality Music in Louisville, Ky. As I sat and played, there was a noticeable sympathetic resonance coming from one of the many guitars on the walls in the room. I walked around the room to determine where it was coming from and it was a Collings just singing along on its own.

[@MOAB-UT]

Things that never happened.

[@tedhart7708]

@@MOAB-UT I meant that, as I was playing, the Collings was resonating on its own. Not that it was playing a "tune."

[@MOAB-UT]

@@tedhart7708 Ok. They are nice guitars- just too pricey for me.

[@Slithh]

You did it justice brother. That sounded amazing. You are very talented and I hope you get that guitar someday! Thanks for sharing. Made my day!

[@billmaryschrouder2834]

Thanks Emil I’m a decent player, but when, you get to this level, as you know, it’s how to phrase properly. You just absolutely kill it…. So well done

[@mtidwell111]

I've been playing a Martin HD-28 for many years and this guitar rivals it in so many ways. Perfectly balanced. Beautiful, unique tone. And your playing is top notch, Emil! I wish I had $9K to get me one!

[@dosty3]

Dang dude that some sweet sounding skills you have there! What a blessing. Such great finger style

[@justanotherguy7798]

What??? Did I just witness**********! Mind blowing guitar playing, you have talent beyond talent.

[@rugbyslug]

Beautiful playing man -- wow. Soulful rendering.

[@robnic52]

Beautifully played. Great tune. The finger-squeaks only added to the performance.

[@dalroth10]

Wow! Incredible sounding instrument played supremely well, with such feel 👏👏👏👏👏

[@EmilErnebroGuitar]

Thank you so much!!

[@janosik150]

I paid 250$ curt acoustic guitar I bougths about 15 years ago, and each time I got to a store I can't find anything better.

[@tylerhandy4749]

Known as the best sounding acoustics out there, you did it justice nice work

[@solideomusical]

They are?

[@PremiumKibble]

Those little expressions of joy on your face tell the story. Amazing tone even compressed into these earbuds.🔥

[@jasonedwards4419]

Extraordinarily beautiful piece. Well played.

[@mikegilland]

Emil, you are among the best players out there. Love your touch, and gifted hammers and pulls. You have your own sound! Thank you.

[@hikerglenn]

You make that sound so great! Bravo! You can tell by your smile that the guitar really speaks to you.

[@mikestainbrook6311]

Simply beautiful playing!!Thank you!

[@bp7152]

You got the gift, my man. Great playing.

[@Mandoslicer]

Awesome picking! I picked up a D1A Torefied Shade Top about 4 months ago from an old touring buddy. I cant seem to stop playing it. When I do, I like to put it where I can see it. I’m really blown away by this particular dreadnought. Amazing tone and response.

[@timedwards5600]

Awesome guitar. Great balance in the registers. Nice song choice.

[@eastoedave]

Superb....Collings do it again!!

[@davidwilliams4023]

Great sound and great playing - most soulful and truly musical.

[@druchumley4571]

Reminds me of Pete Huttlinger and his Collings. The gold standard for steel string acoustic tone. Excellent playing. Thank you for posting.

[@allenstevens6215]

Only a few can get that sound from that guitar. Well done my friend!

[@daciuk8]

Beautiful sound and beautiful playing Emil 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🇬🇧

[@PhillipGregoryMusic]

that look at 0:23 was the same look i had when i bought my Lowden. High end acoustic guitars are just magical.

[@calkrahn9961]

I have a Lowden as well. Even had a nice lunch with George himself. Plays so smooth.

[@rayagnew8840]

The gutar! But the playing.....!!! Wow. Beautiful.

[@raystaar]

That was truly amazing. Both a musical and an auditory delight. Thank you so much.

[@martinrussell9980]

That piece fits so nicely with that instrument and player. What nuance and feel! Brilliant.

[@josephadambery6278]

That’s an incredible piece played brilliantly and a homage to Chet and Lady Collings who breathed the music

[@markmarsh27]

I'm stunned by the beauty of that guitar, but even more by your playing. That was mesmerising.

[@smandez2023]

Wow! Yes, the guitar sounds stellar...but you still have to have mad skills to make it sound like that. What beautiful playing Emil ❤

[@valueofnothing2487]

Well, the thing I noticed about the 3k guitars is you play a G chord and it's amazing, in tune, balanced, the b string is not muted, the B and D sound great. I don't have the ability to to distinguish anything more expensive that that, unfortunately.

[@davidsalo8397]

I don't have the ability of discerning even a decent $1000 guitar. But I enjoy trying! 😸

[@G_Demolished]

That’s because above $3k there are rapidly diminishing returns in sound quality.

[@milesv5352]

The big difference between a 5k guitar and a 3k guitar is the feel,….with some exceptions.

[@G_Demolished]

@@milesv5352 And often the bling.

[@terryprockiw3831]

That's something smooth that goes right to the soul. Well, well done my friend. A real pleasure.

[@Elvis241000]

Man, what a truly gifted guitarist. Beautifully done.✝️🙏🏻

[@Funny-parodies]

Pure artistry. Props to the guitar playing and the guitar as well 👍👍👍

[@authenticchristianityminis4109]

Sounds beautiful! Fantastic playing!

[@Stephenrip]

So beautiful I got lost in it. Thanks for sharing that with us. What a pleasant treat! The really great guitars are just in a different league all their own and have unique sounds all their own. But, I'd sure pay $9,000 in a heartbeat to be able to play half as great as that. You are indeed blessed.

[@Zeta0Hall]

Oh man.. that was SO beautiful. The song, and the performance. Really glad I clicked on this video. What an excellent player

[@daningram3143]

Fantastic! The bottom end is unreal!! Great example of a beautiful guitar and a beautiful touch by the player!!

[@makeaguitarnoise]

I don't follow many guitar channels. But you Tommy Emmanuel and the amazing young Player Antoine Boyer and another called Marcin are always a pleasure to listen to.

[@JeffreyRiggleman]

Yo bro….that was awesome and you are beyond terrific as a guitarist! You have my utmost respect! God has truly blessed you.

[@kennethschweighardt4920]

So beautiful, amazing talent, the song and the playing connect emotionally with the listener right away. It is music that soothes your soul. Thank-you for sharing.

[@georgebaigent8078]

What a beautiful sound. It’s so clear and mellow.

[@charlie863]

Collings should give you a free guitar

[@spatialfrance]

Yes, your playing is marvelous.

[@AndreRMeyer]

@Charlie this guy'd even get famous playing a Framus

[@beemerchef27]

I was thinking the same thing before I read your comment

[@stefbogaertguitars]

Absolutely agree on that!

[@jamesfyffe2610]

Or at least a major discount 😊 i’m sure it’s not hard to make them sound good at any level.

[@markgrafstrom1704]

You sure make it sing....what grace and finesse! Beautiful playing buddy.....

[@pickersgrip]

Emil, that was beautiful playing! The guitar matches your talent!

[@stephen25uk]

That guitar needs a player of Emil's calibre. About as good as it gets.

[@EmilErnebroGuitar]

Thank you so much!

[@conecaster]

Having known Pat for 30 years its is nice to see his music being used. Truly a remarkable talent. I am not sure Chet was involved with this piece other than recording it.

[@a2ndopynyn]

Not my normal style of music, but that was jaw-droppingly beautiful. You have a true gift, good sir. [EDIT]: Is there sheet music available for this version?

[@EmilErnebroGuitar]

Thank you sooo much!! I don’t have this written out sorry

[@mikesmusic111]

Absolutely lovely! Fantastic playing -- a real treat to hear this!

[@johnhodgetts2111]

I think this guy could make just about any guitar sound fantastic. That said, it's a great instrument. Would've liked to have heard it strummed too.

[@veazy1]

I was not familiar with this song until I saw this video. I have now listened to a dozen versions of this and this version is by far the best. Better than any others. Thanks.

[@BasilWahn]

you would make a 90 dollar guitar sound great 🙂

[@baronistheone]

I was going to comment he could make a $9.00 guitar sound good, but you beat me to it!

[@tomasvikhammerhaug4715]

I've seen many play this tune, including Chet Atkins, Tommy Emmanuel, and Richard Smith. But your version is my favorite.

[@delbertmaywald7296]

$9000 guitar sounded just like a guitar. The artist sounded priceless!

[@robbyt.5258]

True and wise words.

[@stickmanmusic5840]

I was just cruising the internet and I was curious what you'd say. Instead I got hit with a massive dose of mellow that took the edge off my evening. Your playing speaks for itself!

[@Magnum_Opus_Music]

Wow, love your gentle and controlled playing! And that guitar sounds *Amazing* 💙

[@RBProdster]

You're certainly a fine musician. You play with a lot of heart and soul, not to mention technique. The guitar is beautiful and sounds beautiful, for those who can afford it.

[@AbbieHoffmansGhost]

Over and above the stunning playing (and it was) that guitar articulated every not on every string with balance and clarity and snap. Imagine it in about 10 years. If it plays as well as it sounds it's a match for anything I've heard, even in the dreadnaught size.

[@texasaggie75]

Beautiful guitar work, friend, thank you for posting it!

[@FL-BEACH-MAN]

WOW - Both the Player and the guitar sound awesome - glad they got to meet.

[@gregoryboyce6871]

This guitar sounds absolutely beautiful in your hands. The clarity and tone is second to none. I look forward to your posts. I agree they should give you this one guitar.

[@TheDukeofDixie]

I'm so glad that this appeared on my YT feed and that I took the time to view/listen...that was an awe inspiring performance...thank you for sharing it!

[@EmilErnebroGuitar]

Thank you so much for watching!!☺️

[@keary18]

love my OM2HT - great guitar for any style of playing... beautiful playing Email - as always!

[@planespeaking]

Amazing tone. Lovely spruce top. Great playing

[@richardsegura8117]

Got a few guitars I’ve collected over the years, a couple are high end Martin’s , the one I play most all the time is an old Ovation I bought back in early nineties, the head stock broke off so I drilled a couple of holes in it and used glue and some pop rivets to repair it. Trust me ……it’s not always the price of an instrument that makes them great…..it’s a lot of other things also but mostly what appeals to one’s own musical ear and what you put into whatever you have.

[@daverenick5830]

This is what can happen when a gifted player meets a great guitar. It looks like a 000 or maybe a 00, but wow.........this is the reason you get that size instead of a dread, that sweet airy quality....just excellent all around, glad I stumbled across this.

[@mojoefelix]

As it says, at the beginning of the video, it is an OM.

[@troytempest290]

Jesus I’m almost crying…incredible playing fella. 👏

[@Wowreally42]

wow what I would give to be able to play like this! I just picked it up and boy is it difficult. So much respect.

[@jimsoloway]

That was really lovely. They build very special guitars and you've brought out the best in it.

[@randychicago5326]

Wow! You play this song better than any I have heard. Keep up the great work!!!

[@bradleyshuppert3393]

Beautiful fingerpicking and such a great sounding instrument. Such an ode to an old Martin that sounds broke in and played for years…. Except this is a new guitar!!! Love those harmonic chimes!!! Perfect ad for this guitar!!

[@mikejwordsandmusic]

Wow. Beautiful sounding guitar, and you played it beautifully. So tasteful on your hammers and pull-offs! Flawless!!

[@TruthSurge]

love those harmonics. little string squeeky here and there but... sounded nice. Not sure if it was $9000 nice but okay.

[@stephenbedford1395]

Mate, that was some beautiful playing... sublime, thanks.

[@USNAVDC]

Well, that sounds pretty AWESOME to me!.....A $9,000 guitar and a $100,000 worth of talent! Beautiful playing buddy and that guitar sounds amazing! Love this video!

[@paulhopkins1905]

Absolutely gorgeous playing, that guitar sounds amazing