My Waterloo WL 12

Hi, here's another of my guitars. Waterloo are a "budget" line by Collings made to resemble/emulate Kalamazoo - the budget line of Gibsons of the thirties.
However, it is questionable as to whether this model is a close replica of any particular model with its 12 fret neck to body design. There was a Gibson L-2 which was rather similar and maybe a KGn12 ? Anyway, even though it had the 1 & 3/4 nut width, it was a 12 fretters , and, well, you know I like that deal. Also it had cross bracing, an adjustable truss rod, and maple back and sides, so, I bought it.
i confess that I have become rather fond of it and is spends much of its time in my lounge in front of one of the TV stereo speaker so it'll only get better.
BTW at the time of writing, it is wearing some of those Martin retro monels ...not so sure about them as yet!

[@tedparkinson6892]

Great story! I have a WL14x and the 12 fret Stella Deluxe, so two Waterloos and zero Collings. I love their punchy sounds and the Stella is gorgeous and perfect for fingerpicking. The WL14x has beautiful mids and full bodied highs, but not great bass. I had a K&K mini installed and through an amp it has an amazing 'roots' sound. I would not call them "budget" (especially with the 2022 prices!). They are simply their own vibe and much different from the rest of the Collings line.

[@SillyMoustache]

Thank you . and thanks tor watching, glad you found it informative.

[@angiesiddall9563]

That Waterloo is a very attractive looking and has a really nice tone to it. I'd like to hear a whole song played on it, when you feel up to singing again Andy. Thanks for sharing your video.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi, I'm shocked at how few songs I've done with it ! however, check these : kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHecnYVtm7SknrM and kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqfOknieiLeUjK8 and kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqO7hGZsjNCDoc0 It will have been strung with EJ16s. Thanks for your interest.

[@julesV1223]

This great Waterloo of yours inspired me to find my guitar bliss with two similar, 12-fret, custom shop Martins: a 00-18 and a 00-21. These guitars suit me perfectly at this stage and age. Thanks for the inspiration to look into these types of guitars. I love them.

[@SillyMoustache]

It seems that people are now realising the benefits of smaller guitars which have been neglected for dreads and jumbos. I think it is possibly due to guitar players of my generation getting older, and fatter and when couch playing and developing shoulder issues.

[@TheDennzio]

Can't find these anymore as they stopped production...used ones sell for more than new. Thanks SM love you man.

[@SillyMoustache]

Yup True Dennis, but their website is till up so, maybe, one day! Thanks for watching.

[@jimbertrand2499]

Very nice indeed Andy. I also have 3 maple back and sides guitars (two of them 12 strings) and yes the maple is super responsive. Loud like mahogany but sharper as opposed to the richness of mahogany. The 12 strings are wonderful and namer Churchbells and Precious. Correction... I have a 4th, a 612 Taylor that I rarely play but it also has a very nice tone. Thanks for sharing!

[@SillyMoustache]

Good to know!

[@petergoddard1960]

Its a super guitar, Andy. Thank goodness you hung onto it and it grew on/with you. I’m always a little confused with Gibsonesque guitars for they seen to follow their own size nomenclature. So a Gibson 00 is not the same as a Martin 00? They seem to call their slope dreadnoughts jumbo’s but also offer jumbos that are much bigger as well. I will wrap my head around it one day, if only for completeness, as I’m too concerned with consistency and quality of build to venture a lot of cash into the Gibson brand. I understand they have their devoted fans, and good on them. They’re just not for me. As for that Waterloo, well thats about as GAS worthy as the rest of your stable! Mmmmmm.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi again Peter, Yes, gibson developed their own shapes and proportions. Remember , they didn't start making flat tops until about 1926, and changed the specs at will. In fact, if this is the same shape as a Gibson L-00 then the dimensions are not that different from a Martin 00. They introduced the jumbo in 1934 - same year as the Martin 14 fret but possibly influenced by the 12 fret dread of 1931. A Jumbo is NOT a dreadnought - whilst they are both "larger" guitars the internal bracing is different as are other design aspects. I wonder if car nuts refer to Ford Corvettes or Chevy Mustangs?

[@andybowen1249]

This was the one I’ve been waiting for. The amazing Julian Lang, didn’t think that vintage, woody tone could be found in a new instrument until he played one of these. GAS syndrome lol that’s good.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Andy, did you mean Julian Lage ? but yes I think they've pretty much achieved it.

[@andybowen1249]

Yes him even( the wonders of spellcheck)

[@kenschachsieck1357]

Sorry to hear of your medical issues, and I hope they are in your past and you are well! I also am a Collings fan and would like to have a go at a Waterloo. Alas, my bride does not share my gas...

[@SillyMoustache]

Thank you Ken. The Waterloos are an acquired taste but I enjoy mine a lot now that it has had a couple of years to open up.

[@kenschachsieck1357]

@@SillyMoustache when I was actively adding guitars I passed on several chances to add a 30's Kalamazoo or gibson lg..and I regret not doing so..

[@SillyMoustache]

@@kenschachsieck1357 - This all started when a frind came to my club with a rebuilt Kalamazoo, and I didn't want to let go of it! The Waterloo is a great alternative and of course, better built.

[@Buttermilk3696]

What a great sounding instrument!

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Andy, it is certainly "different" with a maple B& S, and built to sound like an old Gibson Kalamazoo it has a very different quality to most of my other instruments. Thanks for watching

[@JinderSongs]

What a beauty! I have been looking at these for some time. I tried the Kel Kroyden-alike Waterloo and enjoyed it a great deal, but it felt kind of closed off and very "new". I think one of these would suit me better...interesting to hear about it opening up nicely.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi, thanks for watching.

[@mikeyankie9594]

Makes me think I should have kept mine...

[@SillyMoustache]

@@mikeyankie9594 like most acoustics, they need to open up and learn your style like you learn theirs.

[@mikeyankie9594]

@@SillyMoustache Thanks Silly, I'm a hard learner.

[@The__bone__man]

These are great videos man

[@SillyMoustache]

Thank you Patrick, glad you find them useful. There are quite a lot of them now - so please consider subscribing and having a look though my "back catalogue". I strive to answer all questions and comments. Regards,

[@christianjordan3713]

Amazing guitar what a beauty

[@SillyMoustache]

We are getting used to each other , thanks.

[@andylundberg5097]

Well I think it was good to keep it I’m like in the way it sounds

[@SillyMoustache]

Yeah, me too - thanks.

[@petermazzapica8032]

I agree w12 Waterloo not suitable for bluegrass. Thank you for the advice

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi, however, a great blues box!

[@DugMcClure]

Cheers, and thanks!

[@SillyMoustache]

Thank you too!

[@paulrich6307]

Quick question regarding modifying acoustic guitars. I bought a Waterloo WL-S Deluxe and really like it as you like your Waterloo WL-12. The WL-S Deluxe is also a cherry wood back & sides, a 12 fret and sounds great. My issue is that I'm finding the V-neck too sharp/big for my taste. I like a C or perhaps D shape that is a very shallow neck. I am thinking of modifying the neck, but I'm concerned that it is not possible or will change the instrument too much away from the historic reasons for creating this guitar. Thoughts? Thanks as always for your advice!

[@SillyMoustache]

I proposed this to Collings regarding a Dreadnought that I had which was outside specs. They resolved it, however I cannot recommend modifying your WLS. The WL12 has a fairly rounded profile. Perhaps that might be a better fit for you.

[@lelandbailey2326]

Your video helped supplied me with the GAS I needed last weekend, when I finally found a used WL-12 within a 4 hour drive here in the State of New York. I don't know when it was made but you said yours is a 2016. The serial number is 695, do you think it fits into 2016? Last year my GAS resulted in a Martin 00-17s, which is very similar in style, but also very different in sound. Thank you for all your very informative and entertaining videos.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Leland, my WL12 is #1151 and was bought new in November 2016. I suggest you email : [e-mail] (general inquiries). You will most likely get a response from a young man called Mark who has always proven most helpful.

[@lelandbailey2326]

@@SillyMoustache Thank for the suggestion. I emailed customer service and Mark promptly replied with 4/1/2016.

[@worker611]

Hello Andy, thanks for another entertaining and informative video. When you say light gauge strings what size are they, different manufacturer seem to have different ideas as to what a light gauge set is.

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi, generally, I use D'addario strings, and this guitar was wearing EJ16s - 12-53. Most are within a .001" of variance I think. Thanks for watching!

[@longjonwhite]

Hi Andy. I have tried monels on several guitars including the WL12 I once owned. I hate them, I find them very harsh and metallic , “clangy” with very little sustain or overtones, “banjoish”, but not in a good way ! Of course, YMMV and it won’t break the bank to judge for yourself. Devotees on the forums do say they need a bit of breaking in to reach their best and then they remain fresh for ages, I will be interested to hear how they sounds in your hands. Cheers, LJ

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Jon, that was my initial impression too. However them thar AGF folks are telling me -"leave 'em on for a week, month, whatever, so I'm giving them a good chance. I must confess that "white metal" wrappings don't seem to look right to me on a flat top.

[@gregalderson128]

Is the one you have X braced or Ladder braced? If you ever decide to sell it, I would love for you to let me know! Seriously!

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Greg, I believe that all WL12s are x braced. No plans to sell currently, but you never know!

[@sannojohasshu7590]

Hi Andy Another beauty! About the resonance from the radio for 6 months - Do you think if the radio played music instead of being talk radio - that would have made a difference?

[@SillyMoustache]

This was my theory that it doesn't matter, but you raise an interesting point, so with my 00 and my old Gibson archtop haging in place, I've just experimented with Radio 2 and Radio 2 (MOR pop) and Radio 3 (classical) and I must admit that I could feel the tops vibrating more with the pop music. However, I am old and cannot take that noise any more. Maybe slower and longer is better ? (It's just magic really!)

[@longjonwhite]

Andy, I know you have a ToneRite and I am a fellow believer; but I seem to recall reading (on AGF , maybe ? ) about a rival gadget. This thing worked by playing your own choice of music , from headphone socket, through some little suction cups placed on the guitar top. I believe that was supposed to make the whole top behave like a speaker cone and produced eerie sounds when in use. No idea what it was called, possibly dreamt the whole thing......

[@sannojohasshu7590]

Silly Moustache Yes it’s magic. I’ll never forget the sensation of the first time I played with another acoustic guitarist- my guitar “resonated” with the other guitar. Brought me to tears.

[@Buttermilk3696]

How about a comparison on your Eastman and Waterloo? Thanks!

[@SillyMoustache]

Ok, I'll think about that.

[@ironmonkey5773]

Hello if you are thinking of maybe selling it (again ) please let me know , great playing . Many thanks

[@SillyMoustache]

Thanks but I have no plans to do so presently.

[@petermazzapica8032]

Is it suitable to bluegrass flatpicking?

[@SillyMoustache]

I Peter, well you can 0lay any style on any guitar, but the light gauge strings (12-53) and short scale wouldn't really do the job of a dreadnought.For me it is the ultimate blues box, althought I have played country/old time rhythm, at jams with it. It's a very pleasing and responsive guitar with the maple back giving a sharp, staccato response.

[@anthonykelly5]

Tis a beauty.btw how did h manage to loose that weight.

[@longjonwhite]

@Anthony K. The cancer diet, not recommended for everyone.....

[@SillyMoustache]

How did I lose 40lbs in about 40 days? Easy, I got throat cancer. The treatment pretty much destroyed my mouth and throat and I couldn't eat, but I refused to have feeding tubes installed down my nose. My eating is still compromised and I have no saliva glands, hence the constant water and (thank goodness) tea!

[@mikeyankie9594]

Sounds great, truss rod or no?

[@SillyMoustache]

adjustable truss rod -yes!

[@audreygiamlayhoon]

Is this the one with ladder braced top?

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi, no. I chose it because it was both a 12 fretter, and X braced.

[@audreygiamlayhoon]

@@SillyMoustache Thank you! I'm learning a lot from you😀

[@michelpernod4000]

talk talk talk way to much !

[@SillyMoustache]

Oh Dear! I am so sorry! Perhaps you didn't understand that this is part of a series of the backgrounds to my guitars and NOT a marketing review or demo. Either that, or you are referring to the three unwanted and unapproved adverts that KZbin has forced onto an 8 minute video.

[@shermanbanker6793]

play it more talk some less😊

[@SillyMoustache]

Sir, as clearly stated this is one of a series "talking" about my guitars - the story of my acquisitions if you will (or if you don't) rather than reviews or sales pitches. I am a singer-guitarist and there are videos of my playing all of them elsewhere, such as this : kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2LCZXWPeLRrec0 and this kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJLPY4uFqdOgnJo and this kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6Srm3ekjJ6teM0 Please note, that I do not seek patreon or other payments for my videos, I do them to show and teach and help and share others. I teach, when requested, but I don't take instruction.