I Should Have Bought This Guitar

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Earlier this week I had a chance to play the Collings 470JL, honestly one of the best guitars I've ever had the chance to play, and looking back on it, I should have brought it home. I think this is the one that got away.
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[@thedaver8]

We all knew this video was coming. LOL! Everyone wanted Rhett to get that guitar!

[@chrisb8193]

Someone once said “Don’t be sad that it’s ending. Instead: smile that is happened” Rather than being bummed that guitar has sold, take solace in the fact you helped spread the word about an incredible instrument and the fact that you got your hands on a Collings at all (most of us will never be so lucky). Plus, now that they’re on your radar, there might be a guitar they build that’s even better suited for your particular style and you’ll for sure have fun hunting for your own Collings.

[@DannyBrooks1]

When you find a guitar that makes you want to never stop playing it then you should buy it.

[@DannyBrooks1]

I bought a PRS Modern Eagle 1 Singlecut and paid full price because it spoke to me in a way no other has ever done. 4 years later I bought another one and it too was just as meaningful.

[@robmbrooks]

I was frustrated when he walked away.

[@calvinevans6347]

Not me!!!

[@Tyler_Wilson]

Remember it like it was yesterday. Walked into a music store with my newly wed wife. Picked up a mid 1950s Gibson acoustic. It was unbelievable. I didn’t buy it. 6 months later the store burned to the ground and the guitar was lost to the fire. It still haunts me. Thankfully I have pictures with it. ♥️

[@clivematthews95]

Oh man, that’s the most tragic 😭😭😭 I feel bad for you, bro That absolutely sucks!!!!

[@dodgedandle8311]

🤦‍♂️ Tragic, and you can’t play a picture 😫😫🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️😞

[@baabaabaa-yp2jh]

Oh mate, beats my story!! What are the odds.. feel for ya fella

[@emilyadams3228]

That's even worse than someone else buying it. At least someone out there is enjoying the Collings.

[@jomiran1000]

That's...that's actually so much worse.

[@The_History_Man]

This livestream is RAW. It’s like a live therapy session and I can feel your pain and sorrow. It sounded beautiful but it’s the one that got away. But rest assured you will find the one.

[@louaguado995]

When I watched the video of you playing it you sounded so good. The moment you said you left the store without it the first thing I thought was... he's going to regret it. But I know how that feels, I had a mortgage, 2 car payments, and 3 kids to feed, so I had to pass on many great guitars in the past. 😒

[@oceantree5000]

Man, this hits hard. A month and change ago I was at a lovely little shop (where the guitar tech mangled my Casino, but that’s another story) here in town, where I saw a gorgeous roasted-pine looking “partscaster” Tele w a filtertron neck pickup, and the most perfect satin-backed roasted neck I’ve ever had in my hands. Fell in love instantly. Broke my heart to leave it there, especially for the song they were asking for it. Haven’t stopped thinking about it since. 😕

[@PaisleyPatchouli]

Rhett, I'm pretty confident in saying that Collings is SO consistent in their build quality, I'd bet the next one you play will be just as good. Maybe not exactly the same, but it will fill the same space, do the same job, literally be as good (if not better) as the one you passed on. I've played a lot of Collings', and I currently own three Collings (acoustics), two of which I bought online, sight unseen! I would usually NEVER buy an acoustic sight unseen, but I think with Collings, they are all so good (unless it had been damaged somehow) that you won't be disappointed. Just a thought... Don't beat yourself up, $8k is a lot of dough and the time will be right. You can always order one from Collings, working directly with them (they are lovely to work with on the phone) and get one that may even mean more to you than that one would have.

[@damienalvarez2957]

As someone who said that he doesn’t like PRS, “Because they’re too consistent,” I don’t think Rhett would be interested. Rhett just likes to have to tune his Gibsons halfway through each song so that he can keep his ear training as good as possible, I guess?

[@DaveBroTube]

Agreed. Order one through your favorite Collings dealer, and if it ends up *not* being magic, just refuse it - they'll have no trouble selling it.

[@emilyadams3228]

​@@damienalvarez2957My April 1983 Les Paul Studio has held tune for two months, but hey ho.

[@ryanfulldark2775]

I feel this, Rhett. The Les Paul story especially. I pulled the trigger on a 2014 custom shop ‘52 Tele that spoke to me last month. Wasn’t looking for a new guitar, but it’s exceptional. Currently eating Ramen noodles for the month!

[@hybridnoisebloom]

I just saw that video today, and right when you said you were going to take a pass on it, I knew you were going to regret it. I will add: Someday, down the road, you're going to find another one, and it's going to speak to you much the same way this one did, and you're not going to pass on that one, and all will be well. Patience will be a reward.

[@charliew830]

An alternative to that beautiful Collins is the Gretsch G6130T, Limited Edition 'Sidewinder'. I bought one about a month ago and it's now my number 1. I think it sounds and feels like the Collins when you take in to consideration that it's about a quarter to a third of the price. These were a couple of great episodes Rhett, we love this kind of stuff from you!

[@norseman61]

I loved the story about your Novo and what it took for you to buy it. Having watched your channel a couple years and admiring the quantity and quality of your gear, I was starting to think you’ve got an unlimited gear budget! This video made you more relatable to me. I hope find yourself another Collings that has the same mojo!

[@micahgerdis1008]

There is something fascinating about that feeling when you start playing " the guitar" as in an instrument that just speaks to you in a way the others don't. It will inspire you to play in a way that you didn't know was possible. It feels like a magical ability to just make you better. An instrument like that really does make you sound better, but it also makes you come up with better parts.

[@burt2800]

Completely agree. It's like everything suddenly clicks. Other guitars feel cheap or wrong in comparison. It's like you and the guitar are both trying to say the same thing and the two of you add to eachother.

[@daviddalziel884]

I recently went to a guitar shop here in Glasgow to check out an American Original 50s Strat which is discontinued now as I’d previously played one and really liked it , shell pink in colour . After trying it I then played a 90s Strat which had lace sensors fitted and it played even better than than the first one but was a bit too worn . There was a great looking 2019 Les Paul Standard 60s in unburst finish so even although I was more interested in Strats I thought “ this is a good price “ so gave it a go . It was a sensation after the two Strats , playing through an old Peavey valve combo it was so full and big tone . Went home and scratched my head … could I trade in my PRS and another guitar but by the time I’d hatched a plan it was sold . Phoned the shop “ oh yeah I remember you being in its sitting here waiting to be shipped out “ The difference of Strats to the Les Paul had totally thrown me, love my Strats but now I need to track down another 60s Les Paul Standard and hope it’s as good .

[@oldcrackadated]

I looked for the perfect Martin D-28 back in 1967 ,I went to every music store in 4 states and found it in my hometown, when I picked it up & hit one cord ,told the clerk write it up, top is made from the fastest growth Adirondack spruce ever found , sound is unique

[@iananderson1391]

I think you helped me decide on my next build! Was aiming to do a 335, but researching the trestle bracing and construction on the Collings/vintage Duo Jets swayed me.

[@MrJosten72]

I’ve missed out on a few over the years too, but I played my favourite ever bass in 1992. Was playing a ‘76 Ric at the time, which I really liked. This other was a ‘72. Crushed pearl inlays, checkered binding etc., pre-skunk stripe. At the time it was the oldest one I’d played so I was intrigued. Played one note and my jaw dropped. It was incredible. Played it for a while and it blew my mind. Bear in mind by this point I’d played thousands of basses over many years, but it was EASILY the best bass I’d ever played. Unfortunately I had no money, so I had to leave it, resigned to the fact that I’d played my favourite bass ever but would never own it, which was a bit crushing. A year later I’d saved up to buy a new amp from the same store and took my ‘76 with me to try it. There on the wall was the ‘72, reduced in a sale! I a/b’d with the ‘76 (it was leagues better) and put a deposit on it, going back the next week to collect it. It’s still the best bass I’ve ever played, and what’s more has gone up in value 10 times since then. Not that I’ll ever sell it. It’s my Excalibur. 😉

[@jean-francoisrobitaille6560]

I play guitar but I’m mainly a bass trombonist. I had the exact same experience with my main bass trombone. Outrageously over my budget… I litteraly got myself on a 4 year loan… never looked back on that decision because that horn follows me in all my music endeavors. Few years later, did the same with a custom mouthpiece that is very expensive but it made my sound wider, clearer , better, focused… I now have my set-up… no regrets. Man, go at Collings and have them build yours…

[@nazmoking3171]

Nice to see Rhett’s true yearning for that “one special guitar”. I think a lot of us know that feeling and it’s a big reason we like these videos- we can relate!

[@KrenarCilkuGuitar]

It definitely is a bucket list guitar for me. I haven't seen or played one, yet, but if Julian had a hand in making this guitar happen, I want it!

[@brentpruner]

Powerful video. Bonding. An alternate way that worked for me. Found luthier Chris “Tatalias” collaborated on every spec I always wanted. Hand built including selecting woods, carving neck shape, spec’d and signed pickups by Lindy Fralin etc. Took a while to get into cue, but the playability and bond is unmatched to anything I have. Something about knowing the person who built it. Luckily was close enough so I could be there at milestones in person.

[@davidwilliams5497]

“Someone in California got it” In a dark room somewhere in LA, Tim Pierce is cackling over Rhett’s tears.

[@thebrysmith3]

*shhhh* 🤫 Tim's got it for Rhett as a Xmas gift.

[@samuelbartlett914]

I feel your pain. I missed a beautiful Eastman T59V after going in to my local and checking it was still there for a whole week. It got purchased and I was distraught. My wife let me order one and Its my favourite guitar in my collection.

[@moctzal]

So I know it won't help with the sting of missing that guitar, but your saga with the Collings helped me to pull the trigger on a Murphy Lab J-45 that I played ~10 days ago and couldn't stop thinking about. Now that I got over the hump of making the purchase today, I'm very happy with it.

[@skinner5334]

Remember it’s about the journey and learning- not just the destination. Keep pushing brother.⚡️

[@DerekBolli]

My late father, Felix Bolli who was Swiss as I am partially, gave me some very good advice early in my life which was "always buy the best quality that you can afford to buy" which is something that I still try to adhere to all these decades later 👍 I hope you'll get the chance to buy another Collings very soon, Rhett. I think you would find owning and playing one very inspirational 👍👍👍🥰

[@dragonhed123]

I hope if you find another it still sounds like when you played it i wish u well in your future to come!!

[@mackmtl]

I had a moment like this with a guitar back in 2001. There was a music festival, and Gibson had a trailer with a bunch of guitars people could play. The closest thing to a Gibson I'd ever played was an Epiphone Les Paul, which I wasn't too impressed with so I wasn't expecting much. But I ended up trying an SG that was plugged into a POD with headphones. To this day, I remember how it felt the first time I fretted some chords on that guitar. That fretboard and neck felt so fast. I've never had an experience like that since, and still think about it to this day.

[@godinflt555]

Saw the previous video. Just from the initial video sound, I could tell the guitar was incredible. One of the most balanced sounding instruments I have heard.

[@dougcrowe1226]

Ive had a couple similar experiences- my thinline franken fender( just a fender/ gibson kind of combo . Not nearly as expensive as yours, but just the same . I had a couple friends play it so i could stand back and hear it after i played it and was struck by it. I couldn’t believe myself . Whipped out the card for that one- never have regretted it, still have it. I was acoustic hunting and after comparing some great guitars this fay settled on my Taylor 814 ce- and yup I loves it

[@phillipjelks3172]

I saw the previous video of the guitar, one of the nicest sounding I ever heard. As for it getting away... though that it did. I live by and old saying from a sign in a guitar shop that said. "I should have bought it when i saw it.". I've had too many instruments and other things get sold out from under me while I was trying to justify buying it. I don't wait anymore. I grab them as soon as I see them.

[@guildguitars6349]

A guitar that is still being produced can’t get away, so simply have Maple Street Guitars hook you up when the next one comes in, or go online like I just did and buy either the burst from Eddies Guitars in MO, or the blonde from Music Emporium in MA. There are probably more available, so make it happen! 👍

[@surfrduede]

You are messing up his play to get artist pricing directly from Collings!

[@henrymrowicki7004]

​@@surfrduedeid be there with a compass and ruler trying to invent angles to get a deal.😂

[@Kenneth-nVA]

This is 100% why I only play Godin electrics and Breedlove acoustics. I bounced around Les Pauls,Martins, Taylor’s but found that Godin and Breedloves just sounded and fit perfectly. Go with what sounds and feels right to you!

[@robertcovell2787]

Simon & Patrick Woodland cedar is no slouch either

[@emilyadams3228]

I have an Art & Lutherie (Godin subsidiary) Cherrywood Dreadnought that I bought in Spetember 2021. Last summer, I found a serial number site, and worked out that she was built on Saturday 10 August 2001. She's still pristine, and sounds gorgeous. And she stays in tune for days.

[@robertcovell2787]

@@emilyadams3228 Yup, Godin make great instruments. They kind of fly below the radar but a great many session players have adopted them ... both acoustic and electric. I've been playing a Godin LG as my "go to" for ever. I have a Strat but it just collects dust. My LG has been my main gig axe since I bought it in 2003. Recently acquired a Gretsch 5236 which I really like but my LG... still the best.

[@rodrigofalcao8858]

As a GAS sufferer I came to realise that, sometimes you can get an average guitar and make it a great guitar without having to sell a kidney. Just get to know the elements/parts that are not the best options, replace, adjust and addapt them. Having said so that Collings looks like a dream guitar (damn GAS.....) . In any case, there will probably be more to came from where that model came from. Great video, your sincere passion for guitars is a milestone

[@marcpassman7009]

Yeh. Side theme in your post is if you have a trusting relationship with your guitar shop crew and ask them about which guitar you should look at, they will point you to something special even though it may be different than what your walked in intending to play. Your Novo, your SG…. The Telecaster I just got last month. Same story -Was in my local guitar shop and asked James who I have known for a few years if he had anything interesting. Without hesitation he pointed to of all things a Fender Tele Pro 2 pine and basically said this is one of the best guitars he ever played. Played it and was like wow. Reasonably priced but hesitated. Similar rule plus corollary of don’t make the wife upset…. Went home and proceeded to think about it day and night for another week. Got lucky and was still there a week later. Wife still happy. Long story short - if it was meant to be, the guitar would be in your hands. You made some dude in California totally happy. No worries, be patient. Another one will find you and if it is meant to be, it will happen, just like your Novo and SG.

[@aathmpsn]

I listen to Julien Lage basically everyday. He's oozing with Brilliance.

[@trev3971]

Watched that video, absolutely floored that you didn't buy it after the way it made you play. Hope you find another soon.

[@05645ci]

Ouch! and you sold it out from under yourself with the video. That video was the first time I could ever honestly hear how great an electric guitar sounded on KZbin, no kidding. $8000 is serious money for any electric guitar. You can definitely live with yourself; you can do a lot of things with 8K. Keep up the great work!

[@davidhoo9093]

Hi Rhette, your video is spot on ..some one pass me a (Teye) guitar to try out. When i saw the guitar it looks awesome & mystic in design. Not only it is beautiful but it sounds great and its action was low. I done a quick check on the internet about its origin review and conclude it is an expensive guitar (somewhere around usd3-4K) juz like you, i do not have that kind of budget to buy it. Now my mind is in a tug of war the pros & cons whether to add it onto my collection. I understand when you said chances of a good guitar comes along may not happen everyday, another buyer could buy it the next day if I don't...thanks for you video.

[@dep1001]

Man I get it, Rhett! The sound and appearance are both stunning...! You should find another one and give it a try to see how it stacks up against this one! Fingers crossed you'll get your hands on another one!

[@CyclopsGuitars8642]

I watched your video with headphones on & it sounded really good thru KZbin.I can’t imagine it in person.I thought you were gonna buy it for sure

[@SeeMick1]

I remember when I bought my Les Paul. I was 18, working a summer job, and I had gone to my local guitar store. I picked up a Gibson Les Paul with a faded finish and started playing it. I plugged it in, and there was just something about the way it resonated. It was sitting on my hip bone, and I just felt the vibrations through my whole body. There were a couple of them on stands on the store, and I played them all, but there was just something about mine. I had a really low daily limit on my credit card at the time, so I ran down the street to the bank, so I could make it back to the guitar store before they closed. Made it with minutes to spare, and put down every dollar I had to finance it. I've had it ever since, and I'll never sell it.

[@seancollins3106]

I was browsing through my favorite shop a couple years ago and on whim picked up a les paul tribute. I liked the honey burst, but never considered buying one, until I played it... then bought it. there's something special about how it sounds, and the 50s neck is perfect for my hand. it's the best feeling and sounding guitar I have. the tribute is one of the least expensive in my collection, but it's my favorite to play and will probably never leave me!

[@MrScrofulous]

I'll bet good money that sold before the end of the original stream. Don't sweat it Rhett, the Novo is your thing. I have a trestle-braced Gretch 6120 from Fugijen, Japan, very similar construction, awesome guitar.

[@ericjenks9596]

The moment you said you weren’t buying that guitar I thought you were a mad lad. Good luck finding another! The one I missed out on was a 1937 Martin 00-17. The best acoustic I’ve ever played. I should have gotten it

[@MisterJWJ71]

There was a hollow or semi-hollow Mosrite I ran across back when I was a teenager. It wasn't ridiculously expensive but, it was still out of reach. It's not really "regret" that I feel about not ever getting it. But, I sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have it. The guy at the shop that had it told me it was unusual to find a Mosrite like that one especially without "Mosrite" on the headstock. It wasn't my dream guitar by any stretch. There's just a part of me that always wonders "what if?"

[@kennylyon1934]

Just throwing this out there: check out one of those Japan-made Gretsch Duo Jet's with dynasonics (the Pro version, I think they're called...). They're not Collings - and they're not vintage Gretsch - but they're extremely well made and do that "piano clarity" really well. Great guitars; you might be surprised. Edit: I kept listening and this was brought up))

[@anthonynicholson7364]

Yes. You should have. It sounded gorgeous.

[@Amish_Trivedi]

2012- was broke as all get out and I think I was at a Guitar Center to see about a job and they had a pretty standard MIM Telecaster that was just- so beautifully worn in. White, maple neck. Nothing special, but I played it and loved it. Just had no money- I think about it twice a week.

[@BruceBurger]

Years ago there was a Collings 290 in surf green/sea foam green floating around on Reverb. It changed hands at least 3 times, and every time my heart sank. Except that one time I smashed the buy button! 🐸

[@MyWordPressGuy]

Dangerous job ya got there...this'll happen again, Rhett!

[@derrick11]

can't take that moment or the music you made with that beauty away, it lives on in that video

[@juliangaudreau]

That happened with a Les Paul Classic and now every single time i try another guitar i compare it to that because it had so much of a sound that i just loved about it.

[@LMacNeill]

I watched the Collings video the day you released it, and I was honestly *very* surprised you didn't buy it. It seemed like a very unique guitar, and it had an excellent sound even in a KZbin video -- I can only imagine how much better it sounded in person. And knowing that it was your video that helped sell it... Ouch... 😞

[@JeeWeeDonkers]

Sorry for your loss... ;-) I played the real Dutchburst a couple of years ago. Also an amazing guitar.

[@CerealDust-nStuff]

There's a Collings 470 JL Julian Lage Signature on Reverb right now out of North Carolina.

[@MyMotherTheCar]

Mine was a Vaccarro in the early 2000s, with the p90s and aluminum neck. Very rare. Most inspiring electric I have ever played. The owner thought it was some sort of Teisco thing and priced it $250. Like a fool I didn't buy it on the spot. Came back the next day and the owner had figured it out and raised it to over $1k.

[@hovikmekhjian2464]

Every Collings I’ve played has floored me. My 290 with lollars is #1.

[@gcvrsa]

Everyone knew this video was coming, we just didn't think it would be this soon. Sometimes, you encounter a guitar or an amp that you know needs to be yours, but you just don't have the resources to make it happen. For me, on that list are a Taylor SHSM Susanna Hoffs Signature Model, a Parker Fly Concert, an original 1990s PRS bass guitar, and a Groove Tubes Soul-45 combo amp. I would also add to that a Rickenbacker 325V59 MapleGlo. Lucky for you, the guitar you passed up is still in production, so you can still get one.

[@dominiquefarese8061]

Hearing your story, I felt as if it happened to me. As I was a vintage collector, I actually happened a few times in my life. Missing to buy one of Wes Montgomery's first '53 Gibson L5 CES that sounded so right; and that marvelous '59 natural ES-335 owned by Luther Allison, that the poor fellow couldn't afford to keep anymore. And that 59' LesPaul (no stripes, plain table, 5/5 sound) that Marcel Dadi was pushing me to buy (10 grands, so cheap compared with today). All these losses are only in our minds. A few years later, all this becomes good old stories, because you finally got a few exceptional guitars (not many). Some of them I discovered because internet influencers like you tried them, and said they'll die, or at least they won't sleep anymore for weeks if they don't find the money to buy them. You just take your phone in the next ten minutes after video publication, call the shop, reserve the beast, PayPal, and wait for the monster to be delivered.

[@philliplaclede6269]

I got a classic vibe tele this way. Didn't think much of it, but picked it up and had to get it.

[@gnguyenb]

I've had 3 Collings, sold 2 and really regretted them. Not many guitars have done that to me. Collings builds really good guitars indeed! Next time Rhett...

[@GertvanderDoes]

Don't. Ever. Sell. Guitars. Unless you really don't want them anymore.

[@michaelnachoescamilla6241]

Yes... Mine was a '71 Tele that was totally unassuming. One of the only guitars that I connected with at a visceral level. I had not even plugged it in yet. That was when these things were just shy of 2K. Oh well.

[@tjnilsen]

Id be curious for you to try the Gretsch duo jet 6128TDS model. Got mine for ~ $2500, and obv a modern version of what inspired the Collings…. Take the treble bleed out and it’s fantastic.

[@titi64230]

Hello TJ , what is this treble bleed you are talking about , what does it change ? I’got the same guitar

[@geraldponce8336]

Collings guitar are very nice. But $5k-$10k 😢 id have to let it go, too. Was at guitar center and someone had an $8k R9 Murphy Lab Les Paul pulled out of the glass case and left it sitting there. Just happened to be in the right room at the right time. Plugged that baby in a fender deluxe reverb. Lol security watching me like a hawk. It sounded awesome. Like a firm fender guy but guitar opened my eyes a little bit.

[@reverb508]

Ugh. I know that feeling all too well. I played an Atkins at CME a few weeks ago while I was in Chicago for work. The second I strummed a chord, I knew this guitar was going to haunt me. I hate being a responsible adult. 😭

[@baradalamasa]

A supporting partner is a vital aspect. You are blessed, man!

[@caesarsrevenge8945]

Really nice guitar,I was surprised when you said you walked out without it. Rhett by chance have you ever had the opportunity to play one of the Harmony Jupiter thinlines ? Seems like a....kinda similar thing, I've been hoping I'd find one to put my hands on. Really starting to get interested in a hollow/ heavily chambered solid top.

[@stephenfaulhaber9389]

Had similar experience with a Fender Esprit Robben Ford. It just was "the one" when i picked it up. Couldn't buy it because shop owner was buying it for himself. Asked shop owner for right of first purchase if he ever sold it. I had bought many from his shop already so good repoire established. About 8 months later he calls me out of the blue and offered it to me. I now own one of my "the one" guitars. When it's right, it's right.

[@pekkalaaksonen8384]

Thanks for sharing. Yes, with flings, love and guitars.. I think we all feel this.. have you tried Paoletti Guitars?

[@autographedcat]

I don't know if you ever met Wallace Reed. He owned a music shop up in Norcross back when I was still living in the ATL area, and was my go-to shop to buy strings or get minor adjustments made to my guitar. About 15-20 years ago (give or take), I came into his shop to get a setup done before going on aq trip where I was going to be playing, and I spotted this gorgeous on the wall that hadn't been there before. It was a Morgan acoustic 12-string, and i can't swear there was a halo of light around it when I saw it, but I cannot swear there wasn't, either. I took down off the wall and sat on a nearby stool, thought of a chord and gestured vaguely at the fretboard, and there was the sound, shimmering crystal and perfect. It was the most supple and responsive instrument I've ever had my hands on; only one other has even been close,. I played it for a few minutes, then looked at the price tag, considered my finances, and reluctantly hung it back up. Every time I'd stop by, over the nexst few weeks, Wallace would see me staring longingly at it, stopping to play it from time to time, and each time he'd offer me a slightly lower price. Finally, after several rounds of this, he pulled out an enormous 3-ring binder, flipped through it, and showed me the factory invoice for the guitar. "That's what I paid for it. I can let it go for $100 over that, but that's the absolutely best I can ever do. Alas, at that time, i was in a really tight place, and I still couldn't do it. I dream about that guitar from time to time, to this day.

[@Gaslight.Guitar]

I know that feeling. The one that got away... 2019 Novo Serus TC, 8 lbs R8 and a 2019 Firebird One... damn.

[@cass2771]

Yeh, the ‘Collings’ vid was memorable in a couple of ways - 1) the remarkable articulation that was palpable even on this side of KZbin, and how it inspired you to play to engage the guitar’s strengths, and 2) your angst over to buy or not to buy. The $ was big. I’m wonder how much Bill would ask to make one for you?

[@dodgedandle8311]

You Learned a valuable Lesson with this and that is = don’t release the Episode until you’ve sure your not going to buy the Guitar 😉👍🏻 Keep it under your Hat as we say across the pond 👍🏻❤️🌞

[@DH432hrtz]

Great episode, for a moment I thought your were blown away! I know I was. Honestly I've never heard a better example of 'Great' But it's also terrifying because it can expose a player! 8 k is steep indeed but worth it at your level. Cheers Doug 😎

[@Scoots1994]

I live near Collings ... Collings SoCo 16 LC Trans Orange Semi-Hollowbody ... My God, it's magic to me.

[@frankglad2989]

Rhett, I watched the video and saw the look in your eyes and the way you held it and played it. When I realized you didn't buy it, I also realized the massive regret that would set in. So sorry you missed out. I was in the Gibson Garage in Nashville earlier this year and they had a Gibson USA Greenie Les Paul.... it's a funny story about the sales interaction, but thankfully my wife saw the look in my eyes and she gave me the thumbs up👍It has since become my #1. The Greenie wiring with the out of phase is incredible. Where I would reach for a Strat onstage, I just stay with the Greenie. So I feel your pain realizing how I would feel without my Greenie.

[@jayman5384]

Well man hope you ether get another shot at that one or find another ringer like it. Always a bummer to not have the money but it makes it more fun the next time when you do.

[@pj_day]

I live just a few blocks from Acoustic Music Works in Pittsburgh, PA. They are a Collings dealer and have had a couple JLs in the past. Come to PGH and we’ll go check out there Collings collection and make sure there is a JL to try.

[@henrymrowicki7004]

I saw the pain in your face when you passed on it. It sounded amazing. I sincerely hope you find another, or maybe even that one finds its way back to you.

[@jamesdellinger6704]

Had this same experience with a Collings D1A. Still hurts. But I got an incredible Huss and dalton a few months later. So keep searching the next special one is coming soon

[@JurBols477]

Hi Rhett, thanks for the memory lane you put me through... I think every guitar player has this moments and instruments that you WANTED but had to let go... and you know? Sometimes it is just good to be wise😂 My thoughts go back about 18 years ago visiting Hanks Guitar Store in Denmarkstreet London.... in the backroom where the 'ask assistance' collection is I played a curly maple Lowden O model against a SJ-200.... De Lowden was the most stunning looking guitar I have ever seen and/but the moment I threw my Everly Brothers intro's on the SJ-200 it instantly clicked... I WANTED that SJ-200! At that moment I was absolutely broke and there was no way I could put down the money to buy it - or better.. both! It took me until last year I was able to buy my SJ-200, a fantastic guitar but not THAT SJ-200. Well lets play 'Love The One You're With'

[@backlinebeat]

I'm still dreaming of the neck of the Mule Mavis I played a bit over a year ago.

[@montebowers8060]

I had the same experience with a beat up Jazzmaster. The new J Mascis (Squier) had just come out and was 200-250 less and new. Decided this black (not my usual choice of guitar color) road warrior, with the bent tuning peg, checked and chipped finish was the one. Came back two days later with a little bit of cash, some gear I was going to lose money on in trade and a credit card. It was gone. Still looking for a magic JM 🤨

[@Jasonkenny-]

I had this with a bike. Went in to buy a R1250RS. And fell in love with a CCM Spitfire FT. Went away and all I could think about was having it. Had sleepless nights…had to fly early the next day, as soon as I landed I was on the phone…actually did the deal half way between Italy and Slovenia. Sometimes you just have to do it…

[@rkharper]

Yeah man.. Gibson ES-330 in olive drab green. Played it, couldn't afford it, and it was sold soon after, still haunts me after 4 years.

[@mjt5576]

This has happened to me a couple of times. It always seems to happen when funds are depleted from buying a good but not great guitar. Timing is everything...

[@WithCarePlz]

I have found 2 of them so far. 2 that were so good that they can make people cry while they’re unplugged. And they both also happen to feel just as good as they sound. Sadly I still haven’t found my les paul. But I absolutely have found my lifetime strat and sg both. Idk if you all bought them if they’d be just as good or not, by my oh fk forever strat is a 2020 custom shop postmodern strat journeyman relic with closet classic hardware, maple fretboard aged neck in dirty white blonde, sorted for lightness: yes, compound radius fb, the SSS handwound dual mags with 1/2 blender greasebucket II wiring. The strat is bonkers. It has technically You’d think low output pickups but it absolutely shrieks when you piss it off, but it’s so articulate and mellow and stratty. The wiring does sort of a tele on roids thing with all 3 pickups so it replaced my teles too cuz they don’t sound as good. The cracked laquer just feels like skittles shell or something. It’s so nice. In the summer she feels cool if that makes sense. It’s got an aura. And i wasn’t a “strat guy” i always was a gibson guy. Anyway that’s my forever strat I found and hit me. The SG is maybe not what you’d expect but it’s the best SG I’ve ever played of many. 2017 stoptail Gibson SG Standard T. The T is traditional style but with locking grovers from factory. It’s ebony black, it just shines, the fretboard is a super dark slice of heavenly rosewood that looks like dark ebony rather than rosewood. It’s all stock and it’s fantastic. It feels like silk and gold. It’s light as a feather, it has balls for days- it feels like a carbon fiber scalpel that doubles as a rocket launcher. It’s insane. I was gonna change the pcb board but it sounds better with it believe it or not- turns out copper is copper. Anyway, I was going to change the factory humbuckers for something else but on a hunch I just tried adjusting them (raised the treble side of both pickups) and it’s got almost the clarity I wanted of a les paul while still being a savage like you expect an SG to be. I normally am not big on sg’s. But this one is super special. I’ve played tons, idk how this one’s so magic but it is. Both of them are forever guitars because they are more than the sum of their parts. It’s not just about parts, or wood, or how they’re built. I think the special ones have that aura of good energy that radiates from them. I think the truly special guitars were made in the right place, by the right people who were joking and having fun but enjoying making the guitar that day, and some of that passion bleeds into the special wood that was used that day from special land or something. There’s no way to rationalize how a certain guitar can suddenly be better than the rest of the line. But it happens. I found 2. I need my LP Edit: i need to find my forever LP, my forever Firebird, my forever 334/345/355, my forever acoustic

[@bobbrunn2622]

I feel that brother. Been there.

[@adamkrauss303]

Yes, watched the vid and you and the guitar sounded and looked awesome! However, what I didn’t hear anything about was the feel, fit and finish. Is it a heavy poly finished neck?

[@TimLerchGuitar]

The good news is, when you re ready (or have another chance) that guitar from Collings is very consistently good so when another one comes along you’ll also dig it.

[@ericvituccimusic]

I have lost out on a few guitars a Heritage 535 and a Gibson's ES 335. Should of bought both! A few weeks ago my wife and I were at the Music Go Round in Colorado springs. I was just looking not going to buy. She went into the acoustic room and strummed a couple guitars. She came across this mid-level Alvarez that just sounds awesome! I played every acoustic in that room that day and only the very expensive Martin sounded better. My wife said you need to buy this. Took it out of my hands and paid for it! My wife and the guitar are both awesome!

[@rowbags3017]

Hi Rhett. Oh no! I was afraid you'd regret not buying the Collings - it sounded simply amazing in your hands! I know what you mean about the "instant connection" feeling. Luckily for me, it happened with a limited edition guitar that I'd pre-ordered purely on the basis of its recommendation by Henning Pauly (Eytschpi42) - the Tonefox Elcaster. From the moment it arrived, it's just felt "right" - like a guitar I've known for years, but actually far better than anything I've previous played. Every time I pick it up, it reminds me why I call it my #1. Tonefox is the affordable line of Tonfuchs guitars, so I really hope to try the real deal one day.

[@myoptik3x103]

Because of this video I have discovered Julian Lang as well as Gabi Hartmann. I’m sorry you are feeling bad about losing this guitar, but your discussion of the subject has brought me to a wonderful new world of music and I thank you for it!

[@micahgerdis1008]

Their acoustic guitars are some of the best as well. I didn't know they made electric guitars. They are in the same class as Bourgeois which are my absolute favorite.

[@davidriggs8196]

Me too with a 58 335. I have always regretted not buying it.

[@raoul_duke7253]

The exact color you played that’s for sale on reverb is about 5 min away from me right now.

[@darenanderson1960]

I’ve played guitar for 30 years, and I’ve only had the “oh shit/ one that got away” feeling twice. Those guitars haunt me. I promised myself that if I ever had that feeling again, I would buy the guitar. I don’t have any faith that even the best manufacturers are capable of making every one of their guitars equally amazing. I had a Collings i35 that was pedestrian.

[@stratplayr6997]

We all have that guitar that got away. For me, it was a Fender Custom shop '56 Strat relic.

[@kevincothron5089]

I have tried to calm my GAS problem. This recent PRS sale to get rid of the overstock has been haunting me. I just know I have what I need already. When I need a new instrument there will be one out there and I will get it. Regrets yes I have a few but I am too old to dwell on the misses. You will be OK Rhett.

[@lewisgeyer1440]

I have a few good guitars but none of them compare to a couple that happened to be unobtainable when I saw them. Over the last 40+ years there was a mid-60s SG Junior in a music store in Saginaw, an early ‘60s Strat at a pawnshop in Lansing, a stripped/modded mid-70s Tele at Rumbleseat when they were n upstate NY, and a Collings D-1 acoustic at a GC in Colorado. To say that these four guitars still haunt me is an understatement.

[@philh27]

I’ll get a guitar every 10 years or so. ELEVEN years ago I wanted a semi and thought I was after a 335. I played many- plus other guitars- and none spoke to me. Then I tried a Duesenberg Starplayer TV, which was a guitar I’d seen in pictures, but nothing more. Like you say, it took about 20 seconds to realise it was the one for me. I’m on a Jazzmaster(esque) hunt right now!

[@DougCunnington]

Man, I was thinking, “you should buy it!!”