Why Can't All Guitars Sound This Good?

[@FLXLife]

About 30 years ago, I played a used Gibson Hummingbird at McCabe's in LA. It was magnificent. Truly magnificent. But $1800 was a lot for me at the time. I didn't buy it. I went home and couldn't sleep. I drove to McCabe's the next morning to buy it and it was gone forever. I still think about that guitar.

[@paul_domici]

Damn!!! That happened to me once with a Schecter Tele!!! I didn't want to impulse buy but I ran back the next day and it was gone!!!!

[@JJ-nq3ll]

That hurts! 😣😣

[@bryanlettow4389]

I visited LA and went to a guitar center. Played a lp custom reissue that I still regret not getting.

[@hosoiarchives4858]

For me it was an acoustic bass when I was 15 with $2 to my name. Never played anything like it since

[@PresGames-zl2td]

This is heartbreaking man.

[@roddyrobertson5393]

When a guitar speaks to you and you feel that connection it's difficult to put it down, its tones ring in your head for days pulling you back to it like it's calling your name. Even if that guitar doesn't belong to you, you belong to that guitar! 🙂

[@Spasmatic]

Agreed, akin to the when the song sang you !!😊

[@commandohornet2295]

The wand chooses the wizard x

[@godbyone]

Every week a guitar speaks to him. It’s funny. “ I’ve always this kind of guitar “

[@markkitzki3538]

And that's how I own the guitars I do.

[@williamowen9528]

Did you regret not walking out with it? I would have. That guitar was you, Bret!!

[@irespectfullyrefuse]

This guitar really suits you well, I think it's the best I've seen you play!

[@kevinduncan9686]

I was actually going to mention that is the best I've seen him play in my comment. There's something special about that guitar. I watch a lot of guitar demos as I'm sure everyone else here does and usually I'm underwhelmed and I figure it's just because It's not in person, but I think this guitar debunks that because it's coming through hard how good it is. It's real

[@nathanpickett202]

Wow! What do I need to sell to get one of these? That is one of the best sounding guitar demonstrations I have heard. Can’t believe he didn’t buy it.

[@brendansapp1426]

@@nathanpickett202a car😅😅

[@JosephGallagher]

I feel like this was Rhett's most inspired playing I've seen in a while, and OMG what a lovely and clean tone!!

[@mattwilliams3104]

Your playing on this guitar was lovely. As much as I enjoy listening to more of your rock inspired playing, you are a wonderfully expressive slow blues/jazz player. Made me pick up my guitar to try and play along heart❤

[@edeibler123]

I own this exact guitar, but in the blonde finish. It is every bit as phenomenal as he says that it is. Of the handful of guitars that I have, I really only find myself playing two - this one, and a telecaster. I just can’t put either one of them down. Brett doesn’t have to worry about this being the “one that got away“, as ALL of them sound like this, and he can pre-purchase one of the ones they’re building as long as he doesn’t mind waiting four months or so.

[@stormyweather2837]

Are the pickups similar to filtertrons at all ? And can I play yours sometime hehe 🙂

[@RC32Smiths01]

Absolutely beautiful guitar. The vintage atmosphere surrounding it is just so honest and charming, and such is only amplified by the tones emitted. Very Atkins feel to it.

[@chrisyoung8062]

The great luthier, Alan Beardsell, started his career repairing Gretsch guitars. One of Al's electric models is the 7E which looks very much like the Collings you're playing and takes its inspiration from the Gretsch guitars. I'm fortunate to own one of these 7Es and it's an incredible guitar. The way it interacts with the amp is unlike any other guitar I own. It might even be too much for a stage performer but for me, playing at home it's perfect. Check out Al's guitars if you get a chance.

[@gkott78]

The note separation and articulation on this guitar is unreal. It sounds amazing! I'd sound terrible on it, as it would highlight all of my mistakes. In the right hands, it would be magic.

[@GCKelloch]

Sounds like an aluminum bridge. You might experiment with one on a guitar. Philadelphia luthiers makes an affordable TOM style one, but the brass lockers are delicate. Order some extras.

[@GCKelloch]

On the Collins website it looks like it's not Aluminum but has nylon saddles. Ebony FB's do tend to have better clarity than Indian RW, and the AlNiCo pole pickups of course have stronger high-end than Steel screw P90's.

[@nutrapuppy4801]

I find that Two Rock amps expose my weak moments in that same fashion.

[@abgroovy]

At least in the youtube I did not hear any better than many Les Pauls that has featured before... I guess part of the hype is on the signature model.

[@bettsdn]

Sounds incredible. I had a G6128T-57 57 Vintage (with the dynasonics) that I played for YEARS. It sounded similar to this and was truly the best guitar I ever owned/played. The piano-esque comment you made reminds me of similar feelings I had. I can only imagine what Collings can do with that sort of platform.

[@fossilmatic]

I thought much the same in respect to my own Gretsch 6128. Definitely something about those Dynasonics that is super dynamic and articulate.

[@FabianSalomonsson]

Yes, I've found Gretsch guitars to have that piano-esque feeling too. Really nice stuff. Dynasonics are imo underrated pickups.

[@philipgreenegreene3454]

I had a 57 Dou Jet. I never should have let it go!

[@JS-hu7pv]

That “damn” and that look at the end had me thinking this one was going home with you. Collings makes fantastic guitars - out of my price range currently but I’d love to have one.

[@arustydodge2111]

Rhett, you absolutely ROCKED, “Ohio” your chops were superb in this segment. Like you and the Collings were as one, a true bonding. Was very surprised at the end when you didn’t leave with this tucked under your arm. It truly was an extension of you! Best of luck BROTHER! ⭐️⭐️🙏⭐️⭐️

[@adamcoe]

well for starters not every guitar costs 10 stacks, so

[@CryptToneMusic]

I can't even afford a guitar that costs one stack 😂 I'd be afraid to breathe near something that expensive

[@roosed]

The Music Emporium up by me in MA has a blonde version of this guitar in stock and it's gorgeous. Julian is a great player and Collings puts out fantastic stuff.

[@guitfidle]

Wow, what a beaut! I get exactly what you are describing about the older guitar with the "it" factor. That is exactly how I feel about my'74 LP Special. The P90s are musical in a way that is quite difficult to describe or quantify. Now I want to try getting my hands on a set of those pickups in the Collings! I have a set of TV Jones T'Armonds that are waiting for a guitar to be built, but wow, those Ellis ones sound amazing.

[@DanielSeriffMusic]

Man, sounds so good. I've been incredibly intrigued by these as well. Recently got an I35 and it's absolutely insane.

[@benjaminhartley6578]

I love this guitar. There are some early shots on the internet of a test models that Julian had and I love that guitar. It was black like this one, with no pick guard and a black Bigsby arm and it looked rocked like he really wanted to put it though it's test stage. I would love to see a guitarist come forward now and use this modal as there main guitar in an band that was not jazz. Great guitar, good video and tone for days!

[@nicholasbuckton6368]

This is an unbelievable demo. The sound quality and licks are God-tier. Seriously, it sounds amazing.

[@ProjectMusicSW]

They are special guitars for sure. We were in the same boat as maple street, never had one for stock since they were released. We have one now and it is incredible. When we did our demo for our channel a year or so ago (thanks to the kind customer who had bought it) I was blown away in the same way as you Rhett. So articulate and HiFi. Incredible! You should buy one... PM

[@wrobinson1702]

Rhett-I bought a new Gretsch Players Edition Electromatic from Casino Guitars in North Carolina a few months ago. This guitar is what the Collings was based on. (and still looks like) The Gretsch has many of the qualities you mention here with the Collings, particularly the articulation or high fidelity. If you compare the price point of each, ($2600 for the Gretsch vs $7500 for the Collings) it's difficult to justify the Collings over the Gretsch. Thanks for the video.

[@stfrideswide]

...unless you've played a collings, in which case ... you know.

[@bontorvernantamardoharsima3990]

Crystal clear...i think this guitar is awesome. .... But when rhett playing it.. it's another level. Great combination❤

[@picksalot1]

Just what I like in pickups, balance, articulation, clarity, note separation, and dynamic sensitivity. The rest of the guitar looks pretty nice too. A pair of Ellisonic JL Pickups will set you back $750!

[@GCKelloch]

I don't buy the RE hype. There are much cheaper versions of that type of pickup that can sound just as good, if not a bit different depending on a few factors. The adjustable poles of Dyasonics makes them more versatile. You can set the balance of lower to higher string harmonics per string. Without adjustable poles, I'd take a pair of noiseless Wilde L280's or L298's over these anyway. Surface mount pickups are a pain, and coil height accuracy makes all the difference.

[@jdwdiamonds]

Best I've ever heard you play. So much so I went and bought one of these the next day. What a perfect instrument this is. Thanks for the video

[@rexlandismusic]

I’ve had a 53 duo jet for the past couple years probably my favorite guitar ever!

[@owenladner6496]

Love Maple Street, been going there my whole life since I was little. Love talking to George and Lindsay and trying out their Collings

[@KelsterVonShredster]

That's how I felt when I first played my East T59-V with Bigsby. Pure magic. I'd love that Collings Jet!

[@usagi2988]

I have a Collings 290 (essentially their take on a Gibson Jr.) with P90s... it is absolutely amazing, from the build quality to the sound. They are *dang* expensive, but they are fantastic guitars.

[@danielmargolis3210]

Years ago I passed up on a used red 290 for only $1500. Still regret it.

[@BruceBurger]

You should get one! They are coming down in price! I bought a 290 in sea foam green for like $2200 a few years ago. 🐸

[@jtbandy1]

Daaaang you might regret passing that one up! Sounded great, and fits your style perfectly.

[@matdowdall]

That guitar and amp combo together with you playing is magic

[@reverb508]

I tried one of these a few months ago and it still haunts my dreams. That price tag is eye-watering though...

[@KevinMerinoCreations]

Its a treat to watch you take a guitar through its paces! 👏👏👏

[@sbodi4d]

I'm not a guitar player (just a music lover), but that guitar sounded magical in your hands! I can't believe you didn't jump on it. Rick would have said BUY IT!!! Love the sound of it in your hands...

[@jamescaldwell1933]

Rhett, it was interesting to see you struggle with purchasing this guitar. In a world of mass produced guitars, it is rare to find one that is "special". Our houses aren't big enough to hold all the guitars we would like to have. We also develop a relationship with our instruments and don't want to part with any of them.... like a pet or a child. Most of us don't have the wallet for all those either. Thanks for sharing this guitar. I admit I didn't know much about these until Keith Williams and you brought them to my attention. i'll have to play one someday.... somewhere..........

[@guitar864]

I’m sure the 10k price tag factored into it lol

[@jamescaldwell1933]

@@guitar864 Wow! Are they that expensive? I was thinking $5K. Yeah, I wouldn't even want to handle a guitar that expensive. I thought my Paul Reed Smiths were expensive!

[@Thatdudeoverthere69420]

The clean tone is so damn articulate and clear. Absolutely beautiful. One of the better tones ive heard. Not my favorite but the pickups are tremendous.

[@catmandoodoo7903]

Buy it!!! The next one you find might not have the thing. I’ve just completely fallen for a Gretsch G6128TDS Players Edition which very much has the thing. It’s a Jet with Duosonics and a Bigsby, in black. It’s stunning and totally converted me to Dynasonics. Traded a few bits to get it and I’m in love.

[@PaisleyPatchouli]

I currently have three Collings acoustics, and they are the best I've played. I'm sure the electrics are just as special. Go for it Rhett, you'll never regret it.

[@rowbags3017]

That guitar really sang in your hands! It pretty much embodies my dream combination of classic looks and tone. 😎

[@DerekBolli]

Great guitar played by a great artist at the peak of his strumming powers 🥰 I predict that you will regret not buying this guitar but hope that you will get to own one in the future 👍 Great work as always, Rhett and Chris 👍👍

[@plutoloco2378]

He’ll probably get it. It’s a $7k thousand guitar. That’s nothing for him.

[@DerekBolli]

@@plutoloco2378 It's counter-intuitive for sure and I can't speak for Rhett obviously but you'd be surprised that the more money you earn, generally the less willing you are to part with any of it 🙂 Something to do with remembering having no money I suspect 😒

[@JeremyLeech]

@@DerekBolli Depends on the person. Mo Money, Mo Problems exists for a reason too lol.

[@rahulborah7964]

so much clarity....just beautiful

[@bobboitt3126]

It has a beautiful "unique" sound, very clear yet resonant. Rhett, I think you would stand out with that guitar.

[@lynntunes]

Collings guitars are always excellent. Always. I have an OM and it’s outstanding.

[@jimsmith4611]

Lovely bit of kit and it actually sounds like it's really nice to play. I would have thought that you would have snapped it up.

[@brucepaxton2471]

Rhett, great content. Having grown up around vintage gear from the 50's and 60' (I got a vintage Gretsch drum kit for Xmas in '63), it's great to see the modern technology that is replicating the vintage sounds so consistently today. The passion of the Collings team and other modern luthiers today is amazing. Keep up the good work. Having recently retired (I just turned 70), I'm seriously considering that cowboy chords breakout tutorial.

[@mgbaron]

The Bloomfield drive is also a very articulate amp so I think that’s a contributing factor. I own both though and I definitely agree with the assessment.

[@ukphonebook]

I followed your channel for years, but this one had the most impact for me personally. I finally managed to track one of these guitars down (used) a couple of weeks ago and buying mail-order, knew I could return it if not totally happy. I gigged it last night for the first time and good God...unbelievable! It's maybe the most versatile guitar I ever played. Everything you throw at it, it just eats it up. Incredible! Thanks Rhett for showing me this guitar.

[@stefanbo3620]

The articulation of this guitar and the throb of thre break up sound blend sooo well. Clean is unreal as well. What a piece of art

[@dalecoffing8655]

Wow! Great sounding ax. I've got to find one to play. Thanks for the trip Rhett.

[@ryan_454]

That is a wonderful sounding guitar... wow.

[@derrick11]

I could listen to Rhett tinker on this guitar all day. What a beautiful tone.

[@Patsau]

Man..heavenly playing and tone all over the neck...but when you struck that bottom open E string at 3:18, both pickup engaged, my jaw went straight to the floor !!! It's rich, full, and everywhere !!! In the hands of the very good player you are, this guitar sounds out of this world !

[@Brindabass]

I love your playing Rhett.

[@ScottAbene]

Oh my that sounds so beautiful for chordal playing.

[@jrm2fla]

I have a gold top MIC Gretsch like this, I added a Bigsby like you have and a rocking bridge… I have the stock Gretsch pups … “tombstone” fret markers…I love it…

[@Kurjistaja]

4:03 the invisible vibrato bar

[@anthonyphillips111]

It must be special man you're playing is exceptionally smooth on this video and I find your willpower is outstanding as well not buying it right away

[@Annunaki_0517]

I put good headphones on to listen to this video and I am so impressed by the sound of this guitar (and amp and of course the player). Worth the effort and time to go get my mixing headphones for the listening. Particularly when contrasting the TV Jones pickups to the Ellis pickups, the difference is so apparent that there is even more reason to grab this guitar before it disappears. A Collings that speaks to you is a lifetime guitar, one you will play and love and pass on to someone who deserves it someday.

[@franklincheney3653]

Been a while since I heard you play, I think you're practice is paying off. Also, I heard three guitars while you were playing one. It's none of my business, but in your shoes, I would have put a down-payment on the counter, and said I'll be back after my clearance sale with the rest.. .;-)

[@kendouble9705]

So much clarity. You could ID someone’s fingerprints from hearing them on the strings. Wow.

[@KimGodard]

Beautiful playing Rhett, seems obvious you're connecting on a spiritual level with that guitar. I think you better buy it!!

[@pedalboardgeorge]

this man is right!

[@carljuztine3328]

its slowly becoming one of my dream guitars, collings is so great

[@bubuguaiguai]

"On a good day" you said... The guitar is wonderful, so are some of mine guitars. But that gap between my good days and not so good ones is so huge that I will never consider myself a decent guitarist, let alone allow myself to invest in such a beautiful instrument. It sounded miraculous in your hands! 👏

[@miahconnell23]

Don’t sell yourself short, Bro. :) If a special instrument ever comes into your life due to friends or a serendipitous eBay listing, grab it. Think about how many classic and beautiful songs and sounds have come from folks who aren’t “guitar super-heroes…” 🎼

[@brianloy7856]

Rhett, I’ve been watching your channel since it was fairly new. I’m very impressed with how much your playing has improved. You’re becoming more diverse and your technique has greatly improved! Congratulations! I’m surprised you didn’t trade in several lesser used guitars you haven’t played for a while since you liked this Collings so much. Maybe you should reconsider. Best of luck!

[@calebmorales6288]

I played a Pelham blue 335 style Collings a couple years back at Maple Street. The guys there are phenomenal and it was the best guitar playing experience I’ve ever had! So cool to see you experience a similar thing. It brought me back

[@charlie-obrien]

What a beautiful sound this Collings produces. When they talked about the specs, it sounded like they were discussing a full bodied acoustic (classical) and of course as Brett pointed out it has a lovely acoustic resonance. Any guitar I buy must pass the acoustic resonance test, because while pickups can be swapped and replaced the "bones" of any guitar need to be right to get the full sound that an electric is capable of creating. I've been pretty lucky in finding guitars that suit this, but I had to play and go through quite a few. And I am only a home player. If I were a trained pro like Brett it would definitely make me a little crazy.

[@charlieloach1815]

Hey Rhett, I love your playing! I hope you eventually join the Collings family as that guitar really worked for you. I have five Collings guitars dating back to my '99 D2H, all of them custom for me. I agree with all of your descriptive superlatives and I can attest that they apply to all of my Collings as well.

[@davroshalfbeard8368]

Certainly got the thing all right that guitar. what a cool shop ,couldn't help drooling over the stats in the background 😂 cheers man for the show

[@frankgoodmanbuzzholland7517]

Remarkable. And a very satisfying demo by Rhett Shull!

[@TimLerchGuitar]

Great guitar, I played one for an hour or so and thought it was fantastic. I made a vid then had to give it back to the owner. Wish I could have spent a bit more time with it. Collings is a great company.

[@chartreuse1356]

5:56 what riff is that? It sounds so familiar. Unless I remember it from one of your older videos. It sounds so cool

[@telebender]

Damn, this might supplant the I-35 LC as my dream electric guit-box. Sounds absolutely fab. Your "piano" comment really struck me; that's exactly how I describe my Collings OM2H to other musicians.

[@wolfjr1717]

Get both. They are both top shelf instruments.

[@owenladner6496]

I-35 LC is my dream guitar as well.

[@telebender]

@@wolfjr1717, Agreed...now to convince the wife 🤔

[@SweetSpotGuitar]

It's been forever since I've lived in ATL; really cool to see Maple Street still there in Buckhead! Great store.

[@stevenschenck7275]

I have a Gretsch Branded with a leather belt binding and I think DeArmon pickups - The tone spectrum and feel is much like this Collins, if I play mellow it fills in very well. When I push harder it growls like a wounded animal in the bushes. Thanks

[@matthewmacdonald9851]

That was absolutely stunning, even, as another viewer mentioned, through the tiny speakers on my cell phone. Utterly sublime tone. Never owned one, but grew up in Texas and played a couple of Collings acoustics way back in the day when they were starting out. Also incredibly well-balanced instruments with uncommon clarity and immediate response to any variation from either hand. I've watched a lot of your videos and could listen to you play all day long, but that was on an entirely different level of enjoyment and appreciation.

[@nibreto3203]

im gonna need some tabs for these play tests going forward, that first tone check with the drive sounded amazing

[@MarkRuggieri-rb2iu]

I wish you showed what amplifier you were using? I have a few Gretsch guitars, I like to find those pickups. The guitar sounded great

[@ronweb88]

Yeah I’ve been wanting one of these bad! Sounds huge. Reverb just had about 5 of these on their site for a good couple weeks and it seemed like they all sold in a day. Could’ve been the influence from this video. One of these days.

[@maxwellblakely7952]

Rhett, to my KZbin ears, that is the best sounding guitar that I’ve ever heard you play.

[@millmoormichael6630]

Nah, there was that vintage 335..

[@maxwellblakely7952]

@@millmoormichael6630 I said, to my ears. It’s subjective.

[@TM1861]

If this is the best guitar you’ve ever played then you should do what it takes to own it! Right? I’m so very impressed!

[@j_freed]

Yeah it depends on 1) how essential & flexible to his use is owning this model and 2) is that worth taking the financial hit of being the first owner since these do come up as very clean & 2nd hand now and again. Clearly there are music tools you can't live without and should be inseparable from your day. And a Collings are very consistent so a 'good' one is not the exception.

[@sixstringsofsam]

thats one of the best guitar tones I've ever heard in KZbin. Dang Rhett! Go get that JL!

[@capnrob97]

It already sold to someone else.

[@cortmiller]

Actually there is another prior production guitar with Ellis pups. It’s the Gibson leeroy Parnell gold top les Paul

[@skipclone1]

Man that sounded gorgeous even through headphones! I only know Collings from the acoustics as well, have played a few and they are always great. This is def something to be noted, thanks!

[@9outof10]

First heard about Collings when I saw Big Thief playing: Adrienne Lenker has one. Their take on the LP Special is my "if I win tbe lottery" guitar

[@FabrizioCalderara76]

This video shows how high-end (and low numbers) guitars sound like, when compared with mass production instruments. Every detail, every wood, every single aspect is perfectly matched for no compromises.

[@barbmelle3136]

Good sounds from that guitar, thanks for the demo.. I had a Gretsch Jet with Dynasonics and really liked the sound, maybe 30 years ago. I foolishly traded it for a Les Paul with humbuckers, as that was what everyone said I needed. I now have a Jet with TV Jones Classic filtertrons, wish I still had both.

[@JonHerseyMusic]

Rhett, the way you’re describing this reminds me exactly-in the same words-how I described my Duesenberg Gran Majesto when I first played it. Have you played one? Wondering how they compare in terms of that piano-like fidelity.

[@samwisegrangee]

My main guitar is a Gretsch Duo Jet 53’ Vintage Select (script logo on the headstock), which is one of the archetypes this model is based on. It’s truly an expressive instrument with a ton of harmonic range: that hollowbody married with the long scale length and pickups is truly magic. My favorite line in the video: “Everyone who plays that guitar sounds like themselves.” I definitely agree. Now I’m going to plug mine into my Flint and Champ. (My little Julian rig. 😊)

[@FabianSalomonsson]

Duo Jet's aren't long scale! :)

[@samwisegrangee]

@@retroman541 this model is chambered on the inside

[@samwisegrangee]

@@FabianSalomonsson haha, you’re right. I meant the strings go down longer with that bigsby which gives a tension that I like; it feels closer to my gypsy jazz guitars.

[@246810user]

great video -- thanks. what an amazing guitar! David

[@foxyfoxtrot4233]

Sounds great, seems to inspire you! I think that second guitar would have sounded great in a video by itself but after hearing the sound of the 470JL it fell a bit flat.

[@ericjmcowan]

there is a bill frisell concert that got me wondering about that style of pickup. he has them in a tele. from about 2015-now, the jazz guys were all about finding the pickups no one else was using - these, charlie christians, p-90s in guitars that don't usually have them. having a generally clean sound, while trying new (old) things and differentiating from other players is challenging. i bet that guitar would love to be drenched in reverb. that's what the "articulation" you're talking about helps with; cutting through a really thick and processed signal chain. from here, i feel like they made the fretboard a lot like a 000-18 for him. at least that's what it looks like.

[@anthonyrichard461]

Glorious, the sparkle was amazing. Hopefully played through a tweed?

[@eduardocandeiasfaust]

Sucho a cool sounding guitar, those pickups are unbelievable!

[@gregrandallbtsr03]

Thanks for sharing this with us. I hope you get yours soon! Peace

[@clayplaysguitar7731]

I have similar feelings about my Duo Jet. Stern built at the Gretsch Custom Shop in 2008. Duncan's version of a Dynasonic. Not as bright as the TV Jones. Middle position is heaven.

[@lbaccarini]

I have a Collings acoustic, piano-like and hi fi is how I always defined its tone (not only that of course)

[@louloriente7726]

I want one - MAN this is definitely one of the best sounding guitar I heard. So expressive, vibrant and dynamic.

[@rjb7569]

One word to describe the sound... And your playing...schweeet! Soft-playing marvel.

[@JohnJCaputo]

The folks at Maple Street are awesome. Nice playing too, Rhett.

[@benjamingilmore825]

Rhett you should buy it! Your playing on it was sublime and I can tell it’s meant for you

[@LIKEFUNK]

I've got the puppy it was modelled after to get its tones and playability, they've done a pretty good job getting close by the sound of it, I hooked in during this demo here and spanked it into car park in all honesty. I can tell you it's most assuredly modelled tonally after a Gretsch, -but not the model mentioned here.

[@mikegreenguitar]

While in Boston for work a five years ago, I visited The Music Emporium. Amazing store! They had at least a dozen Collings electrics. If memory serves, they were mid $3k-4k range. Should've bought one then, their product line has gone up about a grand across the board since. I'd definitely choose a Collings over a boutique Gibson.