Collings
Since 1973
Collings Guitars was founded in 1973 by Bill Collings in Austin, Texas. What began as handcrafted instruments built on a kitchen table grew into a 27,000 sq ft factory producing some of the world's most revered acoustic and electric guitars. Bill Collings passed away in 2017, but his team has continued his legacy of meticulous craftsmanship. Collings guitars are played by Pete Townshend, Joni Mitchell, Brian May, and countless other professionals who demand the finest instruments. The brand is known for exceptional build quality, precise tolerances, and tonal excellence across acoustics, electrics, mandolins, and ukuleles.
53
Years in Business
50K+
Guitars Sold
$15M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Collings Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about Collings guitars.
Collings Price Overview
Collings covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$3,500
+4% vs last year
eBay Listings
450
Active listings
Sold This Month
85
+5% vs last month
Price Range
$2,000-$12,000
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Collings Timeline
Kitchen Table Origins
Bill Collings founded Collings Guitars in Austin, Texas, building handcrafted instruments on his kitchen table.
Professional Recognition
Collings guitars gained recognition among professional musicians for exceptional craftsmanship and tone.
Factory Expansion
Moved from workshop to dedicated facility as demand grew for Collings' meticulous acoustic guitars.
Electric Guitar Launch
Introduced the I-35 semi-hollow electric, bringing Collings quality to the electric guitar market.
27,000 sq ft Factory
Expanded to a 27,000 sq ft manufacturing facility while maintaining handcrafted quality standards.
City Limits Series
Launched the City Limits electric line—solidbody and semi-hollow models with Collings precision.
Bill Collings Legacy
Bill Collings passed away; his team continued operations, honoring his standards and design philosophy.
Enduring Excellence
Collings remains a benchmark for boutique acoustic and electric guitars, with strong used market demand.
Complete Collings Product Lineup
Collings: From a kitchen table in Austin to 27,000 sq ft of handcrafted excellence—played by Pete Townshend, Joni Mitchell, Brian May
Acoustic Guitars
Handcrafted flat-top acoustics—the heart of Collings
Jumbo body at ~$5,000-$8,000
Dreadnought at ~$5,000-$7,000
Orchestra model at ~$4,500-$6,500
Electric Guitars
Semi-hollow and solidbody electrics with Collings precision
Classic semi-hollow at ~$3,000-$4,500
Solidbody and semi-hollow at ~$3,500-$5,000
Mandolins & Ukuleles
Handcrafted mandolins and ukuleles
F-style and A-style mandolins
Concert and tenor ukuleles
"Collings: From a kitchen table in Austin to 27,000 sq ft of handcrafted excellence—played by Pete Townshend, Joni Mitchell, Brian May"
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
Collings Acoustic Guide
Boutique Acoustic Benchmark
Collings CJ, D2H, and OM models at $4,500-$8,000 represent the pinnacle of handcrafted flat-top acoustics. Expect Martin-level quality with Collings' distinctive clarity and balance.
Body Shape Matters
CJ (jumbo) offers bold low end; D2H (dreadnought) delivers classic punch; OM (orchestra) provides balanced mids and fingerstyle clarity. Choose based on playing style.
Used Market Strength
Used Collings acoustics hold value well—typically 65-80% of new. With 4% annual appreciation, buying used is a sound investment in a lifetime instrument.
Collings Electric Guide
I-35 Semi-Hollow
The I-35 at $3,000-$4,500 offers ES-335-style versatility with Collings' meticulous build quality. Ideal for jazz, blues, and rock.
City Limits Versatility
City Limits models at $3,500-$5,000 include solidbody and semi-hollow options. Expect exceptional fretwork and hardware—Collings standards throughout.
Pro Endorsements
Pete Townshend, Joni Mitchell, and Brian May have played Collings. The brand's electrics deliver the clarity and reliability professionals demand.
Used Collings Buying Guide
Strong Resale Value
Used Collings guitars average $3,500 with 4% annual growth. Pre-2017 instruments (Bill Collings era) may command a premium among collectors.
Inspect Construction
Check dovetail joints, fret condition, and top integrity. Collings uses hide glue—inspect seams for separation. Original hard cases add value.
Legacy Continuity
Post-2017 Collings guitars maintain the same standards—the team trained under Bill Collings. Don't discount newer instruments.