Collings C100 for Flatpicking/Bluegrass? Any Experience?

[JRuss1524]

I have taken a deep dive into the world of acoustics/bluegrass music over the past year. I have traded and sold a handful of guitars over the past few months to hone in on what I am really looking for.

After trying a ton of guitars, owning a handful, and checking out every shop i can, I've got my my sites set on a Collings. Their clarity and note separation really speak to me.

I have been shopping around for the right D1 and stumbled upon a Collings C100 while in a local shop the other day.

I haven't been able to get it out of my head since. I loved its snappy focused tone, while really retaining a decent amount of low end and punch.

I have been putting in a lot of effort to learning bluegrass standards and techniques -- focusing on flatpicking and all that good stuff. I am wondering if going for the C100 instead of a dread would be a misstep? Does anyone have any experience with a C100 in a bluegrass setting? The one i am looking at is a hog/sitka build.

Thanks!

[cliff_the_stiff]

I’ve only played one in a store, and didn’t really dig in, but this guy can make them sing…
https://youtu.be/u3d7izbaBZE

[LAPlayer]

It's a great guitar and you can use it for anything you like. The key is do you like it, not the brand or model. This particular model is excellent.

[Mobilemike]

There is one player that frequents a bluegrass jam near me who normally brings a Collings C100. It is always one of the loudest guitars at the jam. I don’t think it quite has the “traditional bluegrass dread sound”, meaning it sounds a bit different than all the other guitars in the room, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s mostly about the player, and no matter what you can always hear the C100 cut through.

[JRuss1524]

Originally Posted by Mobilemike

There is one player that frequents a bluegrass jam near me who normally brings a Collings C100. It is always one of the loudest guitars at the jam. I don’t think it quite has the “traditional bluegrass dread sound”, meaning it sounds a bit different than all the other guitars in the room, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s mostly about the player, and no matter what you can always hear the C100 cut through.

Thanks Mike, this is very helpful.
I was really hoping someone would chime in that had first hand experience.

[Br1ck]

I would not buy one before you can play a D1.

[JRuss1524]

Originally Posted by Br1ck

I would not buy one before you can play a D1.

Why do ya say that? Thanks for the input by the way.

[cliff_the_stiff]

Originally Posted by Br1ck

I would not buy one before you can play a D1.

Here’s Bob Minner on a D1
https://youtu.be/wFdgucZiBe8?si=KeiRBE-y8jC4lr5q

[LAPlayer]

Originally Posted by cliff_the_stiff

Here’s Bob Minner on a D1
https://youtu.be/wFdgucZiBe8?si=KeiRBE-y8jC4lr5q

Actually, to be correct, it's a D1 AT - a bit of a different animal than the base D1. Still a great guitar. Accuracy means something. Additionally, the D1 is around 6,000 and the D1 AT is around $7,250. Owning both I can say they are similar but different and should be evaluated as two different guitars.

[Pickcity]

Originally Posted by cliff_the_stiff

Here’s Bob Minner on a D1
https://youtu.be/wFdgucZiBe8?si=KeiRBE-y8jC4lr5q

I always liked Bob’s playing. He is the reason I started seriously looking at Collings guitars. I still don’t own one, but I probably will one of these days.

[soups]

I have a C-100 deluxe. It’s the only non traditional Collings I’ve kept for an extended period. It’s loud and precise but doesn’t habe the punch - especially the “fat” trebles that some may find desirable for upper register single note runs. I would try a D1 or D2H before making a jump. However if you’re just buying it because you like it, then go for it. Generally speaking, you can play pretty much any style music on that guitar and be satisfied if not thrilled

[hairyharris]

I'm in the process of studying flatpicking/bluegrass music for guitar. I simply cannot get comfortable with a dreadnought thus I shop for alternative guitars. I see and hear nothing wrong with the Collings c100. Great tone obviously and according to owners, great playability. If you can look forward to waking up to it each morning, then it's a definite getter!

[Murphy Slaw]

I play bluegrass with a Gibson J-45. And that's illegal.

So, what do I know...?

[Dotneck]

I’d be worried that the true bluegrass guys would snicker at me at jams.

[LAPlayer]

Originally Posted by Murphy Slaw

I play bluegrass with a Gibson J-45. And that's illegal. So, what do I know...?

Play quick and hit the road like a Midnight Rider.