Curious about tone differences between Collings, Huss and Dalton and Santa Cruz?

[Organic Sounds Select Guitars]

Hello AGF friends!

Yes, the title of the thread is a bit broad, but I thought I'd share a comparison video of similar guitars from these three great makers. All three are spruce topped/mahogany backed OM's, and all are from the "traditional" or "pre-war" designs of their makers.

It's not truly an apples to apples comparison, as there are a couple of important differences to note. The Collings OM1-ATS has an Adirondack top with a satin finish, the H&D TOM-M has an Italian Spruce top and sinker mahogany, and the Santa Cruz OM/PW has a sitka top.

Also the H&D is a brand new guitar, the Collings was built in 2020, and the Santa Cruz (one of my personal guitars) is from 2007.

All three have new phosphor bronze light strings (D'Addario EXP's for the Collings and H&D, and Santa Cruz low tension on the SC).

Differences in tone are somewhat subtle, but definitely there. I'll be happy to share my impressions, but first would love to hear what your thoughts are.

Here is the video and thanks for checking it out! (If you want to skip my jabbering, the playing starts at 0:58).

[hifivic]

Nice demo Larry, to my ears the SCGC warms my heart although I'm biased by my personal experience. Keeping names to myself one of them had a bite to it (their signature sound) that I can never seem to bond with and therefore have sold every one I've owned over the years, at least half dozen. One of them to my ears was overloading just a bit but much more pleasant overall though. As you stated though, not apples to apples as the SCGC has had a 10-12 year head start to open up. Took me over 50 years and many many guitars to determine that I prefer the warmth of sitka/mahogany as a combo although a mahogany top sure comes very very close. Thanks for the aural treat and effort.

[TBman]

I thought the SC stood out above the other two.

[zmf]

I have to admit to being hopelessly biased towards Santa Cruz, and skeptical that the Collings signature tone will often suit my tastes. I don't have enough experience with Huss and Dalton to have a bias.

But I'm open to be convinced otherwise.

Unfortunately, the well-seasoned Santa Cruz plays right into my bias, with its softer, warmer tones. I don't think the difference is subtle.

Nice video of the three. Really does afford an opportunity for comparison.

[E-OM]

Originally Posted by zmf

Nice video of the three. Really does afford an opportunity for comparison.
I don't think the difference is subtle.

I fully agree with zmf... I, for one, would appreciate more comparisons like this.
Bob

[jaymarsch]

My preference goes to the Santa Cruz as well in this comparison. I have played fine examples of each of these makers and my tonal preference in general favors the Santa Cruz voice.
Thanks for doing the video. I always enjoy these kinds of explorations.
Best,
Jayne

[Jwills57]

Well, shoot, why not weigh in here. I thought the Collings had the most articulation and clarity; the Huss and Dalton seemed a bit bolder and throaty. The Santa Cruz didn't float my boat in the way the other two did, but it was still a great guitar. I'd choose the Collings for sure.

[Dru Edwards]

What a great video, Larry. I think I like the Santa Cruz the best, had some nice crisp trebles. I would like to hear the H&D in person as it seemed to have a lot of bass (which I enjoy when playing).

[mcmars]

Santa Cruz for sure, but all were great instruments. I question what the other 2 will sound like in a decade or 2? Was that the big difference, age?

[SuperB23]

My own personal experience has usually placed SCGC and H&D above Collings and Bourgeois. Most of the time Goodall and Froggy will beat them all out though. All brands make a lot of great instruments though!

[UncleJesse]

I like the clarity of the Collings here.

[jklotz]

Nice comparison. I own a Collings and a Huss and Dalton, and really felt like what was represented here coincides with what I hear when I play them. Thanks for posting.

[brencat]

Santa Cruz for me please. Way too much articulation in the other two.

And great playing as always, Larry!

[L20A]

I need to do these tests blindfolded.
I hear things very differently when I don't see which guitar is being played.

With that said, I was impressed with all three and could not pick a winner with just that one song, played in drop D or whatever tuning was used.

[Jeff Mc]

Collings, then SC, then HD.