COLLINGS 290

An acoustic specialist plugs in at last

FOR: Tone aficionados. After 32 years of building some of the most highly regarded acoustic instruments on the planet, luthier Bill Collings decided to turn up the volume. Just like its namesake (the highway that leads to Collings’ shop on the outskirts of Austin), the electric Collings 290 is going to take you to a place filled with inspiration and musical diversity. The craftsmanship is outstanding in every way, with tremendous consistency up and down the neck. Each of three pickup selections yields the kind of body and tone that would make any fine amp sing with joy.

NOT FOR: Bargain hunters—this is a handmade instrument, after all.

– Doug Doppler