New and Cool: Collings Guitars Julian Lage Signature OM1

(Image credit: Collings Guitars)

The Collings Guitars OM1 JL is a brand-new signature acoustic guitar for virtuoso jazz guitarist Julian Lage. Lage’s input played a key role in the creation of the Collings T (Traditional) Series guitars, and through this rare collaboration, the signature OM1 JL has emerged as a highly specialized version of the T-Series.

The OM1 JL features a custom neck profile modeled after Lage’s cherished 1939 Martin 000-18, which was his main touring acoustic. In contrast to the high-gloss finish of the T-Series, the OM1 JL is finished with a custom satin nitrocellulose lacquer that strikes an ideal balance of thin application and vintage aesthetic for its hand-rubbed neck.

The new finish also offers some openness of tone that is present in the best pre-war instruments. Lage’s signature model also features a premium Sitka spruce top (or optional Adirondack spruce), Central American mahogany back and sides, a 1 11/16-inch nut width and 2 3/16-inch saddle spacing, early script Collings logo inlay, relic nickel Waverly tuners with vintage oval buttons and a Collings Traditional handmade case.

LIST PRICE $5,150
collingsguitars.com

Paul Riario

Paul Riario has been the tech/gear editor and online video presence for Guitar World for over 25 years. Paul is one of the few gear editors who has actually played and owned nearly all the original gear that most guitarists wax poetically about, and has survived this long by knowing every useless musical tidbit of classic rock, new wave, hair metal, grunge, and alternative genres. When Paul is not riding his road bike at any given moment, he remains a working musician, playing in two bands called SuperTrans Am and Radio Nashville.