Weight: 6.85 lbs.

This is the semi-hollow that defines the genre. Slightly smaller than the historic model which inspired it, the I35 is a great example of what the craftspeople at Collings are capable of. The construction is perfect; follow any line on the whole guitar and you will find not a dimple, not a hair out of place. The neck is true like a billiard table, with some of the tidiest fretwork I've ever seen. The maple body is almost startlingly figured, especially considering how plain most vintage semi-hollows are, and the contours of the arching are deep and sumptuous. Crisp edges and precise joinery combine with swooping curves to make a study in contrast that endlessly entertains the eye; I never get tired of looking at these guitars.

Sound-wise, the I35 is impressively loud and responsive even before you plug it in. I can't emphasize enough just how important this is: you can't amplify what's not there! One of the best jazz tones I've ever heard is this pickup through a Carr Sportsman...pure Kenny Burrell! The bridge pickup makes great Zep sounds (the real ones, not the over-saturated imitations you get from over-wound 'buckers'), and the middle position with a bit of volume rolled off gives an ear-tickling, brushy, acoustic-like chime.

As an aside, I check every one of these that comes in and not once have I had to even turn the truss rod. Fact.

- Rob Sharer, Sound Pure Luthier

The I35 LC is the result of a custom laminated construction technique that Bill Collings and his R&D team developed in pursuit of the best tonal qualities of vintage semi-hollow guitar design. When crafting instruments designed to be used electrically at higher volumes, the resonant qualities of a guitar need a high degree of focus to achieve some of the classic semi-hollow guitar tones. The I35 LC is the first of a line of laminate instruments designed to respond acoustically in perfect harmony with their electronics. Custom crafted in house for each guitar, the Collings laminate line has provided another unique way for us to voice our instruments for superior response and tone. The I35 LC features a custom laminate maple top, sides and back and an all mahogany neck. The I35 LC is among our most articulate and versatile electric models.

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