We frequently field questions about the great necks on Collings Acoustics and thought we'd post more info here. As always, feel free to give us a ring or send an email for more information.
Collings Neck Profiles: There are three different neck options on the D and OM models that vary in size and shape - the Standard (non-vintage), the Vintage Now, and the Vintage. The easiest way to understand the differences between them is by looking at the saddle spacing. With wider saddle spacing, the neck gets bigger as you move up towards the body.
The Standard (non-vintage) neck has 2 3/16" spacing at the saddle. This has a modified V shape and is available with a 1 11/16", 1 23/32", or 1 3/4" nut width. The neck depth (including the fingerboard) is typically .840" at the 1st fret and .930" at the 9th fret. The fingerboard width measures 2.195" at the 12th fret.
The next size up is the Vintage Now which has slightly wider spacing at the saddle (2 1/4") with 1 3/4" at the nut. This neck is slightly larger than the Standard (non-vintage), but not quite as large as some of the chunkiest vintage Martin necks. This has more of a vintage feel, but is more palatable than our standard Vintage neck (see below) to a lot of players. The shape is slightly rounder (less V) in the lower position and moves towards a modified V shape as you go up the neck. The neck depth (including the fingerboard) is typically .845" at the 1st fret and .960" at the 9th fret. The fingerboard width measures 2.195" at the 12th fret.
The chunkiest neck option is the standard Vintage neck, which has 2 3/8" spacing at the saddle with 1 3/4" at the nut. This was modeled after several pre-war Martins and is a noticeably larger neck. Like the Vintage Now neck, the shape is slightly rounder (less V) in the lower position and moves towards a modified V shape as you go up the neck. The neck depth (including the fingerboard) is typically .960" at the 1st fret and 1.020" at the 9th fret. The fingerboard width measures 2.240" at the 12th fret. -Other than the neck and saddle spacing, there is no difference between a "vintage" and "non-vintage" model.
