2012 Collings UT-1 K Ukulele - Figured Koa #U1519

The 2012 Collings UT-1 K Ukulele in Figured Koa is a rare and wonderfully charming instrument from one of the most respected names in American acoustic building. Collings ukuleles were never produced in large numbers, and with Collings no longer building ukuleles, finding one today is special in its own right. Finding one in this kind of condition, beautifully preserved yet lovingly played enough to have opened up into a rich, lively, and mature voice, makes this example especially compelling.

Built with premium figured koa for the top, back, and sides, this UT-1 K has the unmistakable shimmer, warmth, and visual depth that make koa such a beloved tonewood for fine ukuleles. The figure moves beautifully under the satin nitrocellulose lacquer finish, giving the instrument an understated elegance that feels refined rather than flashy. The voice is clear, woody, and articulate, with the sweet immediacy players hope for in a great ukulele, but with a seasoned resonance that only comes from time, care, and real musical use.

This particular instrument also carries a deeply meaningful detail: the interior label is signed by the late Bill Collings himself. As the founder and guiding force behind Collings Guitars, Bill’s obsessive commitment to tone, feel, clean craftsmanship, and elegant design shaped the identity of the company. His signature inside this ukulele makes it not only a wonderful instrument, but also a personal connection to the golden era of Collings production.

The build is executed with classic Collings precision throughout, featuring a Honduran mahogany neck, rosewood headstock veneer, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, ivoroid Collings headstock logo, ivoroid dot fingerboard inlays, ebony tuning pegs, and the elegant Single Point Headstock. The mortise and tenon neck joint, comfortable C neck profile, 12 inch fingerboard radius, narrow 18 percent nickel silver fret wire, 1 3/8 inch bone nut, and 17 inch scale length all contribute to an instrument that feels exceptionally clean, balanced, and responsive in the hands.

This UT-1 K is also performance ready, equipped with an L.R. Baggs Five.0 ukulele pickup with volume control. Designed specifically for ukulele, the Five.0 gives this instrument a natural, clear, and musical amplified voice while keeping the acoustic character intact. Whether played unplugged at home, recorded in the studio, or taken to the stage, this Collings is ready to deliver its beautifully opened up koa voice with ease.

At only 1 lb 3 oz, this UT-1 K is featherlight, resonant, and effortless to hold, with the kind of refinement that makes it easy to understand why Collings ukuleles have become so sought after since being discontinued. It is in excellent condition, with the added benefit of having been played, loved, and awakened musically. Complete with its Collings Deluxe hardshell case by Ameritage, this is a rare chance to own a beautifully kept, Bill Collings signed koa ukulele from a chapter of Collings history that has become increasingly difficult to find.

Other specifications include:

• Premium Figured Koa Top, Back & Sides
• Honduran Mahogany Neck
• Rosewood Headstock Veneer
• Rosewood Bridge & Fingerboard
• Ivoroid Collings Headstock Logo and Dots Fingerboard Inlays
• Ebony Tuning Pegs
• Satin Nitrocellulose Lacquer Finish
• Single Point Headstock
• Mortise & Tenon Neck Joint
• "C" Neck Profile
• 12" Fingerboard Radius
• 1 3/8" Bone Nut
• 17" Scale Length
• Narrow 18% Nickel-Silver Fret wire
• L.R. Baggs Five.0 Uke Pickup with Volume Control
• Collings Deluxe Hardshell Case by Ameritage
• 1 lb 3 oz
• U1519
• Pick scratches/playwear near sound hole
• Dings on heel and headstock

For more information on the Collings UT1 K, reach out today.