Used 1997 Collings CJ featuring a sunburst Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides in very good condition and including its original hard shell case. Practically vintage by Collings standards, this slope-shoulder dread has been properly broken-in over the years and has taken on lovely, bold, responsive voice as a result. It's balanced and expressive at any volume and holds together wonderfully with even the heaviest right hand. Setup with comfortable action measuring 6/64" and 5/64" from the 12th fret to the bottom of the low and high string, respectively, with .007" relief in the medium C mahogany neck. Overall condition is very good, with playwear limited to some finish hazing where the arm crosses over, a few scattered shallow dings on the lower treble side bout and the back of the neck, a patch of thumbwear on the bass side of the neck in the first position, and some minor scuffing on the headstock overlay. A center seam separation on the top has been glued and properly cleated and is 100% stable, and a strap button has been installed in the correct location on the neck heel.

• Year: 1997
• Top: Sunburst Sitka spruce
• Back & Sides wood: Mahogany
• Neck/fingerboard: Mahogany medium C
• Inlays: Mother-of-pearl dots
• Binding: Grained ivoroid — top, back, fretboard & headstock
• Nut width: 1-11/16"
• Scale length: 25-1/2"
• Tuners: Open gear Waverly
• Bridge: Ebony

Ships fully insured with signature required on delivery.

About us:

At Dusty Strings, we thoroughly inspect each new and used instrument prior to offering it for sale and take whatever steps we believe are necessary to ensure it will perform its best for most players. Our standards are exceptionally high. For new instruments, that means we make minor adjustments as needed, for good playability, but that instruments with fundamental flaws are returned to their manufacturer without going for sale. For used instruments, we perform whatever cleaning, restringing, adjustments, or repairs that are needed for them to perform their best.

The result of our attention to detail is that when you first take your newly purchased instrument out of its case, it will be ready to play. Does this mean the instruments will satisfy your particular sensibilities or account for settling into its new environment? Perhaps not, but those issues fall in the realm of custom setup, something that our professional repair shop is happy to help with if you live within visiting distance. If you live outside our area, we’d recommend a visit to your favorite local luthier, who will be able to help.