Collings 290 DC Tobacco Sunburst Lollar Imperial Humbuckers

The 290 model was introduced 20 years ago at Summer Namm and it's been a staple in the Collings lineup since then. Ostensibly a Les Paul Special but with a Collings twist , subtle body contouring(an angled rib cage cut on the bass side  and a leg cut on the treble for enhanced seated and standing playing comfort) and an offset heel joint for better upper fret access.

We spec'd this gorgeous example up with a set of Lollar Low Wind Imperial Humbuckers for a sweet open sound with top end clarity, clear mids and no lower register mudiness.

 

Some things are better in pairs. With a double-cutaway mahogany body, the 290® DC offers unhindered access to the upper frets and a wide range of tonal possibilities. From pristine clean tones with rich harmonic complexity to hard-hitting classic rock sounds, there are few styles the 290® DC cannot cover.

290® vs 290® DC

While both models feature the same standard appointments, the 290® is a single-cutaway body, while the 290® DC features a double cutaway.  Due to the design of the neck joint, the DC version’s neck pickup is shifted more toward the bridge than the single cutaway version.  This results in a neck pickup tone that is less bass-heavy with extra clarity compared to the non-DC version.  The standard 290® offers a fuller voice in the neck position, although both models are surprisingly dynamic and articulate.

Construction Solid body double cutaway Body Honduran mahogany Neck Honduran mahogany Body Binding None Fingerboard Binding None Peghead Binding None Bridge Kluson ABR-1 (Nickel-plated Zinc) Tailpiece Kluson Stop Tailpiece (nickel-plated zinc, steel studs) Fingerboard Rosewood w/ ivoroid long dots (5mm non-tapered) Fingerboard Radius 12" Pickups Lollar Low Wind Imperial Humbuckers Pots/Caps CTS 500K / Jupiter Vintage Yellow Knobs Amber or black top hat Pickup Rings Cream or black Nut 1 11/16" Scale Length 24 7/8" Neck Joint Extra long mortise & tenon Frets Medium 18% nickel-silver Peghead Veneer Ebony w/ MOP Collings logo Peghead Profile Haircut Tuners Nickel Gotoh w/ Collings logo Wiring 50s style Guitar Finish High gloss nitrocellulose lacquer Pickguard Black/Cream/Black Truss Rod Cover Black/Cream/Black with 290® logo Strings D'Addario NYXL1046 (.010" - .046") Case Deluxe hardshell case