For sale is one of the guitars from my collection, which I have been building for years.

A beautiful and collectible instrument, based on the 1956 Gibson Junior.

An absolute rarity in Europe: Collings 290 S Tobacco Burst, made in 2011 – from the Bill Collings Custom Order era.

Like most in my collection, I acquired this instrument from a professional musician or recording studio – in this case, an Australian one.

The guitar dates from 2011 and, according to the information I received (documentation and details from the previous owner), was ordered as a Custom Order directly from Collings Guitars.

For its age, it is in excellent condition – like new from the store. It still has the factory protective films on the pickguard and the potentiometer cavity cover.

It was used only in a few recording sessions.

The instrument has been periodically maintained and inspected by a luthier, and stored in appropriate conditions.

Bill Collings, founder and owner of Collings Guitars, passed away on August 9, 2017. Collings was regarded as one of the greatest guitar makers in history, and his company became a symbol of exceptional craftsmanship in the world of musical instruments. Collings guitars are prized worldwide for their precise build, outstanding tone, and durability.

The Collings 290S is an exceptional instrument for discerning guitarists seeking an electric guitar with a classic look and superb sound quality. This model combines excellent craftsmanship, tradition, and a modern approach to guitar construction. Thanks to its precise execution and premium materials, the Collings 290S excels across many musical genres and is highly valued by professional musicians and collectors alike.

It is an outstandingly good, incredibly resonant, and uncompromisingly built instrument.

Collings 290S guitars are exceptional instruments from Collings Guitars, known for producing high-quality acoustic and electric guitars.

The 290S model is one of their takes on the classic Les Paul, specifically the 1956 Junior version, but with Collings’ distinct signature: precision craftsmanship, attention to detail, and superb tone.

The guitar is very fast, clear, and selective. Tonally growly yet singing, very open and wide. On overdrive, it has a strong, decisive punch. The bass strings are quick and springy – I have an aversion to “muddy” Les Pauls. Clean tone is bright, fairly warm, and saturated even for a single bridge P90 – the tone pot offers a lot of versatility.

In summary: it has unbelievable sustain and timbre. Unplugged, it is very loud. When striking the strings, it vibrates across the entire body and neck surface. Technically very fast, plays lightly. Comfortable – great action, no buzzing, no hum. Absolute TOP!!!

It outperforms most far more expensive Les Pauls from the Custom Shop. For comparison, I’ve tested it against various Gibsons from the 70s and 80s, as well as modern Murphy Lab and Collector’s Choice models.

Key features of the Collings 290S:

Body and Construction:

The Collings 290S body is made from solid, lightweight Honduran mahogany, providing a warm, rich tone with excellent sustain. This is the premier material often chosen for electric guitars, offering natural warmth with defined midrange.

The body shape resembles a classic Les Paul, with one small difference: the Collings 290S is less rounded and geometrically modified for significantly better playability while retaining the typical “LP vibe.”

Neck and Fingerboard:

The neck is also made from Honduran mahogany, ensuring consistent tonal character throughout the guitar.

The fingerboard is Indian rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia), delivering superb string response and aiding in clear, warm tone production.

Pickups:

Lollar Dogear P90 +5% pickups are known for their characteristic clean, energetic sound. Combined with a soft yet defined timbre, they are highly prized for their warm, slightly growly tone – ideal for blues, rock, and more.

Finish:

Per Collings standards, the 290S is available in various finishes, but the most classic are Tobacco Burst and Sunburst, which are rarer options among these guitars.

Collings instruments are also renowned for their high-quality, extremely thin nitrocellulose lacquer, which not only highlights the wood’s natural beauty but also allows better “breathing” for improved tone and sustain.

Ergonomics and Comfort:

Collings guitars are known for precise detailing that translates to playing comfort. The 290S body is designed for both standing and sitting play.

The Collings 290S neck has a classic C-profile, making it comfortable for players who prefer thicker necks or something medium-sized.

Tone:

Due to its construction, the Collings 290S offers very warm, full sound with good sustain and deep midrange, excelling in a wide range of styles like rock, blues, jazz, or even hard rock.

Thanks to boutique Lollar P-90 pickups, they also feature brightness and clarity in the highs, giving them a unique character that sets them apart from humbucker-equipped guitars.

Comparison with Other Collings Models:

Collings 290S guitars are part of a series directly inspired by classic Les Paul designs. Unlike a standard Les Paul, which can be heavier, the 290S is lighter and offers a more direct, expressive attack. The neck is also more playable, which matters for those who appreciate subtle build details.

Included is a super luxurious hardshell case with six latches.

Specification from Collings site:

Construction: Solid body single 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: Single Lollar P90 (bridge)

Pots/Caps: DiMarzio 500K / Jupiter Vintage Yellow

Knobs: Amber or black top hat

Pickup Rings: Black dogear

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 NYXL1149 (.011” - .049”)

Case: Deluxe hardshell case