With softer contours and a longer body dimension than our 14-Fret model, the 0 12-Fret has a balanced and full tone with slightly more bass and overall volume. First introduced in 1854, the articulation and convenient size of the “0” 12-Fret body dimensions have remained popular to this day.

Featuring a comfortable short 24 7/8″ scale and a wide 2 5/16″ string spacing at the bridge, this model is well suited to both fingerstyle and strumming techniques and also excels as a recording instrument. Convenient as a travel guitar but with the authoritative tone of a performance instrument, the 0 12-Fret is a versatile choice for any guitarist.

01 12-Fret vs 02H 12-Fret vs 03 12-Fret

While all three models share the same body dimensions, key differences are outlined below.

• Our 1-style (01 12-Fret) features Honduran mahogany back and sides with tortoise body binding and butt wedge, b/w/b/w top purfling, a walnut backstrip, dot fingerboard inlays, and a simpler 1-style rosette.
• Our 2-style (02H 12-Fret) features East Indian rosewood back and sides with ivoroid body binding and butt wedge, herringbone top purfling, a “zipper” backstrip, diamonds and squares fingerboard inlays, and a more intricate 2-style rosette.
• Our 3-style (03 12-Fret) features East Indian rosewood back and sides with ivoroid body/fingerboard/peghead binding and butt wedge, no herringbone top purfling, a “chevron” backstrip, no fingerboard inlays, and an abalone rosette.

Standard (02H 12-Fret) vs Traditional (02H 12-Fret T)

While both models share the same body dimensions, key differences are outlined below.

• Our standard series instruments (non-T) offer the classic Collings voice, which features shimmery highs, a punchy midrange, a tight and clean low end, and maximum headroom with a quick response.  The standard neck profile is our Modified V with 1 13/16″ nut width and 2 5/16″ string spacing.  Standard instruments also offer a wider range of custom options than Traditionals.
• Our Traditional series instruments (T) offer a slightly looser, more “broken in” feel and tone, featuring a rounder high end and fuller low midrange, along with our Traditional aesthetic appointments, such as gold MOP inlays and custom wood purflings and rosette.  Traditional models also feature an ultra-thin nitrocellulose lacquer body finish, no tongue brace, and a unique neck construction designed to complement the looser feel and voicing, along with our Traditional neck carve and 1 3/4″ nut width.  Due to the vintage-inspired vision for these guitars, Traditional instruments are offered with limited custom options.