‘OM’ stands for “Orchestra Model,” but 80 years after this body shape was first designed it has become the most popular 14-fret model with fingerstyle guitar soloists who choose to play on steel strings. Yet flatpickers also find it appealing, and when the graceful cutaway is added these OMs are often used by lead players who routinely explore all 20 frets much as they would on an electric guitar. The compact shape makes the Collings OM equally easy to handle onstage or when sitting on the couch, and the relatively shallow body – barely over 4 inches deep – results in a balanced tone and immediate response.

OM1 vs OM2H vs OM3

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

• Our 1-style (OM1) features Honduran mahogany back and sides with tortoise body binding and ebony butt wedge, b/w/b/w top purfling, a walnut backstrip, dot fingerboard inlays, and a simpler 1-style rosette.
• Our 2-style (OM2H) 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 (OM3) 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 (OM1) vs Traditional (OM1 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 11/16″ nut width and 2 3/16″ 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.  Due to the vintage-inspired vision for these guitars, Traditional instruments are offered with limited custom options.