This Collings SJ was built in 2015 and it’s in excellent structural and cosmetic condition. The frets do show a little wear but don't show deep grooves so there is a lot of life left in them. The SJ is the Collings version of the Small Jumbo, a body shape inspired by the 1950s Gibson J-185. The 16 inch lower bout is slightly wider than a dreadnought, and although the sides are almost as deep, the tight curve at the waist creates a very different sound chamber. SJs, especially examples in maple like this one, typically have a stronger, more punchy midrange response when compared to a dreadnought (the maple neck, which is stiffer and harder than mahogany, is part of that difference). Players looking for the bass and overall volume of a large guitar, but with lots of treble clarity and midrange crunch, often find what they need in the curvaceous Collings SJ. This one has a Sitka spruce top and European maple back and sides and that combination produces a nicely balanced tone that works well for fingerpicking, strumming and vocal accompaniment. The even response of a maple SJ also works very well for jazz.
