This signature model is the result of a long collaboration between Julian Lage and the late Bill Collings, and has a number of significant differences when compared to a Collings OM1A Traditional Series model. Although it doesn't bear the "T" in the model code, the JL is very much a Traditional Series model, just one with even more differences. Of course you could say that all Collings Traditional Series models are inspired by 1930s Martins, but the OM1A JL is based on a particular guitar, Julian's 1939 000-18. After hundreds and hundreds of hours playing that particular 000, Lage was looking for a contemporary mahogany 000 of that same size but with a neck that felt like "home," and the JL model is the result. The JL neck has the same slightly asymmetric "worn in" feel as Lage's '39 000-18, but with the longer 25.4" string scale.
Other differences are the thin satin-gloss lacquer and the blind-end saddle slot (instead of the through-cut saddle on other Traditional Series models). This type of saddle is easier to adjust and change, and also allows a wider range of pickup options for players who need to plug in. The last touch is the headstock logo, which is the same pearl lettering script that Bill Collings hand-cut for his earliest guitars.bWe've found that players are delighted when they first try one of these OM1A Julian Lage models. It's very light in weight and incredibly responsive.
