Based on designs originally introduced around the time of the Civil War, the Collings 12-fret 00 is a comfortable and tonally articulate guitar like no other. Similar in dimensions to a smaller classical guitar, the Collings 12-fret 00 is built with a 24-7/8" and a 14-1/4"-wide body. Also like a classical guitar, it has a slotted headstock and an elegant pyramid bridge. The combination of the short scale, 12-fret design, and wider 1-13/16" nut make this an obvious choice for fingerstyle players who want a responsive small-body guitar with extra space to stretch out. But the balanced, lush tones shine for any playing style, and the small, manageable size make the 00 an easy favorite in the living room, too. This 003 SB (serial #34296). The 003 adds top-of-the-line details to the standard 002H specs, and this particular 003 also features a gorgeous Sunburst top finish. In addition to fingerboard and peghead binding, the 003 sports gold Waverly tuners, an eye-catching abalone rosette, and fancier purfling than the 002H. With a Sitka Spruce top and East Indian Rosewood back and sides, this 003 is voiced to cut, and it packs more volume and power than you might expect from a small guitar. It has shimmery top end and complexity that is balanced out by impressive bass resonance and sustain in the mids. This 2024 Collings 003 SB shows some minor playwear around the pickguard area, but it's in nice shape all around. The worst are some cosmetic scuffs around the edges of the peghead and a ding on the back binding edge (see photos). It is set up with low action, with playability similar to how new ones come directly from Collings. It includes its original hardshell case, but one of the buckles is broken. In your hands, this 003 is such a nice-playing small-body guitar. It produces clear, complex tone that follows your picking dynamics to cover a wide range of sounds. Despite its open voice and impressive volume, it still retains the sweetness and subtlety of a small body. Nobody does it like Collings! The 003 is a relatively rare model, and it's cool to see one available second-hand, with a sunburst no less!
