Bill Collings 1948 – 2017: Friday Links

Austin, Texas guitar and ukulele maker Bill Collings died this week. Collings began making guitars in the 1970s and launched a line of beautifully made ukuleles in 2009.

Window Shopping
– This September Fender are releasing a whole batch of cheaper ukuleles: the Seaside, Rincon, Zuma and Montecito. You can see some here and here.
– But if I was getting a Fender style uke I’d want an Eckhaus Tululele.
KoAloha Black Label Lava.
Hoffman A style tenor.
– New Fluke designs including a fetching designer soundboard by Evelyn Drew.
Violele.

We lost our dear friend and mentor Bill Collings yesterday. He was the amazingly creative force behind Collings Guitars for over 40 years. Through his unique and innate understanding of how things work, and how to make things work better, he set the bar in our industry and touched many lives in the process. His skill and incredible sense of design were not just limited to working with wood, but were also obvious in his passion for building hot rods. To Bill, the design and execution of elegant form and function were what mattered most. Perhaps even more exceptional than his ability to craft some of the finest instruments in the world, was his ability to teach and inspire. He created a quality-centered culture that will carry on to honor his life's work and legacy. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Our hearts are with his family. William R. Collings 8/9/1948 – 7/14/2017

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2 Comments

  1. Glenn July 21st, 2017 4:17 pm

    Interesting that Fender is expanding their uke line. I have to agree with you that I’d want more of a Telecaster looking body to go with that Fender head. That head with the inline tuners looks out of proportion to a standard ukulele body (to me).

    The KoAloha is stunning. Probably my favourite brand. Anxiously awaiting an Opio soprano on order – a lot closer to my price range although still a stretch.

    I wasn’t familiar with his brand, but sad news about Bill Collings.

  2. Woodshed July 25th, 2017 9:47 am

    Glenn: Hope you enjoy the Opio! I’m tempted by those myself.

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