The Collings OM-42 is a breathtaking expression of everything the late Bill Collings believed an acoustic guitar should be: impeccably built, visually stunning, and alive with tone. Long after establishing Collings Guitars as one of the finest names in the world of handcrafted instruments, Bill’s uncompromising standards still define every guitar that leaves the shop. The OM-42 stands as a fitting tribute to that legacy, blending old-world craftsmanship with unmistakable Collings precision.

At its heart is an Adirondack spruce top paired with beautifully figured koa back and sides, a combination that delivers remarkable balance and character. The Adirondack top offers headroom, clarity, and dynamic punch, while the figured koa adds warmth, sweetness, and a focused midrange that becomes richer the more the guitar is played. Beneath the top, Adirondack spruce pre-war scalloped X bracing helps the instrument respond with exceptional power and sensitivity, giving this OM a voice that is articulate and refined whether fingerpicked delicately or driven hard with a flatpick.

Visually, the OM-42 is nothing short of spectacular. Ebony body, fingerboard, and headstock bindings frame the figured koa with striking contrast, while the 42-style abalone top border and abalone rosette provide just the right amount of elegance without overwhelming the guitar’s natural beauty. A mosaic backstrip and dazzling 45-style abalone snowflake fingerboard inlays complete the presentation, creating an instrument that feels every bit as luxurious as it sounds.

The Honduran mahogany neck features Collings’ standard Modified V profile, offering a substantial yet comfortable feel that invites long playing sessions. With its 25 1/2-inch scale length, 1 3/4-inch nut width, and 2 3/16-inch bridge spacing, the OM-42 provides excellent string separation and responsiveness, making it equally at home in intricate fingerstyle arrangements and expressive flatpicking.

Every detail reflects Collings’ relentless pursuit of perfection. A solid headstock, ebony fingerboard and bridge, gold Waverly tuning machines, medium 18% nickel-silver frets, fully adjustable truss rod, and Collings’ renowned mortise and tenon hybrid neck joint all contribute to the guitar’s effortless playability and lasting stability. The high gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish gives the instrument a rich, glassy sheen while allowing the wood to resonate freely.

Weighing just 4 pounds 3 ounces, the OM-42 feels incredibly lively and resonant in your hands. It arrives protected in a deluxe hard case, ready to become the centerpiece of a serious collection or the forever guitar for a player who demands the very best.