Collings 470 JL - Antiqued Black Top #26846

The Collings 470 JL in Antiqued Black Top is a masterfully crafted hollowbody that captures the spirit of vintage electric guitars while showcasing the uncompromising precision and artistry for which Collings has become renowned. Elegant, expressive, and deeply resonant, this remarkable instrument blends old-world character with modern refinement, creating an inspiring playing experience that feels both timeless and distinctly its own. The Antiqued Black Top finish evokes the grace of a well-preserved heirloom, lending the guitar a sophisticated presence that reflects decades of musical history while remaining undeniably contemporary.

At the heart of the 470 JL is a fully hollow construction featuring a trestle block design, delivering a unique balance of acoustic openness, sustain, and feedback resistance. The solid Honduran mahogany body provides warmth, richness, and exceptional resonance, while the maple laminate top adds clarity, articulation, and dynamic response. Together, these carefully selected tonewoods create a voice that is airy and complex, with a remarkable ability to reveal the subtle nuances of a player's touch. Weighing only 6 lbs 5 oz, the instrument feels effortlessly comfortable whether played on stage, in the studio, or during extended practice sessions.

The Honduran mahogany neck is carved to the exclusive 470 JL profile, measuring .850" at the first fret and .955" at the ninth fret. This shape offers a substantial yet comfortable feel that encourages both fluid lead playing and confident chord work. An ebony fingerboard with a 12-inch radius provides a smooth and responsive playing surface, adorned with graduated pearl dot inlays that lend understated elegance to the instrument's visual identity. Medium nickel-silver frets deliver exceptional playability and precision, while the 24 7/8-inch scale length contributes to a balanced string tension and effortless feel across the fretboard.

Exceptional craftsmanship is evident throughout every detail of the instrument. The extra-long mortise and tenon neck joint enhances stability, sustain, and tonal transfer between the neck and body. Non-grained ivoroid body binding elegantly frames the guitar's contours, while the ebony peghead veneer features the iconic mother-of-pearl Collings script logo. The distinctive 470 JL peghead profile further sets this model apart, giving it a refined and unmistakable visual character.

The tonal heart of the 470 JL lies in its pair of custom Ron Ellis Ellisonics pickups. Designed with adjustable height functionality, these exceptional pickups deliver extraordinary clarity, depth, and responsiveness. From warm, woody cleans to rich overdriven textures, the Ellisonics faithfully capture every nuance of the player's expression while preserving the guitar's natural acoustic character. The custom 470 wiring configuration features a master volume control and dual tone controls, complemented by premium DiMarzio 500K potentiometers, Jupiter Vintage Yellow capacitors, and an Orange Drop treble bleed circuit. This sophisticated electronics package ensures remarkable tonal flexibility and exceptional clarity throughout the entire control range.

A thoughtfully selected hardware package further enhances both performance and aesthetics. The pinned ebony bridge base with Tune-O-Matic saddle top and nylon saddles provides excellent intonation and sustain while contributing to the instrument's smooth tonal response. A Bigsby B3 vibrato tailpiece adds expressive capability and vintage-inspired style, allowing subtle pitch variations and shimmering textures with effortless control. Relic nickel Waverly tuning machines with vintage oval buttons offer outstanding tuning stability and precision, while black reflector top knobs and black phenolic pickup rings complete the guitar's understated yet elegant appearance.

Finished in high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer, the 470 JL allows the tonewoods to resonate freely while developing character and beauty over time. Every aspect of the instrument reflects Collings' commitment to uncompromising quality, from the Delrin nut and premium appointments to the meticulous fit and finish that define the brand's reputation.

Accompanied by a deluxe hardshell case, the Collings 470 JL Antiqued Black Top stands as an exceptional interpretation of the classic hollowbody electric guitar. Combining remarkable craftsmanship, inspiring tone, lightweight comfort, and elegant aesthetics, it is an instrument designed not only to perform at the highest level, but to become a lifelong musical companion.

Other specifications include:

• Construction Fully hollow w/ trestle block
• Body Solid Honduran mahogany
• Top Maple laminate
• Neck Honduran mahogany
• Body Binding Non-grained ivoroid
• Fingerboard Binding Ebony
• Peghead Binding None
• Bridge Pinned ebony base w/ tune-o-matic saddle top (nylon saddles)
• Tailpiece Bigsby vibrato B3
• Fingerboard Ebony w/ graduated pearl dots
• Fingerboard Radius 12"
• Pickups Ron Ellis Ellisonics (custom adjustable height)
• Pots/Caps DiMarzio 500K / Jupiter Vintage Yellow / Orange Drop Treble Bleed
• Knobs Black/Silver or Black/Gold Reflector Top
• Pickup Rings Black Phenolic
• Nut 1 11/16" Delrin
• Scale Length 24 7/8"
• Neck Joint Extra long mortise & tenon
• Frets Medium 18% nickel-silver
• Peghead Veneer Ebony w/ MOP Collings Script logo
• Peghead Profile 470 JL Haircut
• Tuners Relic nickel Waverly with vintage oval buttons (16:1 ratio)
• Wiring  470 Wiring (master volume, two tones)
• Guitar Finish High gloss nitrocellulose lacquer
• Pickguard Acrylic Tortoise (1-ply) or Parchment (3-Ply)
• Truss Rod Cover Black/Cream/Black
• Strings D'Addario NYXL1149 (.011" - .049")
• Neck Profile 470 JL (1st Fret 0.850" / 9th Fret 0.955")
• Body Length 17 ⅜”
• Body Depth 1 13/16”
• Lower Bout Width 13 1/2”
• Total Length 38 3/4”
• Case Deluxe hardshell case
• 6 lbs 5 oz
• 26846

For more information on the Collings instrument, please contact us.

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