The Collings I-35 Deluxe Aged in Merlot is a sublime fusion of refined craftsmanship, tonal excellence, and vintage-inspired design—an instrument that represents the pinnacle of modern semi-hollowbody construction. Rooted in the legacy of Bill Collings, a titan in the world of high-end acoustic and electric guitars, this I-35 Deluxe reflects everything that made his instruments revered across genres and generations. Bill’s relentless pursuit of perfection, his innovative engineering spirit, and his refusal to compromise on quality elevated Collings Guitars from a boutique shop to an internationally respected brand. The I-35, in particular, is a shining example of how Collings continues to push the envelope in electric guitar design while honoring the timeless appeal of classic American instruments.

At its core, the I-35 Deluxe features a semi-hollow construction with a solid maple center block, striking a perfect balance between the warmth and resonance of a hollowbody and the feedback resistance and sustain of a solidbody. The body and neck are carved from Honduran mahogany, offering a rich, harmonically complex midrange with excellent sustain and natural warmth. The premium flamed maple top, finished in a luscious Aged Merlot nitrocellulose lacquer, adds both brightness and aesthetic flair, with the aging process giving the guitar a subtly worn-in elegance and a tactile, broken-in feel straight from the case.

A hallmark of the Deluxe series is its stunning attention to detail, and this I-35 spares nothing. The grained ivoroid binding on the body, fingerboard, and peghead offers vintage-inspired contrast and elevates the visual presence of the guitar, seamlessly complementing the deep Merlot finish. The rosewood fingerboard is smooth and responsive, and the 12" radius with medium nickel-silver frets ensures comfortable playability across a range of styles. The C-shaped neck profile (.865" at the 1st fret and .967" at the 9th) feels substantial yet ergonomic—an ideal platform for players who demand both comfort and control.

At the heart of the I-35 Deluxe’s sonic identity are its Lollar Low Wind Imperial Humbuckers, revered for their clarity, balance, and touch sensitivity. These pickups bring out the full voice of the instrument, with enough punch for overdriven blues and rock tones, and the subtlety and sparkle needed for clean jazz or ambient textures. 50s-style wiring, DiMarzio 500K pots, and Jupiter Vintage Yellow capacitors ensure an expressive, dynamic tonal palette that reacts intuitively to every nuance of your playing.

The hardware is meticulously selected to match the instrument’s premium construction. A Kluson ABR-1 bridge and Kluson stop tailpiece (both nickel-plated zinc with steel studs) deliver excellent stability and sustain, while the Nickel Gotoh tuners with Collings logo provide smooth, precise tuning. Other tasteful touches include custom grained ivoroid top hat knobs, custom ivoroid pickup rings, and an ivoroid truss rod cover, all echoing the instrument’s vintage luxury aesthetic. The absence of a pickguard allows the full beauty of the flamed maple top and aged finish to shine unobstructed.

Weighing in at 6 lbs 15 oz, the I-35 Deluxe is perfectly balanced for long playing sessions, whether on stage or in the studio. Its 24 7/8" scale length and 1 11/16" nut width contribute to a fast, articulate feel, while the extra-long mortise & tenon neck joint ensures superb resonance and structural integrity.

Housed in a deluxe hardshell case, the Collings I-35 Deluxe Aged – Merlot is more than just a guitar—it’s a masterfully voiced, impeccably built instrument with soul, sophistication, and stage-ready power. For players who seek the very best in tone, aesthetics, and feel, this guitar represents the high watermark of semi-hollow electric design.

Other specifications include:

• Construction Semi hollow w/ maple center block
• Body Honduran mahogany
• Top Premium flamed maple
• Neck Honduran mahogany
• Body Binding Grained ivoroid
• Fingerboard Binding Grained ivoroid
• Peghead Binding Grained ivoroid
• Bridge Kluson ABR-1(nickel-plated zinc w/ retaining wire)
• Tailpiece Kluson Stop Tailpiece (nickel-plated zinc, steel studs)
• Fingerboard Rosewood
• Soundhole F-holes (unbound)
• Pickups Lollar Low Wind Imperial Humbuckers
• Pots/Caps DiMarzio 500K / Jupiter Vintage Yellow
• Knobs Custom grained ivoroid top hat
• Pickup Rings Custom grained ivoroid
• Nut 1 11/16"
• Scale Length 24 7/8"
• Neck Joint Extra long mortise & tenon
• Frets Medium 18% nickel-silver
• Peghead Veneer Ebony w/ MOP Collings logo
• Peghead Profile Haircut
• Tuners Nickel Gotoh w/ Collings logo
• Wiring  50s style
• Fingerboard Radius 12"
• Guitar Finish Aged nitrocellulose lacquer
• Pickguard None
• Truss Rod Cover Grained ivoroid
• Strings D'Addario NYXL1149 (.011" - .049")
• Body Length 17 5/8"
• Body Depth 1 5/8"
• Lower Bout Width 15"
• Total Length 40"
• Neck Profile C Shape (.865 @ 1st Fret/.967 @ 9th Fret)
• Case Deluxe Hardshell case
• 6 lbs 15 oz
• #251262