Collings Guitars has unveiled its highly anticipated "Hill Country" (HC) series, a new line of acoustic guitars designed to push the boundaries of tonal character while honoring vintage traditions. Named after the Central Texas region that includes Collings’ hometown of Austin, the Hill Country series is already turning heads for its rich, fundamental tone and distinctive aesthetic.
Developed with a focus on warmth, dryness, and a powerful low end, the HC models—such as the D1A HC and OM2A HC—are tailor-made for bluegrass flatpickers and roots players but versatile enough for a wide range of styles. “We wanted to capture what vintage Martins do best, while still making a guitar that’s unmistakably Collings,” said Steve McNull, Director of Manufacturing at Collings.
Specifications Hill Country Guitars
Each Hill Country guitar features an Adirondack spruce top paired with Honduran mahogany or Indian rosewood back and sides, depending on the model. Unique appointments include hand-poured tortoise pickguards and rosettes, an ultra-thin nitrocellulose finish for enhanced responsiveness, and a subtle nod to tradition with a stamped logo on the back of the peghead—omitting the front-facing logo entirely.
Other notable innovations include a revised bracing pattern that omits the traditional popsicle brace, allowing the top to resonate more freely. The neck profile also stands out, transitioning from a soft C to a gentle V shape by the 12th fret for added comfort and vintage-inspired feel.
The Hill Country series represents a bold new tonal direction for Collings while staying true to the craftsmanship and detail the brand is known for.
