NEW ARRIVAL Waterloo, made by Collings, are a stripped down version of their high end acoustics. They’re modelled on Kalamazoos which were the depression era stripped down version of Gibsons. Kalamazoo became famous in their own right, especially in blues circles. Waterloos are starting to have a similar reputation, and are a refreshing brand in a crowded market. The WL14 is based on the most famous of the Kalamazoos, the KG14, famously played by Robert Johnson. It’s a 00 size blues box, with Spruce top and Mahogany back and sides, and an authentic feeling V profile neck. Interestingly, unlike the Kalamazoo equivalent, it’s X braced. So this isn’t just a blues guitar, it’s far more resonant, with longer sustain. It can play the blues and so much more. Visually the sunburst is vivid, with a particularly striking Firestripe pickguard. It has a satin finish which, together with the light build, gives a dynamic tone, very punchy and bright. The guitar is in excellent condition, with great playability, and comes in its original Waterloo branded hard case.
