Waterloo WL-K Southwest Collings

NEW-Waterloo WL-K Sothwest SN-1641.  These are inspired by the likes of the old off-brand Gibsons of the 1930s like the Marshall Special and Kel Kroydon KK-2.  

Weighing in at under three pounds, the featherweight WL-K is an exciting new 12-fret addition to the Waterloo line built with maximum responsiveness in mind. Inspired by the elusive instruments manufactured under the sub-brand Kel Kroydon around 1930, which were touted at the time to offer the utmost in vibratory response and the finest tone available, the WL-K is delicately built using lightweight materials and supported by thinly carved braces. When paired with a minimal lacquer finish, the resulting tone is dry and transparent with just the right level of complexity in the overtones, capable of capturing the expressiveness of the player down to the finest nuance.

With a 24 7/8″ scale length and moderately sized, oval shaped neck, the WL-K is a fingerstyle player’s delight, but this is by no means the extent of the guitar’s versatility. Exceptional clarity and note separation make it well-suited to a variety of other playing styles and a logical choice for singer-songwriters and purveyors of traditional roots music. A carbon fiber T-bar running through the neck provides stability and efficient transfers of energy back into the body, producing a resonance you can feel.

All WL-K models feature carefully selected spruce tops and mahogany back and sides with a light shade top finish, vintage-style cutthrough saddle, and come sans-pickguard. The WL-K is also available with an optional hand-painted “Southwest” scene that pays homage to the American tradition of cowoby stencil guitars from the depression era. Due to this model’s ultra-lightweight construction, we recommend a maximum string gauge of .011″ to .052″. Hardshell TKL case included.

All Waterloo models are handmade in Austin, Texas.