1. What kind of strings do you use?
We use D’Addario phosphor bronze strings and have for many years.

For small bodied guitars (Baby, OM*, 0, 00, 000, C10), we use
J16s - light gauge (.012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .053).

For large bodied guitars (D, CJ, DS, SJ, Archtop), we use
J17s - medium gauge (.013, .017, .026, .035, .045, .056).

For mandolins, we use
J74s – bluegrass gauge (.011, .015, .026, .040)

*An OM should be fine with medium gauge strings. Due to the footprint of
the "belly" bridge, there should be plenty of glue surface. For the Baby, C10, 00 and 000 models, we strongly recommend the use of light gauge strings. The small bridges simply do not allow enough glue surface for the increased tension of medium gauge strings.

2. What kind of polish should I use?
Any high grade, commercially available polish should be fine. There is some question about silicone and the effect it has on guitar finishes. We do not believe that silicone will cause any direct damage to our finish. However, if you ever need finish work done later, there may be trouble with adhesion over any area that has been treated with a silicone product.

3. Do I need to humidify my guitar?
In most cases, yes. This is very important (Please see Care & Feeding section).

4. How do I adjust my truss rod?
With a 5/32 ball-end allen wrench (view diagram).

5. Where should I put a strap button?
View diagram for details.

6. How is the neck attached?
View diagram for details.

7. Do you offer factory tours?
Yes. We give factory tours every Friday at 3:30 pm. The tour is free and generally lasts about 45 minutes. Reservations are appreciated. Our shop is located at:

Collings Guitars
11210 W. Hwy 290
Austin, TX 78737
(512) 288-7776
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