CJ-45 T

Overview

CJ-45 TAs with all of our Traditional Series guitars, when it came time to add a “T” designation to our slope-shoulder offerings, we didn’t simply tweak the original; the all-new Collings CJ-45 T is a fully re-imagined instrument that offers a distinct tonal variation when compared to our CJ and CJ-35 models.

Strongly vintage-inspired, the body construction has been completely re-engineered, including new bracing carves and patterns. When combined with our latest T-Series neck design and new CJ-45 neck profile, the result showcases a tone that is exceptionally dry and fundamental with the growl and thump sought after in the great slope-shoulder dreads of the Wartime era.

Bracing

Behind the scenes but foundational to an acoustic guitar’s tone is its bracing. While the CJ-45 T shares the same body shape as our other CJ models, its top and back Wartime X-bracing is entirely different in layout, profile, and carve, resulting in a dry and direct fundamental with quick decay that significantly expands the line’s tonal range.

Traditional Series Finish

As with every Collings Traditional instrument, the all-nitrocellulose finish on the CJ-45 T is ultra-thin, providing an unmatched response and resonance when paired with its lightweight T-Series build and materials.

Flat Back Design

The CJ-45 T incorporates an exceptionally flat back design compared to other Collings flat tops, a feature which enhances the instrument’s direct, forward tone, pronounced midrange, and strongly vintage-inspired voice.

Neck Profile

With its full C-shape, the new neck profile on our CJ-45 T is substantial in terms of both feel and its contributions to tone and response while also benefiting from the adjustable flat bar design and construction techniques of our most recent Traditional Series necks.

Rosewood Fingerboard

Hand-selected for tonal warmth and vintage vibe, every CJ-45 T features an Indian rosewood fingerboard with elegantly tapered mother-of-pearl long dot inlays.

Rosette

Unique to the CJ-45 T are its fully exposed rosette and shortened, 19-fret fingerboard, an aesthetic which makes it instantly recognizable among the Collings lineup.

Playability

A combination of exacting PLEK machine leveling and hand fret dressing ensures consistently excellent playability and a silky fret feel.

Collings Workmanship

Meticulous workmanship and attention to detail have been core tenets of Collings instruments since their earliest days. We're proud to not only have maintained this focus on quality over the years, but continue to improve upon it with each instrument we produce.   

TopSitka spruce
Back & SidesHonduran mahogany
Construction Traditional Series Build and Voicing
NeckHonduran mahogany
Body BindingIvoroid with no purfling
Fingerboard BindingNone
Peghead BindingNone
BridgeEbony straight-style with 2 5/16" spacing
Fingerboard Radius12"
FingerboardIndian rosewood with 19 frets and MOP long dots
Bridge Pins/End PinIvoroid with no dot
NutBone, 1 3/4"
SaddleBone, cutthrough
Neck ProfileCJ-45 Carve
Peghead ProfileHaircut
Neck JointMortise & tenon hybrid
Truss RodFully adjustable
FretsMedium 18% nickel-silver
Peghead VeneerEbony with MOP Collings logo
TunersNickel Waverly w/ Ivoroid buttons
BackstripNone
RosetteSingle-ring of multiple b/w purflings
Scale Length24 7/8"
Brace MaterialSitka spruce
Brace PatternCJ-45 Wartime scalloped X-brace
Body FinishHigh gloss nitrocellulose lacquer
Neck FinishHigh gloss polyester resin
PickguardTortoise
StringsD'Addario EJ-17 (.013"- .056")
CaseDeluxe hardshell case by TKL
Neck Profile Diagram

*Actual measurements may vary slightly due to hand-sanding and finishing variables.

Body Length20 1/8"
Body Depth4 7/8"
Lower Bout Width16"
Total Length41"

Custom Options

  • Sitka Spruce (standard)
  • Adirondack Spruce
  • Left-handed