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Mike Collins Transformed my DG-255 into an Instrument!
John - AZ, USA
New
Hi,
I recently got re-introduced to GJ and, as a result of having "played around" with playing the guitar for more years than I want to admit, I searched and found a deal too good to refuse online for a "new" floor model DG-255.
On arrival, I was disappointed with the action, the bridge, the tuners, the tail piece, sloppiness of the fit of the nut and was glad I hadn't paid anywhere near retail for it. But, in spite of it's short comings, here it was I had a gypsy gitfiddle. To be fair, IMO the fit and finish of the wood, binding, purfling was very good.
Then I learned of Mike Collins and read of some of the work he had done.
A phone call later and off I go to see Mike with my dismal box in hand.
I picked it up yesterday. I'm having a hard time putting it down.
Mike not only made and installed a new bridge (just to look at them side by side is amazing with the reduction in bulk and blockiness with what Mike crafted, and the gypsy tone and resonance that resulted) made and installed a "new" antique bone nut (the fit is perfect), replaced the tail piece with a "correct" lower stance, wood insert, padded from the guitar's body with a leather piece, straightened the neck, tweaked the frets, made the action as low as I've seen on guitars costing $1000's more (no buzz either) but the coup de grace was what he did with the tuners.
Collins took the "standard issue" tuners off and replaced them with Shallers that he had solid brass base plates custom made for. The appearance is such that if I was able to do so I'd love to post pics of the old and the new tuners so you could see what a difference. Very much the vintage look and matching the new tail piece.
The best part of all of this is the transformation that Mike performed with his expertise, not only in the appearance and esthetics but most importantly in the volume, the tone, the "punch" and the pleasure he's made to learning to play my new "instrument".
Mike, you far exceeded my expectations. Thank you.
I recently got re-introduced to GJ and, as a result of having "played around" with playing the guitar for more years than I want to admit, I searched and found a deal too good to refuse online for a "new" floor model DG-255.
On arrival, I was disappointed with the action, the bridge, the tuners, the tail piece, sloppiness of the fit of the nut and was glad I hadn't paid anywhere near retail for it. But, in spite of it's short comings, here it was I had a gypsy gitfiddle. To be fair, IMO the fit and finish of the wood, binding, purfling was very good.
Then I learned of Mike Collins and read of some of the work he had done.
A phone call later and off I go to see Mike with my dismal box in hand.
I picked it up yesterday. I'm having a hard time putting it down.
Mike not only made and installed a new bridge (just to look at them side by side is amazing with the reduction in bulk and blockiness with what Mike crafted, and the gypsy tone and resonance that resulted) made and installed a "new" antique bone nut (the fit is perfect), replaced the tail piece with a "correct" lower stance, wood insert, padded from the guitar's body with a leather piece, straightened the neck, tweaked the frets, made the action as low as I've seen on guitars costing $1000's more (no buzz either) but the coup de grace was what he did with the tuners.
Collins took the "standard issue" tuners off and replaced them with Shallers that he had solid brass base plates custom made for. The appearance is such that if I was able to do so I'd love to post pics of the old and the new tuners so you could see what a difference. Very much the vintage look and matching the new tail piece.
The best part of all of this is the transformation that Mike performed with his expertise, not only in the appearance and esthetics but most importantly in the volume, the tone, the "punch" and the pleasure he's made to learning to play my new "instrument".
Mike, you far exceeded my expectations. Thank you.
From the Desert Southwest,
John
John
Comments
If you don't mind me asking, how much did Mike charge for the upgrades to your DG-255? This is one of the models I'm looking at locally, but have heard concerns about many of the areas you mentioned in your post (action, bridge, tuners, etc.). My wife is from Phoenix and we make a trip out there several times a year so dropping a guitar off with Mike would not be a problem.
Thanks for any info,
Bob Faulkner
PS - I tried to PM you but for some reason the message is stuck in my outbox and never gets sent.
Regards,
Marcelo Damon