When Bill Collings first met jazz virtuoso Julian Lage in 2014, their shared passion for craftsmanship sparked a unique collaboration that would profoundly shape the Collings T (Traditional) Series guitars.

The collaboration between Julian Lage and Bill Collings continued until Bill’s passing in 2017, resulting in the Julian Lage Signature OM1A – a guitar that blends exceptional artistry with a timeless soul. Based on the OM1 T, this model stands apart with a neck inspired by Lage’s treasured 1939 Martin 000-18. That pre-war gem, with its worn, asymmetrical hand-carved neck shaped by decades of playing, has long been Lage’s main touring companion and was featured prominently on his 2015 solo album World’s Fair. Through meticulous analysis and digital mapping, Collings recreated the distinctive feel of that neck, while extending the fingerboard to a full 25 ½” scale for greater presence and note clarity.

A satin finish gives the OM1A a played-in character, both visually and tonally, allowing the guitar to breathe with an open, resonant voice reminiscent of the finest pre-war instruments. Described by Lage himself as a “lovingly neutral” guitar, it delivers balance and responsiveness across all registers, rewarding subtlety and expression. Completed with a script peghead logo that nods to Bill Collings’ early work, the Julian Lage Signature OM1A is both a tribute to Bill’s legacy and a testament to the enduring artistry that defines Collings.