Waterloo Kel Kroydon WL-K by Collings Guitars

Weighing in at under three pounds, the featherweight Waterloo Kel Kroydon 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.

We really like this model. The extremely light build, great playability, ladder bracing... all of it. This is one we wish we could keep for ourselves!

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. Due to this model's ultra-lightweight construction, we recommend a maximum string gauge of .011" to .052". Hardshell TKL case included.

* Kel Kroydon is a trademark held by its owner and has no affiliation with Collings Guitars, Inc. Reference is made for historical purposes only.