Ace:
How long have you been in the business and what got you started?
Pat: 34 years.
I played in bands in High School and College in the Houston area. When
I graduated from the University of Houston, I made a bee line to Austin
to continue my rock and roll pursuits. I went to work at the music store
that my drummer worked at to supplement my playing income (or lack thereof).
Kevin: These first
two questions are inter-related for me. I’ve been a guitar player
almost all of my life. Being from Central Texas, it’s a requirement
– there may even be a law somewhere. From college graduation on, I
worked in advertising. The last 6 of which was as a global Creative
Director for Wieden + Kennedy (Nike, ESPN, etc.) In 2001, I was living
in NYC, but spending most of my life on planes. I’d become the typical
“collector” customer. I didn’t have time to play guitar, but had
plenty of money to buy them. There were even times that I chose flights
with long layovers so I could visit guitar shops in various places around
the US and the world.
At one point, I
had 32 vintage guitars in my Manhattan apartment. If you’ve ever paid
NYC rent, you’ll realize how ridiculous that was. It was my way of
staying in touch with my roots in Central Texas. So, I totally understand
the emotion pull they can have.
My wife and I had
begun a 5-year-plan to “retire” back to Texas. I was going to open
a guitar shop and she could do whatever. It was really one of those
“someday” daydreams.
Then 9/11 happened.
Our apartment in Battery Park was pretty much directly across the street
from WTC1. Because of the mess down there in the aftermath, we weren’t
allowed back in our apartment for almost 3 months. And when we did get
back, it wasn’t the kind of place you’d want to live – asbestos
and mercury levels were through the roof. So, we moved all our stuff
up to our country house in the Catskills to figure out what we were
going to do. (Because people hear “New York country house” and think
of Puff Daddy in the Hamptons, I always feel compelled to note that
it was an 1100 sq. ft. log cabin in the woods). From that vantage point,
a guitar shop in the Hill Country of Texas seemed awfully tempting.
We couldn’t do it anything like we’d imagined, but we could do it.
So, we did. And in early 2002, Hill Country Guitars was born.
Ace:
What acoustic guitars do you personally own?
Pat: Strangely,
I don’t currently own an acoustic guitar. I have always been a bass
player. I am currently working on the specs for my Quincy Model Collings.
Kevin:
1999 Collings
D3 Mh A
2004 Collings Baby
(EIR/Sitka, Western shaded top, rope purfling) – this is the “Cowbaby”
I had built for my son
1938 Martin 00-17
– an absolute sweetheart
1949 Gibson L50
archtop
2006 Collings I-35
Deluxe – quilt/tobacco burst
2006 Collings City
Limits Deluxe Prototype – amber SB
2006 Collings 290
Prototype – Tobacco SB
And a bunch of
misc. vintage electrics
Ace:
Do you have a favorite one?
Pat: Again, being
a bass player my main bass is a black 1971 Fender Jazz with maple neck,
black fingerboard binding, and black block inlays.
Kevin: My D3 MhA
is my go to guitar. Has been for years, and probably will be for most
of my life. To my ears, that’s as good as it gets. It was very tight
new and took years to open up, now that it has, I can’t imagine another
guitar doing what that one does though Allen White’s D2HA is pretty
close. One day he’s going to lose his mind and trade it in – and
yes, I’d keep it if he did. My ’38 00-17 is a microphone’s dream.
It records better than any guitar I’ve ever owned.
Ace:
What kind of music do you like to play?
Pat: I’ve been
a rock guy all my life, but my taste in acoustic music leans more to
Americana.
Kevin: Americana/Alt-Country
is pretty much all I ever do on my acoustics. That’s pretty broad
though, everything from R.E.M. to Ryan Adams to Wilco. Of course, there
are all kinds of other things thrown in there – The Beatles, Pink
Floyd, Radiohead, Crowded House, The Counting Crows, etc.
Ace:
How long has your store been around?
Pat: I’ve been
a rock guy all my life, but my taste in acoustic music leans more to
Americana.
Kevin: Since
2002, see questions 1 & 2.
Ace:
How would you describe the guitar community in Texas, especially in
Austin?
Pat: I would describe
both the Texas and Austin guitar community as eclectic. You name it,
and we’ve got it (bluegrass, finger style, Americana, folk, blues,
rock, etc). Austin has so many great players and entertainers. Perhaps
that’s why Austin is touted as the "Live Music Capital of the
World".
Kevin: Like I said
earlier, it’s almost as if there’s a law around here that you have
to play guitar. Seems like everybody you meet has a gig coming up somewhere.
And the community is very supportive. In some cities you have that competitive
thing going on, but here, there are so many venues that musicians seem
to support each other a lot more. I haven’t played out in years, but
virtually every event – birthday parties, July 4th, or
just a nice Friday evening – eventually four or five guys will gather
on a back porch with some beer and start playing songs.
Ace:
What is the percentage of acoustic guitars in your business?
Pat: 99%
Kevin: It’s about
60/40 with acoustics having a slight edge over electrics. Oddly enough,
the Collings electrics, which seem to sell as soon as, if not before,
I get them seem to be narrowing that gap.
Ace:
Outside of Collings guitars, what other builders do you carry?
Pat: Goodall, Bourgeois,
David Webber, National, and Rockbridge (Coming Soon).
Kevin: Froggy Bottom,
Huss & Dalton, Kinscherff, Fender Custom Shop and G&L.
Ace:
What aspects (woods/model/build/etc.) would you say make these builders
build wonderful instruments?
Pat: My concept
is to carry small shop builders that build incredible instruments, and
I think I have succeeded at this. I think at the level of these guitars,
each is a piece of art, as well as amazing musical instruments. All
the builders I work with are at the top of their games. I enjoy the
opportunity of combining my input with the amazing craftsmanship of
these builders. I must have the best job in the world! I get to surround
myself with amazing instruments, and interact with truly gifted builders
and interesting clients.
Kevin: Froggy’s
are a completely different animal than Collings. From my experience,
Collings like to be driven. Their personality really comes out when
you push them. Froggy’s prefer a much lighter touch and give you a
whole lot back from simple input. But I can’t imagine ever taking
a Froggy to a bluegrass jam. I tend to prefer guitars with a personality/attitude.
And Froggy’s have a ton of personality/attitude. It’s a very different
personality/attitude than Collings, but just as strong.
Ace:
With these builders, was there a particular guitar that stood out that
you remember?
Pat: There is always
an occasional guitar that stands out for a particular style of play
or a particular reason, but I would say in general that at this level
of build quality, they are all exceptional guitars. Each is tailor made
for someone, and my job is to match the right player with the right
guitar.
Kevin: My favorite
Froggy models are their P12 (12-fret parlor) and their F. The F is like
an OM but with a dread-sized bout. It’s one of those amazing guitars
that give you most of the bottom of a dread, but the comfort of an OM.
The Huss & Dalton TDM with an Adi top (compare to a D1A) is my favorite
model they make. It’s every bit as good as a D1A, just different.
Jamie Kinscherff’s Troubador is an astounding little fingerstyle guitar.
Again, very different than Collings, but it has a distinct personality/attitude.
Ace:
How big a fan are you of Collings guitars?
Pat: As I stated
on my website "Collings Guitars are in my opinion the finest guitars
being built today".
Kevin: I’m a
huge fan. I own two acoustics and three electrics. Personally, I think
they’re the most consistently well-built guitars out there.
Ace:
What do you think makes them special?
Pat: I think they
are special because of the people that are involved in the build process.
Bill doesn’t accept less than perfection in his design. Bruce is such
a genius at marrying woods and bracing the guitars. Alex has an amazing
sense of detail, and enters orders that are often very intricate and
exacting, with patience and understanding. It has to be ordered correctly
to be delivered correctly. Steve has the last set of eyes on all Collings
guitars, and his desire for finish perfection is second to none. Steve
is amazing. He wears so many hats, and is always a true gentleman. I
have always admired the way he conducts himself. The craftsmen know
that the end user of a Collings guitar expect it to be perfect in all
respects, and they perform their tasks to that end. Quite a few of the
Collings crew come to my monthly Jam, and it great fun to see them playing
and having fun. The beauty of the Collings Team is that they all have
a passion for fine guitars.
Kevin: With some
bigger builders, 10-30% of their guitars can be great. And I’ve even
found that 1 in a 100 the mass produced guitars can be as good, if not
better, than a Collings. But the worst Collings will crush the other
99.
Ace:
What do you like about working with the Collings staff?
Pat: I think I
answered most of this question in the question above, but I would have
to say that they all have the desire to build the perfect guitar. When
I visit the Collings shop I am treated like a part of the family, and
I am honored to be a part of it.
Kevin: The Collings
guys are great and they’ve been incredibly supportive of me and my
shop.
Ace:
Are they receptive to ideas and feedback?
Pat: Absolutely.
We often visit at length about concepts, and unique guitars. They are
very receptive to ideas. I often order special guitars for client, and
they are great about making my clients ideas a reality. They are excited
to get feedback from both myself, and my clients. Being in Austin, many
of my clients are on a first name basis with the guys at Collings, and
take the tour regularly to be close to the action. I would encourage
all of the Forum members to make a trip to Austin to take the Collings
tour.
Kevin: They’ve
always listened to the things that I’ve wanted and often ask my opinion
of things they’re doing.
Ace:
Do you visit the Collings factory often? What changes have you
observed there over the year?
Pat: I am usually
out there every week. I personally pick up all my guitars, and check
on the progress as they are being built. I also like to be close to
the action. The biggest change I have noticed in the last year is that
the new shop allows for a better flow in the build process. The old
shop was very cramped, and didn’t work very well logistically. I think
the new shop has had a big impact on the guys. Nice to have a little
elbow room. Also, it is nice to have a lobby and quiet space to discuss
ideas. Also I think the addition of Angela (the voice of Collings) has
been very positive. Great poise and she knows her stuff. If you haven’t
heard her sing and play fiddle you have missed something.
Kevin: The best
thing for me is that they’re right down the road – just a 25-30
minute drive. I pick up every guitar they complete for me, which means
I’m up there almost every week.
Ace:
What added value does it bring to you being in the middle of Collings-land?
Pat: Being in Austin
is a great advantage. Like I said earlier, I have the advantage of visiting
often, and I can check on my guitars through the build process. In addition
it is especially handy in the wood picking process. When ordering Brazilian
guitars I am able to sit with Bruce and go through the sets until we
find the right set for the client, working within the client’s parameters.
It’s also a blast for me. The wood room is my favorite place to hang
out when I visit.
Kevin: As much
as I’d like to think it’s my marketing genius, proximity has a lot
to do with the success of my shop. Guys from all over the country and
the world will do special orders through me because I can pick wood,
take in-progress pictures, etc. I’m sure Pat gets some of that as
well.
Ace:
Which Collings model has been selling more for you?
Pat: It is a funny
business. I never know what to expect. Often large body guitars sell
like crazy, and smaller ones don’t. The next thing you know everyone
wants a small body guitar. In general though, my business is 50% large
and 50% small.
Kevin: Dreads are
bread and butter. Regardless of what you play, I think everyone needs
a good dread. Virtually all other models are sold to guys who already
have a Collings dread and are looking for a complimentary guitar.
Ace:
Any particular wood combination?
Pat: Lately I have
ordered several Brazilian/Adi dreadnaughts for clients. Mahogany guitars
have also been doing well. I am currently in my Mahogany phase. Just
can’t get enough of that sound. Adirondack is very popular, but I
have to say I have also had some wonderful Sitka and Englemann guitars
recently. I just received a 16" varnish archtop that blows my socks
off. I can never keep a CJ sunburst in any wood combination always leave
quickly.
I think certain
guitars and wood combinations get “press” and a “buzz” is created.
A lot of my clients are players/collectors and they want to experience
as many different body sizes, wood combinations, and sounds as much
as possible. Remember, no one guitar can do everything and you can never
have too many guitars. I think experiencing many different guitars is
a wonderful thing. We are fortunate to be able to do this. Collings
guitars are a high art form.
I think certain
guitars and wood combinations get “press” and a “buzz” is created.
A lot of my clients are players/collectors and they want to experience
as many different body sizes, wood combinations, and sounds as much
as possible. Remember, no one guitar can do everything and you can never
have too many guitars. I think experiencing many different guitars is
a wonderful thing. We are fortunate to be able to do this. Collings
guitars are a high art form.
Kevin: The dreads
are about an even split – Mahogany/East Indian Rosewood, with Adi
tops going on about half of them.
Ace:
What is your favorite Collings model and in what wood combination?
Pat: At present
I am fascinated with the sound of the D1A. Like I said, I’m in my
Mahogany phase.
Kevin: My D3 Mh
A, just a dressed up D1A, is it for me. But I have to admit that a DS2H
or CJ is probably in my future. I don’t have a big rosewood guitar,
so every time I get one in the shop, I think about building one for
myself.
Ace:
What is the most interesting order you have placed with Collings?
Pat: They are all
interesting. I just love the process. Each one is like having a baby.
I place the order, and nine months later I have a guitar. Maybe it’s
the dog lover in me, but each is very special to me, and I have a hard
time seeing them leave. Owning Quincy’s Guitars is much like running
an adoption agency in that respect.
Kevin: I think
Dale’s (DailyAcousticMusic) guitars are going to win here – the
D2H Baaa A SB Varnish was not only the first sunburst varnish, but the
first Brazilian varnish. That one was definitely in the top 10 acoustic
guitars I’ve ever played.
Ace:
After all these years, do you still get excited with new guitars arriving
to your store?
Pat: Absolutely.
They each have their own personality and presence. It is fun to watch
as clients match themselves to guitars. It’s an interesting process.
Kevin: Absolutely!
It’s like Christmas morning every week.
Ace:
What do you think of their new electric line?
Pat: I love them.
I just wish I had a few on my wall.
Kevin: LOVE the
electrics. I personally have one of each.
Ace:
How do they compare to more common popular models that have been out
there?
Pat: Truly, I have
been out of the electric market for a couple of years, and I would think
Kevin would be the expert in this area, so I would defer to his reply
on this one.
Kevin: The 290s
are just outstanding. The mail-order price of the LP Special reissue
is $1,995, and I think the 290 just crushes them for effectively the
same price. Why wouldn’t you buy one?
The City Limits
is in a crowded space, there are a lot of companies making LP-style
guitars. I personally, think the City Limits is the best one by far.
But for the average guy, he’ll find 50 PRS Single-cuts and 200 Gibsons
for every City Limits in his town. So, it’s a bit of an uphill battle.
But, if I can get that guitar in your hands, the CL wins.
The I-35 is going
to put Bill in the history books. No one has ever built that guitar
at that level. I don’t think there’s anything on the market even
close. A carved top by Collings with Lollar pickups, that’s enough
to sell it right there. I absolutely LOVE mine.
Ace:
I know you drop by the Forum once in a while. How do you like the interaction
within the Forum?
Pat: I think the
interaction is a hoot. Always lively, and some interesting ideas discussed.
It keeps me abreast of what is of interest to the Forum members. I am
pushing for the Collings coffee cups along with you guys.
Kevin: I think
the Collings Forum is by far the most civilized guitar forum. I occasionally
check in on some of the others, only to get disgusted by flame wars.
Virtually everyone on this forum owns guitars from other makers. Just
because we love Collings, doesn’t mean that there aren’t other great
guitars out there. The Collings Forum seems to be a lot more accepting/encouraging
of tastes, styles, abilities, etc.
Ace:
How varied is your clientele?
Pat: Quite varied.
The common thread with my clients is that they all love guitars and
they are all interesting people. Can you tell that I was a Psychology
major in college?
Kevin: My shop
is in a very small town (~8000). But I’m about halfway between Austin
and San Antonio. So there are almost 5 million people within a 70 mile
drive. That’s about a third of my business, what I call “local”.
Then another third is what I call regional, guys from Abilene, Beaumont,
El Paso, etc. who make a trip down here once or twice a year. Because
this is one of the prettiest parts of the state, and I’m in the middle
of a tourist town known for its shopping, it’s pretty easy for a guy
to talk his wife into making a trip here to stay in a B&B and go
shopping. The final third are guys all over the country, and the world.
Many of those have become regular customers.
Ace:
Have any well known artists visited your shop?
Pat: Yes
Kevin: This little town has an out-of-whack
famous artist ratio. In this little town of 8,000 people reside Ray
Wylie Hubbard, Willis Alan Ramsey, Alejandro Escovedo, Susan Gibson,
Sarah Jorosz, Mason Ruffner, and others.
Ace:
Who were they and what were they checking out?
Pat: I prefer to
provide privacy for my clients.
Kevin: Ray and
Al always gravitate to the Gibson-style guitars, CJs and C10s. Al played
a CJ SB in my shop and fell in love with it, so I hooked him up with
the Collings guys for their artist deal. That’s about the only guitar
you’ll ever see him play now. Ray’s pretty hard on guitars with
his travel, so he’s reluctant to spend the money on a guitar he knows
is going to get beat up. But he’s working with the Collings guys as
well. I think he’ll have one in his hands by the end of the year.
Sarah Jorosz has a Collings MF5 and it sounds absolutely amazing.
Ace:
If you can ask Collings to build something special just for your shop,
what will that be?
Pat: I am designing
a guitar for myself (The Quincy Model). It will be based on a D1A, have
paw print inlays in the fingerboard, and will have a few other tasteful
twists.
Kevin: If I could
have one thing, it would be a 12-fret 0. Gurf Morlix (produced Lucinda
Williams, Ray Wylie Hubbard, etc.) has an early 30s 12-fret 0-18 that
I’m madly in love with, though I know he’ll never sell it. I’d
love to see Bill’s take on that guitar.
Ace:
Any speculations as to what Bill is going to do next after the electric
line? Fender style electric? Classical Guitars?
Pat: I haven’t
a clue, but if I hear anything, I will tell you guys first.
Kevin: I’ve seen
a few things that aren’t even to prototype stage, so I can’t really
talk about those. BUT, if you’ve taken the tour, you’ll see that
single-cutaway I-35 (I don’t think it has a name yet) that’s reminiscent
of a Byrdland.
I’m a big fan
of 330s, but they’re useless once a drummer gets in the room because
of the feedback problems. So I’ve been hoping/asking for an I-35 with
P90s and a Bigsby. Bill looks at me funny when I do, but several of
the electric guys at the factory think it’d be cool as well.
There’s also
another archtop model sitting on Bill’s bench right now that might
see the light of day at Summer NAMM.
And for a year
or so, there have been rumblings of an oval-hole A-style mandolin.
We’ll see.
Ace’s notes:
We have been wanting
to do this interview with our friends Pat and
Kevin. It took a while for various reasons. We were geographically challenged
for one thing with Ed being in Hong Kong, myself in California, and
Pat/Kevin in Austin. We did not want to wait until my next Austin trip
so we did this remotely.
Pat and Kevin
do not need introductions here since they are frequent visitors. I know
for a fact that they are both respected by the Forum members and we
thought this interview would give us a good insight into their creative
minds and personalities, especially the folks that have not met them.
Both Pat and Kevin have always been very hospitable towards our Forum
members during every “Gathering”, going out of their way to accommodate
us.
I would like to
personally thank Pat Skrovan and Kevin Drew Davis for letting us do
this interview and answering our questions as candidly as possible.
* This interview was not conducted
as a dealer endorsement nor as an advertising segment on this forum.
