Dave Matthews' Main Guitar: The Collings OM1
Dave Matthews plays a Collings OM1 acoustic guitar as his primary instrument. This is the guitar you see him with most often at live shows and in studio recordings. The Collings OM1 is a handmade acoustic built by the Austin, Texas-based luthier Collings Guitars, and it has become closely associated with Matthews' sound since the late 1990s.
The OM1 is a smaller-bodied acoustic than a dreadnought, which gives it a warmer, more focused tone. Matthews chose this model because it sits well in his hands during the fingerstyle and rhythmic playing that defines his approach. The guitar's natural wood finish and traditional construction have remained largely unchanged throughout his career, making it when ready recognizable to fans.
Collings Guitars are not mass-produced—each one is built to order by skilled craftspeople. The wood selection, bracing pattern, and finish are all done by hand. This level of craftsmanship is part of why the OM1 became Matthews' instrument of choice and why it has remained his go-to for decades.
Key Takeaways
- Dave Matthews' primary guitar is a Collings OM1, a handmade acoustic built in Austin, Texas.
- The OM1 has a smaller body than a dreadnought, which produces a warmer tone suited to fingerstyle playing.
- Matthews has used the same model since the late 1990s, making it his signature instrument across live and studio work.
- Collings guitars are built individually by hand rather than mass-produced, which affects both their sound and their price.
Why Matthews Chose the Collings OM1
The Collings OM1 fits Matthews' playing style because of how he approaches the guitar. He uses fingerstyle technique—plucking individual strings rather than strumming—and he often plays complex rhythmic patterns that require precision and clarity. The OM1's smaller body and focused midrange make each note distinct, which is essential when you are playing intricate arrangements.
The guitar also sits comfortably in his lap during long performances. Matthews is known for playing seated, and the OM1's proportions work well for that position. The neck is comfortable for his hand size and playing approach, and the overall balance of the instrument reduces fatigue during a two-hour show.
Beyond the physical fit, the OM1 produces the warm, woody tone that has become part of the Dave Matthews Band's signature sound. The guitar cuts through a full band mix without sounding thin or bright, and it responds well to the subtle dynamics that Matthews brings to his playing.
Other Guitars in Matthews' Collection
While the Collings OM1 is his main instrument, Matthews owns and has played other guitars over the years. He has used various acoustic models in the studio and occasionally brought different instruments to rehearsals or special performances. However, the OM1 remains the guitar most closely tied to his public identity as a musician.
In the early days of the Dave Matthews Band, before he settled on the Collings, Matthews played other acoustic guitars. As the band's sound developed and his playing matured, he found that the OM1 matched what he wanted to hear. Once he made that choice, it stuck—a common pattern among professional musicians who find an instrument that feels right.
The Collings OM1 Specifications
The Collings OM1 is built with a solid Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides. The neck is mahogany, and the fingerboard is ebony. These are traditional tonewoods chosen for their acoustic properties and durability. The body shape is the OM (Orchestra Model), which is smaller than a dreadnought but larger than a parlor guitar.
The OM1 is the entry-level model in Collings' OM line, though "entry-level" for a handmade guitar still means a significant investment. Each guitar is built to order, and the wait time can be several months. The price reflects the hand labor and wood quality involved in construction.
The guitar uses a traditional X-bracing pattern inside the body, which is the standard for acoustic guitars. This bracing supports the top while allowing it to vibrate freely, which is what produces the tone. Collings' bracing is known for being precise and well-executed, contributing to the consistency of their instruments.
How the OM1 Compares to Other Acoustic Models
The OM body shape is smaller than a dreadnought, which is the most common acoustic guitar shape. A dreadnought produces more volume and has a brighter, more cutting tone. The OM is quieter and warmer, making it better suited for fingerstyle playing and studio recording where clarity matters more than sheer volume.
Compared to a parlor guitar (even smaller), the OM has more projection and fuller bass response. It sits in the middle ground—large enough to sound full, small enough to be comfortable and precise. This balance is why the OM has become popular among fingerstyle players and singer-songwriters.
A jumbo or grand auditorium guitar would give more volume than the OM, but at the cost of being harder to play with precision. Matthews' choice of the OM reflects his priorities: tone quality and playability over raw volume.
The Impact of Matthews' Guitar Choice on His Sound
The Collings OM1 is inseparable from how Dave Matthews Band sounds. The guitar's warm, focused tone is part of the band's identity. When you hear a Dave Matthews recording or live performance, the acoustic guitar is often front and center, and that sound comes directly from the instrument he chose.
The OM1's characteristics—its clarity, its midrange emphasis, its responsiveness to subtle playing dynamics—have shaped how Matthews writes and arranges songs. He knows what the guitar can do, and he plays to its strengths. This relationship between player and instrument is common among musicians who stay with one guitar for decades.
For guitarists interested in achieving a similar tone, understanding why Matthews chose the OM1 is more useful than straightforward buying the same model. The guitar matters, but the player's technique and musical choices matter more. The OM1 works for Matthews because of how he plays, not the other way around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy the exact same Collings OM1 that Dave Matthews plays?
You can buy a Collings OM1, but not the exact same guitar—each one is handmade and unique. You would need to order directly from Collings Guitars in Austin. The wait time is typically several months, and the price is in the range of several thousand dollars. Your OM1 would have the same basic specifications as Matthews' but would be its own instrument.
What strings does Dave Matthews use on his Collings?
Matthews has used various string brands over the years, and the specific choice can vary. Professional musicians often work with string manufacturers, but the exact model he uses at any given time is not always publicly documented. The string gauge and material affect tone, so if you own an OM1, experimenting with different strings is part of finding your own sound.
Is the Collings OM1 good for beginners?
The Collings OM1 is an excellent guitar, but it is expensive and handmade, which makes it better suited to experienced players who know what they want. Beginners typically start with more affordable guitars to learn on. Once you have developed your playing style and know what tone you are looking for, a Collings becomes a worthwhile investment.
Why doesn't Dave Matthews use an electric guitar?
Matthews is primarily an acoustic guitarist, and the Dave Matthews Band's sound is built around acoustic instruments. He has played electric guitar in some contexts, but the acoustic is his main voice as a musician. His songwriting and arranging are centered on what the acoustic can do, so that is where his focus has always been.
How much does a Collings OM1 cost?
A new Collings OM1 typically costs between $3,000 and $4,000, depending on wood selection and finish options. Used Collings guitars can be found for less, but they are still a significant investment. The price reflects the handmade construction and the reputation of Collings as a builder. This is much more expensive than mass-produced acoustic guitars, which is why the OM1 is considered a professional-grade instrument.