If you've been chasing that old-school parlor sound, the waterloo wl s is probably exactly what you're looking for. It's one of those instruments that doesn't just sit in your lap; it tells you a story the second you strike a chord. I remember the first time I saw one in a local shop. It looked like it had been plucked straight out of a 1930s mail-order catalog, but when I picked it up, it felt like a precision-engineered machine. That's the magic of what Bill Collings did with the Waterloo line—it's vintage grit meeting modern perfection.
The waterloo wl s isn't trying to be a do-it-all guitar. It's not your standard "big box" acoustic that sounds like every other Taylor or Martin on the radio. It's got a specific voice, a specific feel, and honestly, a specific attitude. If you're into fingerstyle blues, old-time folk, or just want something that cuts through a mix with a woody, mid-range punch, this thing is a dream come true.
The Vibe and Inspiration
To understand why the waterloo wl s sounds the way it does, you have to look back at the guitars that inspired it. In the 1920s and 30s, companies like Oscar Schmidt were cranking out "Stella" guitars. These were often sold in general stores or through catalogs for a few bucks. They were simple, often made of birch or cherry, and featured ladder bracing.
Waterloo took that "budget" aesthetic and applied high-end lutherie to it. The waterloo wl s is specifically modeled after those "S" size guitars (think slightly smaller than a 00). It's got a 12-fret neck join, which moves the bridge further down the body and gives it a warmer, more soulful resonance than you'd expect from such a small box. It feels like a piece of history that won't fall apart on you mid-set.
Why Ladder Bracing Changes Everything
Most modern acoustic guitars use X-bracing. It's sturdy, it produces a balanced tone, and it's what we've all grown accustomed to hearing. But the waterloo wl s uses ladder bracing. If you aren't a guitar nerd, that just means the braces run horizontally across the top instead of in an "X" pattern.
This choice is what gives the guitar its "bark." When you dig into a blues lick on a waterloo wl s, the notes don't sustain forever in a wash of overtones. Instead, they "pop." There's a fundamental, punchy quality to the sound that makes it incredibly responsive. It's dry, it's woody, and it's surprisingly loud. I've found that for recording, it's a secret weapon because it doesn't get "muddy" in the low end. It sits right in that sweet spot where a guitar is supposed to live.
Let's Talk About That Cherry Wood
One of the standout features of the waterloo wl s is the choice of tonewoods. While the top is high-quality spruce, the back and sides are made of solid cherry. You don't see cherry used nearly enough in the guitar world, and I'm not sure why.
Cherry sits somewhere between maple and mahogany. It's got the clarity of maple but with a bit more warmth and character. On the waterloo wl s, the cherry wood looks stunning under that light varnish finish, but more importantly, it contributes to that "vintage" snap. Because the finish is so thin, the wood can really breathe. You can feel the whole body vibrating against your chest when you play a low G. It's an organic experience that you just don't get with guitars coated in thick polyester finishes.
Playability and the V-Neck Shape
I'll be the first to admit that the neck on the waterloo wl s isn't for everyone. It's a "Prominent V" shape. If you're used to those thin, electric-style necks on modern acoustics, this might feel like a handful at first. But here's the thing: once you get used to it, it's incredibly comfortable for thumb-over playing.
There's something about the way that "V" fits into the palm of your hand that feels natural, especially for old-school blues styles. Plus, the short scale length (24 7/8") means the string tension is a bit lower. It makes bends easier and gives the guitar a "slonky," relaxed feel that encourages you to play for hours. The 1 3/4" nut width also provides plenty of room for fingerpicking without feeling like you're stretching across a football field.
The WL-S vs. The Deluxe Version
If you're looking into buying a waterloo wl s, you've probably noticed there's also a "Deluxe" version. Now, the standard model is a beauty in its own right—simple, understated, and classy. But the Deluxe that's a whole different animal.
The waterloo wl s Deluxe features elaborate "stenciling" on the top, back, and headstock. It's a direct nod to the fancy Oscar Schmidt guitars of the 30s. It also features a nitrocellulose lacquer finish and some extra wood purfling that makes it look like a piece of folk art.
Does the Deluxe sound better? Some people say the lacquer gives it a slightly different response than the varnish on the standard waterloo wl s, but honestly, they're both incredible. If you want a workhorse that you don't mind getting a few dings on, the standard is perfect. If you want something that's going to turn heads the second you take it out of the case, the Deluxe is hard to beat.
Is It Worth the Hype?
I get it. Waterloo guitars aren't exactly "cheap." You're paying for the Collings heritage and the fact that these are hand-built in Austin, Texas. Some people might look at a waterloo wl s and think, "Why would I pay that much for a guitar that's designed to look like a budget vintage model?"
But you really have to play one to understand. The build quality is flawless. The fretwork is perfect. The intonation is spot on—something those original 1930s catalog guitars definitely couldn't claim. When you buy a waterloo wl s, you're getting the character and soul of a vintage instrument with the reliability of a modern masterpiece. It's the kind of guitar that makes you want to turn off your phone, sit on the porch, and just play until the sun goes down.
Why It's Great for Songwriters
As a songwriter, I find that different guitars pull different songs out of me. When I pick up a big dreadnought, I want to play loud, strumming anthems. But when I pick up the waterloo wl s, I find myself writing more intimate, story-driven songs.
Because the guitar is so responsive to a light touch, it allows for a lot of dynamic expression. You can whisper on it, or you can bark at it. It doesn't hide your playing; it highlights it. It's an honest guitar. It'll show you your mistakes, but it'll also reward your nuance in a way that bigger guitars often mask.
Final Thoughts on the Waterloo WL-S
At the end of the day, the waterloo wl s is a niche instrument, and that's exactly why it's so good. It's not trying to please everyone. It's a love letter to a specific era of American music, and it hits every single note perfectly. Whether you're a professional looking for a specific recording tone or a hobbyist who loves the history of the blues, this guitar is a "lifer."
It's small enough to take anywhere, loud enough to hold its own, and has enough personality to keep you inspired for decades. If you ever get the chance to sit down with a waterloo wl s, take it. Just be warned: you probably won't want to put it back on the hanger. It's one of those rare instruments that reminds you why you started playing guitar in the first place—for the simple, raw joy of making some noise.