The Collings Forum

Just caught the latest Spinal Tap movie and thought it was hilarious. Nigel Tufnel played various instruments throughout including a sunburst 470 JL, a dreadnaught (couldn’t see the back to differentiate a D1 vs. a D2), and a mandolin (during “Stonehenge”). He also played a Tele and some other guitar I didn’t recognize. David St. Hubbins played mostly PRS guitars.

First movie I’ve gone to since the pandemic… only two other people in the theater. Kinda felt weird laughing out loud in the empty theater, but there were several points in the movie you couldn’t help it and the three of us eventually let out some good laughs.

Anyway, it was a pleasant surprise to see the Collings in the new movie, even though I recall seeing photos of Tap holding Collings instruments years ago. Check out the movie if you’re a Tap fan… Hopefully you’ll experience the movie in a more crowded theater…

Nigel Tufnel, the iconic guitarist in the film "This Is Spinal Tap" and its sequel "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues," is known for playing various instruments including a sunburst 470 JL, a dreadnought (probably a D1 or D2), a mandolin, as well as electric guitars like a Telecaster and PRS models used by David St. Hubbins. In the new film, he also plays a custom Ernie Ball Music Man St. Vincent guitar finished in Union Jack, emphasizing the band's unique style.

In the original film and subsequent performances, Nigel often showcases his cherished vintage instruments, such as a 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop with original pickups known for their distinctive "dirty" sound. He is also famous for his sense of humor, sharing anecdotes and highlighting absurd aspects of a rock musician's life, including the famous scene with the amplifier that "goes to 11" (meaning "one louder").

Your observations about the theater atmosphere and enjoyment of the film align with the fact that "Spinal Tap" is a cult, intelligent rock comedy combining humor with authentic musical details, with appearances of notable instruments like Collings guitars adding to the charm. I highly recommend it to any music fan or lover of good humor — it’s worth watching even in an empty theater because the laughter and atmosphere are guaranteed.




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