Collings D1A

The square-shouldered 14-fret dreadnought is the most popular steel-string acoustic guitar body shape in the world. While Collings is certainly not the first to build them, they bring a new tonal clarity to the depth and warmth usually associated with such a large, deep-bodied guitar.

I feel that if you're looking for a tremendous dreadnought, you have a couple of choices. One is to invest in a very expensive pre war model. The other is this Collings version of that venerable design  I'll be blunt. To me, this Collings is as good as can be found on today's market.

Most modern builders overbuild their dreadnoughts. I specify all my acoustics to be crafted in a light build. In this case, I didn't want a tongue brace. It's a subtle change, and won't affect the durability of the guitar, but without the tongue brace, I think the top is a bit less stiff, and therefore, opens the sound with more resonance and midrange. Personally, I also prefer dreadnoughts with a mahogany back and sides accompanied by an Adirondack top. To me they have the perfect balance of power and tone without the boominess that sometimes accompanies rosewood versions.

Bottom line, if you love dreadnoughts, this Collings D1A is a guitar you have to check out.

If you'd like to find out more about this item, just call or e-mail me. It would be my pleasure to talk to you about it.

ABOUT COLLINGS GUITARS
Bill Collings moved from Ohio to Texas in the mid 1970’s. Spurred by a lack of interest in medical school, this move enabled him to combine lifelong interests in both guitars and tools into the challenge of stringed instrument building and repair. After a couple of years in Houston, several guitars and a few banjos later, he headed west to southern California. Making it only as far as Austin, where he shared shops with fellow luthiers Tom Ellis and Mike Stevens. From there, he set up his own small shop in a wooden "one car" garage. His reputation for outstanding quality and meticulous attention to detail quickly spread. In 1989, he rented a 1000 square foot space and hired two helpers. Fast forward to present day where Collings craftsmanship is respected by professional and amateur musicians alike…anyone on the quest for quality. Some of these include artists; Keith Richards, Lyle Lovett, Pete Townshend, Emmylou Harris, Andy Summers, David Crosby, Chris Hillman, Joni Mitchell, Don Felder, John Sebastian, Lou Reed, John Fogerty, Tim O'Brien, Pete Huttlinger, Kenny Smith, Brian May, Joan Baez, John Prine, Nigel Tufnel of Spinal Tap, and Steven Spielberg to name a few. You owe it to yourself to try one.