Collings D-1S

The model DS-1 is a 12 fret, slothead dreadnaught. Back and sides are Honduran Mahogany with tortoise binding. The top is sitka spruce that is incredibly straight and tight grained with an enormous amount of silking.

The standard nut width is 1 13/16", though mine was custom ordered with 1 3/4".

The bridge, fretboard, and peghead overlay are ebony. The bridge pins are unslotted ebony as well.

Nut and saddle are bone that has been polished to a porcelin like sheen.

Tuners are Waverly.

The appointments approximate those of a pre-war D-18 - that is simple and tasteful. I have downgraded the rating to a 9 however because at this price I believe that fretboard binding and and a back centerstip purfling would have been most appropriate. The comparable model from Santa Cruz does have those appointments.

Collings have a reputation for having an even tonal balance, clarity, and good separation - this DS1 lives up to that reputation.

The extra body length and 12-fret (clear of the body) contribute to a deep, rich bass. The mid-range and treble are clear and bright without even the tiniest amount of harshness - just sweet, rich, and chimey.

This is a brilliant guitar for many playing styles, but I think it really excells at advanced flatpicking. It has a deep, driving bass that remains tight when firing off runs and throughout the tonal spectrum it has an ability to cut through and be heard.

Collings are unmatched in construction quality. I do take exception with the other reviewer who derides the build quality of Santa Cruz guitars (probably Collings most direct competitor). I own both brands of guitars (as well as two martins) and have toured all three of these brands facility's as well as the Montana Gibson acoustic shop and I can assure you that both Collings and SCGC are made to equally high standards. There are difference, though. SCGC is real traditional in there construction techniques, whereas Collings has introduced some modern techniques that I think are cool. One example is that they rout the finish off the top where the bridge goes after it has been finished - the bridge has a corresponding "lip" and it fits in precisely and maximises glue contact/solidity.

Collings are heavier than comparable guitars and part of that is due to the neck bracing and bolt on neck. The two steel strips that are epoxied alongside the truss rod greatly enhance neck rigidity - I've travelled with this guitar and it remains perfectly in tune - amazing!

The other reviewer mentioned that Collings are lighter than comparable martins - this is not what I have found when I have compared them. I compared my DS1 to a Martin D-18VSM and the Martin was considerably lighter. A comparable SCGC was not available to compare at the time - but IME SCGC's tend to be even lighter still. My rosewood SCGC dred is lighter than my Martin 000-18.

The bolt on neck is an example of Colling's using modern technology that IMO makes future repairs easier and less invasive.

Lifetime Warranty.

the folks at Collings are top-notch whether answering questions about a serial number or giving a tour of the shop.

Can't go wrong with this one if the body style, neck size, and tone are what you are looking for.

Bought it new this year. These are made in Texas by a bunch of very committed people. Top is AAA Adarondak Sunburst, Sides and back are Mahogany (which I prefer to Indian Rosewood). The 1 13/16 neck is std. and I love it. Workmanship and sound in unsurpassed in this price range $4,000 + or -. Perfect tuners, scalloped braces,nice materials.

It just sounds awesome. It is loud and strong under a stiff pick yet responds amazingly well to finger-style. The tone starts where recent Martins end, and takes off from there. I was a Martin man for many years, but Collings has changed my allegance.

The action, fit and finish are truly all perfect.

It's lighter than a Martin (scalloped bracing etc.) but not cheaply built like Santa Cruise. Should hold up well.

They have responded to my emails promptly.

Been playing music for 40 years. I've had lots of good acoustic gear over the years inc. Martins, a Goodall, Trace Acoustic Amps, Shure Beta mics, small Mackie board, FBT powered speakers (10" + tweeter) etc.