Collings D-2H

2001 model, I believe. Spruce top, Indian rosewood sides, herringbone plain old dreadnaught. Tons of excellence in the few features it has.

Most balance from among Martin, Taylor, Santa Cruz, Tacoma, Guild, Bourgeois. The harmonics in the sustain were the first thing to catch my ear. It's amazing what one can hear and for how long. And loud, but not as harsh as a Martin. BTW, it's just starting to open up. Traded it for a Taylor 510.

No flaws.

Looks very well-built.

Very helpful in the registration process.

Been playing for 33 yrs. If lost or stolen, would procure another. Would really like to obtain an OM-2H also. For guitars in this range (>$2000) these have the most bang for the buck. Case is flawless also (Geib-style?)

Bought it used.
It's a standard Collings D2H.
Read other reviews for details.
I had to buy one after seeing Ricky Skaggs guitar player Cody Kilby playing a Collings at a bluegrass festival. Wow he made it sing.

I brought this guitar to get snap locks installed by my local luthier and I urged him to give it a strum. He strummed it once and his jaw dropped and asked how old it was. With medium strings this guitar is as loud as dreadnaughts get. Very complex tone. It vibrates my brain ! Nothing compares except maybe a pre-war Martin D28.

Pretty high set up compared to what I like and could come down with the medium strings on it and it would still be OK for agressive bluegrass strumming. I bought it used so I am just presuming that's how it came from the factory. Truss rod adjusted perfectly.

Fit finish hardware craftsmanship all 100 percent top notch.
The best fit and finish I've seen.
Very durable and solid feeling without being over weight.

Factory support has been great, they answer my stupid questions very quickly. No repair issues whatsoever.

I've been playing for about 10 years, would definitely buy another collings and am actually negotiating for another used OM size Collings to replace my Taylor Grand Auditorium 25th anniversary.
I also own a Simon and Patrick pro rosewood.

2003 Collings D2H. Indian rosewood back & sides, Sitka spruce top, Mahogany neck (of course), ebony bridge & fingerboard. Wood herringbone binding and wood soundhole rosette. Waverly tuners. 1-3/4" bone nut. Came with a very high-quality hardshell case. I say nine because I suppose it could have come with a pre-installed Trance Audio Amulet pickup or something...

I play blues, rock&roll, country, and bluegrass mainly, and do a lot of heavy strumming and picking. I tend to hit the strings pretty hard. I do also play a little jazz, but don't really consider this the guitar for it.

I decided early this year to invest $2-4K in a fine-quality dreadnaught. I looked for many months and tried out new and vintage Martins, Santa Cruz, Larrivee, Taylor, Beneteau, Thompson, Huss & Dalton, Gibson, Goodall, Breedlove, and any other guitar I could find at fancy shops and guitar shows.

I picked the Collings D2H over all the rest, including vintage Martin 'Brazilian' (eyes roll) D-28s. It's balanced like no other I found, except perhaps the Santa Cruz Tony Rice, but that guitar sounded kind of flat and lifeless. The D2H has warm and full bass, but is not too boomy. Highs are clear and bright enough for lead work. Rich, sweet harmonics. Even string balance. High-register chords maintain clarity. Sustain is very consistent, long, and smooth. To top it all off, it's really, really loud. Even people with no guitar knowledge often look a little shocked when they hear it and remark how good it sounds!

If you are looking for a primarily LEAD guitar for country or bluegrass, go for a mahogany-bodied dread instead. Also, if you're looking for "growly", folky character, this isn't your guitar. But if you want sweet and clear with the richness of rosewood for strumming or picking or otherwise, make sure you try this one out. If I had another $4K to drop, I'd get a vintage D-16 as well, but probably wouldn't use it a lot...

The guitar is totally flawless. I've heard Collings uses computerized lathes and lasers to make their guitars, and I believe it. The bridge pins are ebony and fit snugly with minimal pressure. Changing strings is a pleasure! It was set up with fairly high action, but I think that suits my hard playing style, so it was perfect for me. The finish is very rich and glossy, but somehow feels light. Overall the guitar is pretty light.

Well, I've only owned it for three months now, but if the quality of workmanship is any indication, I think it'll outlive me by a hundred years.

Haven't yet, but Gryphon has a good reputation.

I'm really happy with my D2H. Since buying it I find myself inspired to strum more, pick more, sing more, practice more, perform more, write more, learn more... If you're looking for a rosewood dread and can afford it, I don't think you can go wrong with a Collings D2H!

Collings D2H made in Austin, Texas in October of 2001. It has a solid premium-grade sitka spruce top with a seamless tight grain and back and sides made of solid AAA Indian Rosewood. It is a traditional dreadnought guitar without any electronics or a cutout. The neck is African Mahogony that matches well in color with the Rosewood. The instrument has a clean gloss finish all over including the neck. The neck is relatively thick and the width can vary depending on what you want 1 11/16 or 1 3/4. The tuners are open vintage style Waverlys with nickle bean buttons. The guitar came in a TKL made Collings case with green crushed velvet interior. Modeled after the early Martins, the guitar is relatively plain looking but the workmanship and attention to detail is incredible.

The sound of the guitar is what made me trade in my 25th Anniversary Taylor Grand Auditorium and Taylor 810. I vary from light to heavy strumming playing mostly contemporary Christian music but also some modern pop. This guitar is incredibly versatile in terms of sound. Finger stylist will love the crisp and well defined tones. This is by far the loudest and fullest guitar that I've ever heard in my life and at no point does the guitar lose any tonal quality from projection. The tone can best be described by having both the "Bassy Punch" of a vintage Martin D28 and the Midrange and Treble of a Maple Taylor. The sustain is awesome and harmonics are even more impressive. The sound is absolutely incredible.

It was set up perfectly right out of the box. The action is set a little higher than what I am normally use to, but still relatively easy to play. Everything about the fit and finish is perfect except the neck. I like the thin, satin finished Taylor necks that play almost like an electric. The thicker glossed Collings takes a bit of getting use to and is not as quick as most Taylors. Aside from that, everything is absolutely flawless.

I have not owned the guitar long enough to really say, but based on the craftsmanship, I would say that the guitar should stand the test of time. The tuners are open vintage style Waverlys that should last and if not, are easy to replace. The guitar only came with a rear strap button, but I had one professionally installed on the neck. It seems like a very versatile and durable guitar and the TKL case should protect it well.

I have not yet contacted the luthiers down in Austin, Texas. From what I've heard, their customer support is awesome. Every Collings has a lifetime warranty for the original owner. There is no fancy warranty card to send in, just the original receipt.

If this guitar were stolen, I would definitely replace it with another D2H. I might also consider getting a Goodall. But basically, you can't beat the tone of a Collings. I have owned several Taylors and Martins, and played hundreds of others including customs such as Santa Cruz, Froggy Bottom and Bourgeois and the only one that could compare to the tone of a Collings D2H was a Goodall rosewood Dreadnought. I love the simple design and clean lines. The only other thing I could have hoped for would be a Adirondack Spruce soundboard.

2001 Collings D-2H all the standards

The guitar barks each note rings clear with sustain for days. I mostly play bluegrass with leanings towards blues/jazz. The guitar has amazing balance not to bright and not to dark. I can only imagine what it will sound like when the top opens up.

The guitar was setup nicely right out of the box but I had the action lowered just a hair to match my trusted Martin. The finish is flawless, you can actually see dips in the grain. Everything about the guitar is perfect there are no glue spots or spaces at the heel or fretboard.

All I can assume is that a guitar that is built with an eye for detail and excellant materials will stand the test of time.

no interaction as of yet

After doing quite an extended and extensive (1 year) search which included every high end maker minus Olson's (to rich for my blood) Collings fit the bill. Ive been playing for over 15yrs and the guitar is replacing a road hardned 1962 Martin D-28. The Collings actully sounds very similar to the Martin and with age will surpass.

My D2H was made in October 1997 and has the serial number 3378. I bought it in November 1999.
It has herringbone edging, Bright fret inlays(one of which is so bright its like neon sometimes) and waverley's. All the usual.
I'm not sure if the top is a special grade of wood, I'll have to phone to find out. If it is standard then all I can say is WOW, it's really beautiful.

What can I say other than Awesome! When I first heard this Collings I fell in love with it instantly, a cliche, but true none the less.
When I play this guitar my soul fly's. Truly it's an emotional experience that means I play for a LOT longer than I ever intend to.
In making my choice, I played Martins, Taylors, Santa Cruz, Lowdens, at all prices, and NONE sounded as good as my D2H. Collings guitars are as good as people say. I can't imagine just how much better this guitar will sound as it gets more mature.

The finish to this guitar is 2nd to none. The top is beautifully bookmatched and has a 'honey' colour that surpasses many other Collings that I've seen. I guess I'm lucky with this one. The top has superb 'Silking' too, it's a really good looking top. The rosewood is brilliant it looks soooo deep, sort of like 'dark fruit cake' in colour.
The action is excellent. I find the neck fast, with no buzzing frets even when played hard.

I have no doubt that my D2H would withstand being played Live. It's so nice I wouldn't want to treat it hard. I play it everyday for maybe 1-2 hours and it doesnt complain :):):)

I havent had any problems and judging by the build, I don't expect any

I have been playing since I was 8 years old and now I'm 37. This guitar is truly my 'Holy Grail'. Without any shadow of doubt I would replace my D2H if... I don't want to tempt fate!
I did all the music shops...and came home disappointed. I read some reviews on this website and then saw an advert in the back of Guitarist magazine for a Collings D2H...et voila! I was a Collings owner. All the things people say about Collings are true. What else can I say...Collings are the greatest. End of story. Do yourself a favour...get one!

Standard D2H model. Spruce top. Indian rosewood back and sides.

Very nice and subtle. Keeps growing on you. Strongest in the mids, but goes deep and high enough. Great harmonics and the notes don't smear when played hard.

Fit, finish, setup where all excellent. Also beautiful workmanship. One marker, abalone, on the fretboard is dark.

Just got it 3 months ago so only time will tell.

This is what sold me. I live in San Antonio. The factory is 70 miles away and they give tours. My guitar has a slightly weird history. Dealer said it was used and not sure of it's history. I called the factory and they gave me it's history. They also gave me a lifetime warranty! Met everybody at the factory including Mr. Collings. You gotta make the trip if you can!

Playing on and off for 31 years. My other acoustic is a 1986 Taylor 615. I played a bunch of others:Santa Cruz, Larivee, Martins etc, but this one really outdoes the others with its subtle tones and harmonics. The Taylor is easier to play, but the Collings really talks to you. I'll buy another Collings when I can afford it. You get your moneys worth.

Dreadnaught. Indian Rosewood sides and back. Spruce top. Herringbone inlay. Ivoroid body binding. Nickel Waverly tuning machines. Ebony bridge and fretboard. 1 11/16 nut. Every feature you would desire in a traditional dreadnaught guitar...

Blindfold yourself in a room with 10 what-you-believe-to-be "great" dreadnaughts. Have someone strum an E chord on each one. My money says you'll pick the Collings 10 out of 10 times. I did. Play a few more chords and some simple scales and your ears will tell you what to buy. The sustain, the articulation of the notes, and the depth and clarity of the sound stunned me...

There is absolutely no other guitar maker alive (right now anyway) who makes a guitar with more attention-to-detail for under 5000 dollars.

It is built unbelievably well. I have owned over 30 guitars in the last ten years and this on is, by far, the best built.

The folks at the factory in Austin seemed true blue down-to-earth honest straight-forward people who loved what they do. Collings guitars have a lifetime warranty to the original owner.

I have bought and sold guitars all of my adult life. This guitar will never leave my possession. Forty years from now when I'm 75 I will still own this guitar and it will only sound sweeter.

What guitars came in second and third in my "best traditional dreadnaught of the best at any price" evaluation?

1. Collings D-2H
2. Goodall "Traditional"
3. Santa Cruz "Tony Rice"

Interestingly, both the Goodall and the Santa Cruz were more expensive.

Purchased my 1995 guitar from a movie composer in Vencie, Ca. He bought it from Westwood Music (terrific shop!) with highlander p.u. Stock guitar otherwise. Came with nice, plush, hard case

I am a flatpicker and this guitar brings me to tears. What a wondrous sound. Can't hear any trade-offs between bass and treble. Sustains like a M----- F-----! Read the other reviews in here as I concur with every accolade they've offered. TRANSCENDANT SOUND. End of Story.

Purchased used so can't comment of factoryset-up. Everythings looks top-flight to me, though

Guitar has found its voice after these few years and I only anticipate more maturation.

no dealings with the boys in Texas thus far

This D2H has a quartersawn aaa-grade Brazilian Rosewood Back and Sides. Top is of Adirondack Spruce that has thighter grain towards the center.Neck is straight grain Mahogany with a low profile Vee
and of course joins the body at 14th frets.
Unlike other Collings this one has a graphite reenforcemnt bars that
weigh just about the same as metal ones, so that the instrument will not lose "mass" for sustain.
The tuneres are of Gold Waverly Vintage with "Collings" logo stamped.

In the first year it tended to sound bit too bright, which I suspected attributable to the graphite bars.
It is in its 4th years and is producing wonderful vintage sound across the all 6 strings. Unlike Martin D28 this Collings D2H of
Brazillian+Adirondack has better trreble sound. Bass is equal to
D28 and tends to be a little harsh and hard, but crisp.
Defenitely a Bluegrass Buitar and Charlie Waller may want to onw this.

Collings has a little higher fret wires, say by 10/1000th.
This guitar has a little lower fret than the Collings standard to be more finger-friendly.
Due to dry climate in southern California the guitar started to
buz (top might have sanken a bit) but with a higher saddle, which
Collings sent to me the guitar plays perfect with the maximum ease.
The finish of the gyuitar is the most elaborated area by Collings
and I can not think of any other word to describe it than "perfect".

It is yet premature to rate this guyitar's durability but thanks to bolt on joint the neck remains solidly intact and you feel rigidity when you play it. The sound tells for it self.
I can envisize how it looks when this one becomes 20 years old;
some wear on the finger board and frets and nice tan on its top.
A little hairline crack on the side is the possibility, that is sort of a fate of Brazilian Rose wood.

The replacement saddle was provide to my satisfaction.
It comes with the life time waranty, which very much depends upon
Mr. Bill Collings way of driving (his Porche).
People are always nice and busy...

I have Martin D28 (three), D18, D76, OOO-18, JM21 and several Collings.
I bought this Collings D2H Bz-Ad in June 1996 after series of comparison with New Martins including its Vintage Series, Taylor
Santa Cruz ... but none of them surpassed Collings.
The best and most carefully hand-made guitar today.