Collings D-41

Yes - a Collings D-41! This guitar started life as a custom ordered D-3 from the good folks at Old Towne Pickin' Parlor in Arvada, Colorado. I was on my third Martin (and ... ostensibly, the last...) when I picked up a Collings D-2 at the shop. The D-2 is in the same camp as a Martin 28. I was floored by the balanced tone of this fine Collings guitar. It took a only few moments ( moment defined as more than one strum, but less than 10...) and I knew I HAD to get me one.

We talked about a D-3, but they do not have fret markers. I preferred the asthetics of the D-3 ( abalone inlay, ivoroid binding) but also liked some of the features of the D-2 (fretboard inlays). This is where the custom part begins! We worked thru the features desired and the order was placed:D-3 in rosewood (of course!) with the 1 11/16 neck, abalone soundhole purfling, a "style 41" abalone top inlay, snowflake "style 42" fret inlays, ivoroid binding, and a flourish inlay in the headstock. Collings would not be able to upgrade the spruce top. Wait time, 3 - 4 months.

Then... I saw an acoustic guitar magazine with a Collings "D-41" featured in a promotion (Great issue w David Lindley on the cover: June 2000)I thought "wouldn't this be great if my own instrument would resemble this?"

About 7 months later the guitar showed up - with a D-41 stamped inside! I was astonished and pleased. Visually the instrument is one of "understated elegance". And sound... it is so balanced, and precise. This guitar begs to be touched and is a joy to play.

I enjoy playing in my basement studio, and with friends now. (nights of audacious gigs are over. But so are playing cheap instruments!)My musical style's are rock, folk, and original music. I have viewed my music as satisfying a need; for glory, for money, for fun. Now, it's all about fun. And, of consequence, I enjoy playing a fine instrument and have managed to collect a few over the years.

The sound of the Collings is so very precise. I have truly loved the sound of Martins over the years-but playing a Martin is a total commitment to a Martin sound. And... that sound is not always desireable. The Collings achieves a warm, full and balanced tone over all ends of the audio/listening spectrum INCLUDING that great low end (for which I'd relied on Martins.)The guitar plays full, without overdoing it. The action is tremendous as is the neck.

The guitar is visually stunning. I really felt like I was overdoing it w the abalone binding inlay. But not to be the case. The guitar is classy, and the appointments understated. The creamy white spruce of the top woods are contrasted with the rich dark chocolate rosewood back. The gold waverly tuners perfectly complement the rich hues of the abalone.

Now, the only problem I have faced is some neck movement (the guitar is now about 6 mo's old) Old Towne has made some adjustments but I am concerned about the movement in the neck and I'll have to watch this, as well as the changes in the action, carefully.

Taking this guitar gigging is out of the question! I thought about putting in a pick-up system. Instead I bought a Takamine for less than $200 on e-bay! This is great insurance!!!

I called Collings a couple of times during "construction." They seem very busy and, apparently, have a healthy, growing business. While they didn't seem to have all of the answers when called, they are obviously focused on building great guitars!

The overall rating is off-set only by a concern for the neck. With some waves in it I am concerned about stabilizing the movement as I wish to be buiried with this guitar, and count on this happening many many years from now!