N(U)GD - 2017 Collings D1A Traditional

[Rev Roy]

Made the “mistake” of playing my first Collings a few weeks ago. A D1. Blew my mind. It was the first time I’ve ever played a boutique guitar and it instantly moved the goalpost on what I consider a well-crafted, easy playing, superb sounding guitar. The price on that new one was way outta my budget...but then Chicago Music Exchange gave me a great deal on this beauty. MAP is $6,149 and I got this one in excellent condition for more than $2,000 less. How could I say no?

Arrived yesterday and I couldn’t be happier. 1 3/4” nut came standard on the Traditional Series, which is a must for me. And it has the Adi top custom upgrade. I’m kinda glad it’s a few years old because the previous owner spent three years playing the stiffness out of this Adi top so I don’t have to. What’s it sound like? Crisp, balanced, warm, strong mids...but most of all musical. A sweet, unique voice, which is probably why I can’t put it down...or even quit smiling. Not to mention it’s gorgeous with little bear claw kisses throughout the top.

Bad news is I had to sell two of my three other guitars to cover the cost. The good news is that I’ll finally be down to two guitars again, which is where I should be.

[Grey Owl]

Congratulations on a great looking Collings! Sure looks different from the back

The bearclaw marks are a nice touch to that top.

[Hokiebob]

Congratulations on a great guitar. I'm sure that it will keep you musical company for many years to come.
Play the heck out of it. Collings guitars thrive on use.

[MSEV]

Wonderful guitar!

[armdog]

Congratulations, now you know why Collings... what a great feeling. Collings red spruce tops can be a tad stiff when new but that's by design for the long haul. My CJ Adi didn't mellow out for a few years but came around, the play-in was a joy but later even better. best regards, bert

[markT]

Seems I’ve seen this same post somewhere before...

Congrats on a great guitar! I love my D1A T too~

Welcome to the forum and the Collings Club!

And like I’ve heard before, and can testify myself, that one probably won’t be your last Collings!

[Rev Roy]

Congratulations, now you know why Collings... what a great feeling. Collings red spruce tops can be a tad stiff when new but that's by design for the long haul. My CJ Adi didn't mellow out for a few years but came around, the play-in was a joy but later even better. best regards, bert

Yep...that’s why I’m happy I bought this beauty used. The previous owner spent three years loosening up the top for me.

Interestingly, I bought my Martin custom OM new just a couple months ago and it’s Adi top has never felt stiff. Never even had the typical new guitar stiffness. So you never know...

[Slgis]

Congrats! I haven't had the chance to play a D1AT yet, but it's on my radar. Mahogany Collings guitars just have "it".

[6l6]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Collings!

Now that you've had a taste, you'll be wanting more. It happens to ALL of us!

Bill

[shotzy]

Wow what a beauty! I have this model's little sister (OM1AT) and couldn't be happier. Quite a rarity to see bear claw red spruce like that... I think it's a testament to the "Crème de la Crème" woods Collings is selecting for these Traditional builds (top on mine also has tons of silking, which you don't see often on addy).