D3 - Just the bling?

[AussieSteve]

Hi all, I recently purchased a new Collings D3 and I'm wondering if the only difference between the D2H and the D3 is the bling or do they use better grade woods on the D3? The D3 I scored has a perfect Sitka top with silking all over and the EIRW is a very nice-looking set too. Oh, and the tone is really, really nice - surprising amount of bottom end and very evenly balanced through to the chimed trebles. The perfect complement to my CJ45T.

[DenverSteve]

Pretty much. Same guitar with the biggest difference being the herringbone on the D2h. Prices can be a bit different when one has a bound headstock and neck and the other doesn't. Also if one has an Adirondack top, I believe, the add-on for the Adi is around $1,000.

[pto]

in general, from what i know of Collings and Santa Cruz - yes they tend to use prettier woods on the upgraded lines. not so brand M, obviously.

[AussieSteve]

I compared the D3 side by side with a D2H and the quality of the woods seemed to be higher grade in the D3. In fact, the Sitka top is one of the best tops I've ever seen, period. The tone in the D3 was stronger in the bass response and had an overall better balance across the strings. Now I get that individual guitars, even within the same model range and even from Collings can vary somewhat, but this D3 really spoke to me.

[DenverSteve]

If you are new to Collings, welcome. Buckle in, you're likely in for a "gotta have more" ride.

[AussieSteve]

Thanks Denver, but I'm definitely not new, I used to be a regular on this forum years ago and I have had several Collings guitars over the years. They are my absolute favourite. It's probably worth mentioning that I traded a Martin '37 D-28 Authentic for the D3 and I couldn't be happier.

[pto]

I traded a Martin '37 D-28 Authentic

i jettisoned the same model 6 months after i got it in 06. as George Gruhn said in his first vintage guitar guide, "current martins [80s and on] are good utility instruments."