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."

[Greg Y]

Steve, First of all congratulations on your D3. I'm glad you got a good one . (They're all good). I don't think i'd phrase the difference as "better grade woods" but more cosmetic differences. As we know straighter grain, more visually 'perfect' wood doesn't translate straight across to better tone. As an example ... the Martin D45.
The difference with Collings is their exactness and aptitude for matching back & sides & tops... to get their well-deserved consistency....... vis à vis other manufacturers. IMO you got all the attention Collings puts into every guitar + visually appealing woods. My song-writer buddy Jim Faddis has a a few guitars, but his D3 is always in his lap. In fact i've only heard of his others....I've only ever seen him play his D3. Play yours in good health!

[mkmcho]

Folks who know more than me here have said D3 is just more bling bling for the same sound. However, my experience is that the D3 that I played sounded just so freaking good. More bell-like sound compared to my D2H. My OM2H sounds the best to my ears.