The Collings Forum

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.

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

The bearclaw marks are a nice touch to that top.

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.

Wonderful guitar!

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

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!

armdog wrote: ↑Sun Sep 20, 2020 9:09 pm 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...

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

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

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).