The square-shoulder 14-fret dreadnought is probably the most popular acoustic guitar design in the world, yet somehow Collings pushes this iconic template to a new level. With tonal clarity to match the warmth and depth of the dreadnought, the Collings D2H is cutting, robust, and powerful, yet it remains sweet and subtle when you want it to be. In many ways, the D2H is a guitar that seems to do everything well.
We ordered this D2H (serial #36585) with an upgraded Baked Sitka Top, and it features the standard East Indian Rosewood back and sides. This tried-and-true wood complement produces a balanced, articulate sound. Thanks to the dreadnought body and Collings' prewar-inspired bracing, this D2H has a powerful voice that is rich in complexity and top-end shimmer. Baked Sitka has become one our favorite top woods from Collings because it gives a new instrument the responsive, broken-in richness of old guitar. And as you put it through the paces for years and years, this guitar will only sound better and more refined.
Since we knew this Collings would sound fantastic, we had to dress it up a bit, too. A gorgeous 2-Style Sunburst top finish sets off the mellow Baked Sitka hues, and Ivoroid binding around the peghead and fingerboard add a tasteful touch of class to the Honduran Mahogany neck and exotic stained Ebony peghead overlay. On the Ebony fingerboard, stunning 42-Style Snowflake abalone inlays guide your way to every fret. Sure, you can't hear these details, but they sure make you want to pick up the guitar and play it. What's interesting, though, is that this guitar somehow sounds better than it looks. An inspiring instrument from one of the best builders in the game!
As for playability, the only customization was to specify a 1-3/4" nut width. That extra sixteenth of an inch may not seem like much, but we find it gives you just enough extra room to stretch out. It's a great fit for a guitar like this, especially with the prewar-inspired Modified V neck profile.
- Top: Baked Sitka Spruce
- Top Finish: 2-Style Sunburst
- Back & Sides: East Indian Rosewood
- Brace Pattern: Pre-War Scalloped X
- Neck: Honduran Mahogany
- Neck Profile: Modified V
- Scale Length: 25-1/2"
- Nut: Bone, 1-3/4"
- Body Binding: Ivoroid with Herringbone Purfling
- Fingerboard Binding: Ivoroid
- Peghead Binding: Ivoroid
- Bridge: Ebony Belly
- Saddle: Drop-In Bone, 2-3/16" string spacing
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Fingerboard Inlay: 42-Style Snowflakes
- Fingerboard Radius: 14" - 26" Compound
- Case: Deluxe Hardshell