The Collings D1 pushes the classic 14-fret mahogany dreadnought to a new level. While other companies build guitars with similar specs, Collings brings a new tonal clarity to the depth and warmth that have made this template so popular. In general, the Collings D1 is louder—with more balance across the range—and it will cut through any mix.
This Collings (serial #4162) was made in September of 1998, and in those days, Collings was still a young brand with a lot to prove. Next to Bill Collings' signature, the label denotes this guitar as a "D1A," which means it features an Adirondack Spruce top in addition to the gorgeous Sunburst top finish. Even though it's a full-size dreadnought body, it feels lightweight and approachable in your hands. With lightweight Honduran Mahogany back and sides, this D1A weighs in at 4 lbs 5.7 oz.
This D1A SB was ordered with a 1-11/16" nut width, and it has a 2-3/16" string spacing at the bridge. It has Collings' standard Modified V neck profile, which feels just right in your hands. It was ordered with no fingerboard inlays—a classy, understated detail that shows off the fine Ebony used for the fingerboard. This Collings has open-back Waverly tuning machines with Ivoroid buttons, and the previous owner installed a strap button on the neck heel.
Considering its age, this 1998 D1A Sunburst is fairly clean all around. But has been played and enjoyed, so it does show some minor cosmetic wear (see photos). The frets show minor wear, but they are totally playable with no buzzes or issues. The current setup is low and playable with Medium-gauge strings, and the bone saddle is not original but perfectly compensated. There is a small ding on the top, just along the edge by the end pin. On the back of the neck, you can feel some finish wear right around the 5th fret—likely from some kind of cradle-style guitar stand. This Collings includes its original TKL case.
This 1998 Collings D1A packs a powerful, warm Mahogany dreadnought sound. It has a wide dynamic range, and it's a very versatile guitar that will shine in many different settings. In a string band, it produces plenty of volume to cut through the mix, and when you play it softly, it's not lacking in sweetness or subtlety. Because of its age, it sounds played-in and open, much like a treasured vintage guitar. As we've come to expect from Collings, the workmanship and attention to level are absolutely top notch. This dreadnought was built to deliver for years to come.