Dear Artisan,
I wanted to write a quick review of the Collings D2HA Varnish I recently purchased from your shop. Three points:
- 1. Some say it's not a good idea to buy a guitar before you play it. I understand that line of thinking, but let me say that it's hard not to feel confident about a Collings. Their build quality, sound, and look is consistently better than any other brand. My guitar wowed me when I opened the case for the first time, just like I knew it would. Also, buying from Artisan is safe. The packaging job you guys do is top notch.
- 2. The varnish finish is unlike anything I've ever seen, felt, or played. It looks different. The pictures on the Web site didn't quite capture the wonderful golden, aged color of the varnished Adirondack top. It feels different. The only guitars I've touched in the past had either full gloss or satin finishes, and this is a different animal from a texture standpoint. It plays different. The extra sustain is there already. What will the tone be like a few years from now? I can't wait to find out. I thought it was a nice touch by Collings to include a short letter explaining a little more about varnish, and what to expect from a guitar with this finish. Interesting stuff.
- 3. This Collings, to me, is the quintessential dreadnought guitar. Most everybody who really gets into acoustic guitars wants to hold in their hands and play a classic like a prewar Martin or Gibson. I'm not saying this D2HA sounds like those old models. It has its own unique "Collings sound" to it. But it's as finely constructed as it can be, with appointments that adhere to many of the techniques used on those vintage boxes, perfected now out in Austin. It is a new classic all its own. I can tell it's going to be fun growing old with this guitar.
I can't thank you all at Artisan enough. It's always a pleasure dealing with your store. Much like Collings, you guys are the best.
Take care,
GT / Grayson, Georgia