It’s not really bluegrass without a big bottom end. The Collings D3G provides this bass-heavy sound to bluegrass and folk performers alike with:
- A varnish finish that adds breathy warmth & volume
- Superior Collings construction that adds more balance than your typical dreadnought
- Quality tone woods, including a German spruce top and Indian rosewood body
In addition, the aesthetic inlay detail adds an elegance to this otherwise battleship of an acoustic guitar.
Volume, Warmth, & Beauty
While any guitar with a large body is expected to be louder than a small bodied guitar, the Collings D3G offers warmth and beauty in addition to sheer volume. The varnish finish and Adirondack braces combine to provide a warmth that breathes with your music.
In addition to lush tones, the Collings D3G has beautiful detail work that stands out from other dreadnought acoustic guitars. The #3 back strip and gold hardware are standard for a Collings D3, while the inlays on the neck, torch, and guitar binding are all aesthetic upgrades. The original torch peg inlay matches the 42 style snowflake inlay on the neck and the 41 style top inlay was inspired by Martin’s original design.
Perhaps the most stunning feature of the Collings D3G is its perfect Indian rosewood body. It’s color, grain, and consistency can’t be found anywhere else.
Superior Collings Construction
Tone imbalance is a common problem for many bluegrass and folk guitarists who play dreadnought guitars. However, you don’t have to completely sacrifice a deep bottom end and volume for balance. Superior Collings construction and the D3G’s German top combine to give provide more balance to this dreadnought. However, if the slightly less deep timbre doesn’t fit your sound, you should consider a Martin dreadnought instead.
My Verdict
This model is the Neil Young guitar. Like most dreadnoughts, the Collings D3G’s volume makes it a great choice for live bluegrass and folk performers. While these larger models are traditionally played with picks, it’s just versatile enough for an accomplished finger stylist to use.
More on Collings:
Collings Acoustic Guitars are renowned for their high-quality craftsmanship and exquisite sound. The company was founded by Bill Collings in Austin, Texas, in 1973. Over the years, Collings Acoustic Guitars has become one of the most respected names in the industry, producing a wide range of instruments, including electric guitars, ukuleles, etc.
One of the hallmarks of Collings Acoustic Guitars is their use of Adirondack and Baked Sitka spruce. The Adirondack spruce is known for its high stiffness-to-weight ratio, which gives the guitars a powerful and resonant tone. The Sitka spruce, on the other hand, provides a bright and focused sound. Both woods are often used in Collings guitars, depending on the desired sound.
One of the most popular Collings acoustic guitars is the Collings D2H. This dreadnought guitar is made with a Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, delivering a rich, full-bodied sound. The Collings OM1, OM1 T, and Collings OM2H are also popular models, known for their versatility and balance. These guitars are made with a smaller body size than the D2H and are often favored by fingerstyle players.
Collings guitars are also known for their sunburst finishes, which give the instruments a vintage look. The Collings D1 and 001 models are available with this finish, as well as a range of other finishes, including natural, black, and tobacco sunburst.
In addition to their acoustic guitars, Collings also offers a range of electric guitars. These guitars feature high-quality pickups and hardware, making them ideal for players who want a versatile and reliable instrument. The Collings I-35 and 290 models are popular choices, offering a range of tones from warm and mellow to bright and punchy.
Collings Acoustic Guitars are also known for their attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship. The company’s luthiers are among the best in the industry, and their inlay work and varnish finishes are second to none. The Collings CJ45 T is a prime example of the company’s commitment to quality, featuring a short scale length, German spruce top, and a beautiful sunburst finish.
For players who need to amplify their sound, Collings offers a range of pickups and amps. The company’s pickups are designed to capture the natural sound of the guitar, delivering a warm and authentic tone. Collings amps are also available, offering a range of tones from clean and crisp to dirty and overdriven.
If you’re looking for a more classic instrument, you may want to check out the Collings Traditional models. These guitars feature a range of woods, such as Madagascar rosewood and German spruce, as well as unique design elements, such as cutaways and jumbo bodies. The Collings Traditional models are truly one of a kind.
Finally, for players who want a guitar that’s built for a specific purpose, Collings offers a range of specialty instruments. The Collings Baritone and SoCo models are designed for players who need a lower range and a semi-hollow body, respectively. The Waterloo line of guitars, which is made by Collings, offers vintage-inspired designs and a range of unique features, such as ladder bracing.
Collings’ commitment to excellence is felt every moment spent with their instruments. Their unparalleled consistency provides unparalleled peace of mind to any musician playing or purchasing one.