Collings DS2HA Brazilian (USED, 1996)

It's hard to believe it, but this Collings DS2HA is 30 years old. Built before Collings moved to their new facility, it's got more in common with one of their "Traditional" models than it does anything else (thin finish, light construction, 1930's Martin DNA). This is a big, bold, great-sounding guitar, with a wide open voice and amazing depth of tone. It's a 12-fret dreadnought, so you can depend on it for room-filling power and volume; but it's one of those rare guitars that delivers when you dig in and blossoms when you play it delicately. Many seasoned Collings aficionados know the sweet spot these mid-to-late 1990's Brazilian Rosewood guitars inhabit--and this one would make a perfect addition to the collection of such a player. While the guitar remains in very good overall condition, it shows the age and effects of 30 years of regular usage. Sunlight has faded the look of the rosewood a bit; and there's an area on the bass side that's been muddled by humidity. Small areas of the soundboard finish are showing the finish sinking into the wood grain; and there's a very small lacquer check on the back (bass side at the waist). Our shop has inspected the entire instrument and freshened the setup. The neck angle remains prominent, even after 30 years, and the guitar plays easily. Priced with its original TKL case.