1987 Collings D2H Acoustic Guitar Used

Gryphon has been carrying the Collings D2H model since 1987, and over the years we have seen it earn a place as a modern classic and one of the most sought after American-made rosewood dreadnoughts. This particular D2H, number 260, is where our relationship with Collings began. It was the first guitar we got from Bill and one of the first he sold through a retail guitar shop. Over the decades this guitar has supplied driving rhythm in a number of Bay Area bluegrass bands and while it is free of cracks, it does have a number of scuffs and scratches that attest to its life as a working guitar. The finish on the top is lightly crazed, but the finish on the back and sides is in very good condition. (It appears that the previous owners eschewed large belt buckles.) The back of the neck has a fair number of capo dents. We refretted this guitar a while ago, and there’s very little wear showing now.

Note the early paper label that reads “Bill Collings” across the top curve and “Luthier” along the bottom. At this point, as Bill’s guitarmaking career was just beginning its steep upswing, his shop was small with very few helpers. Bruce Van Wart was there, chances are good he and Bill did a majority of the work on this Dreadnought. Differences between this example and later D2H models are that not nearly as much of its construction was done with the of a CNC machine (which was used later to make parts) and that the finish is straight nitrocellulose lacquer. Sonically, this guitar has a deep, mellow voice with the clarity and projection that Collings is famous for. Includes its original case which is worn but solid.