Dred, don't worry the Adi top is no longer sitting in the case at my house, it is now at Acoustic Music Works. I just had too many dreads. The D1a was a great guitar and just starting to really hit its sweet spot but it couldnt quite make the cut. But I didnt abandon collings altogether, I traded for a 001a sunburst. Damn now I gotta start breaking in a new Adi top. I didnt have any 12 fretters in the collection so for me it made sense. The D1a is a fine guitar and probably one I'll regret trading, I dont let go of too many.

I agree that the technology and know how are superior today, I dont think Gruhn was disputing that. His point was the raw materials are inferior. From the collings I played at acoustic music works that were made out of old brazillian desk tops I would have to agree with him...those were hippie chump stump guitars for sure. Cool to look at while your shrooming but cant compete with old growth straight grained brazilian IMHO (of course).