I have a 2001 D-2H. It is the heaviest dreadnought I've ever owned.
How does Bill make them that heavy? Braces,top/sides thickness?

Adam c

Adam,

Part of it is how he braces the neck. Not only does he put an adjustable truss rod in, but he also inserts two 't' shaped beams in the neck to help prevent twisting.

Also, some small things. As a former backpacker, I've come to appreciate how the small things can add up to great weight. The saddle and nut are high density bone, as opposed to synthetic materials of many. The neck profile of a stock Collings is beefier than most. The stock bridge pins are unslotted ebony, which again is heavier than standard materials. Those are a few of the reasons...

Brett

Collings guitars seem on the heavy side overall. My OM3C is heavy for it's size. But What tone! The steel in the neck could be one thing, but it must be in the weight of the sides and back. I don't really know.

I have a 93 D2H that is noticeably lighter than my 96 D1A. I may be wrong about this, and would need to put the guitars on the scale, but the newer Collings guitars seem heavier.

they do seem to be getting heavier. at least since 94.

other contributors...them lag-bolt/studs, washers and nuts.

but ...loud?!

There is no question, they are heavier than most high end makers. I beleive the thickness ot the woods makes a big difference as well. If you look at the top by the soundhole, it does seem to visually look thicker than, say that of a Martin GE 28 or 18. I have a D2HA and agree they are indeed 'heavy' compared the others

My 2001 D2H is also heavy. My guess is some of the rosewood they used that year was a bit denser than some other years. I've played some newer Collings that are a bit lighter, although none are featherweight.