Collings D42-AV - USA 2004

Collings has earned a reputation for building some of the finest acoustic guitars in the world, with a level of precision and consistency that has made the Texas builder a benchmark for modern luthiery. Built in 2004 during Bill Collings' era, this D42-AV represents one of the company's most desirable dreadnoughts, combining traditional pre-war inspiration with the responsiveness of its highly regarded Antiqued Varnish finish.

Built around a master-grade Adirondack spruce top and premium rosewood back and sides, the D42-AV delivers the power and headroom expected from a world-class dreadnought while maintaining remarkable balance and clarity. The ultra-thin varnish finish allows the guitar to respond with exceptional immediacy, producing a lively, open voice with deep bass, rich overtones, and outstanding note separation. Whether played with a flatpick or fingerstyle, the instrument remains articulate across the entire dynamic range. Early varnish Collings guitars have become particularly sought after, as the finish was considerably more labour intensive to produce and is no longer offered as a standard production option.

Visually, the D42-AV is every bit as impressive as it is tonally. Style 42 abalone appointments, 45-style snowflake fingerboard inlays, grained ivoroid binding, and the elegant pearl torch headstock inlay combine to create one of the most striking guitars in the Collings range, while premium appointments including Waverly tuners, an ebony fingerboard and bridge, and a bone nut and saddle complete the package.

Beautifully built, exceptionally responsive, and increasingly difficult to find, the D42-AV remains one of the finest modern dreadnoughts Collings has ever produced and a fitting example of Bill Collings' uncompromising approach to guitar building.

Specifications:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.25mm
Action at 12th Fret: 2.75mm
Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 22.15mm
Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 27.00mm
Nut Width: 44.45mm / 1.75"
Width at 12th Fret: 57.00mm
Weight: 2.375kg
Year: 2004
Serial Number: 10428
Model: Collings D42-AV
Body Shape: 14-Fret Dreadnought
Top: Master Grade Adirondack Spruce
Back & Sides: Premium Rosewood
Neck: Honduran Mahogany
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge: Ebony
Bracing: Pre-War Scalloped Adirondack X-Bracing
Scale Length: 25.5"
Nut: Bone
Saddle: Bone
Saddle Spacing: 58.7mm / 2 5/16"
Finish: Antiqued Varnish
Tuners: Waverly
Top Purfling: Style 42 Abalone
Fingerboard Inlays: 45 Style Snowflakes
Headstock Inlay: Pearl Torch
Bindings: Grained Ivoroid
Bridge Pins: Ivoroid with Abalone Dots
Case: Original Hardshell Case
Crafted In: Austin, Texas, USA