I couldn't get all my links to post, so I had to post them separately. The quality of a guitar, or the perception of that quality is completely subjective. Your favorite guitar might not melt my butter, nor my favorite might not be your cup of tea. I'll always acknowledge that. Most folks who acquire a new guitar are pretty pumped about it and have nothing but praise for their new beauty. I'm the same way, but having said that, I'll also say this.
I've never played a guitar with the smoothness of action or the incredible articulation of notes and tone in my entire life. This D1A is amazing and I find myself unable to put it down.
Not to install the LR Baggs Venue system in her. I've never installed a pickup system, so this should be interesting. I'm still trying to figure out just how to maneuver these fat hands and fingers inside this little bitty sound hole to get it done. The only reason I haven't done it yet is that I'm loving the sound of this thing exactly the way Collings set it up. I'm not ready to pull the strings (literally) yet. I've had Collings drill a 1/2" hole to accommodate the Baggs transducer as I wasn't about to punch that hole in this guitar. The Baggs Venue does however have an under saddle pickup as well, and Collings refused to drill that hole (3/32" under the end of the saddle in the corner of the saddle slot), so I'll have to drill that one.
I've run the Tone-rite on her for 3 days, and this time I'd say there is a pretty noticeable improvement. I'm chalking that up to her being a brand new guitar. I've been skeptical about the function and alleged successes of the Tone-rite, but I honestly believe it's helped to open up my new guitar.
West