[Ten]

I'm shopping to upgrade my acoustic and had the pleasure of testing a used Collings CW (Rosewood) that was spectacular. Exactly the type sound I'm looking for with a strong low end, but clear and strong throughout the mids and highs with more balance than a Martin. The projection and ability to go from soft to loud was really something special.

Unfortunately, it was well out of my price range. I was looking at the Larrivee D-40R as a low cost alternative whose description seems to be on point with what I was getting out of the Collings vs. a Martin type tone with more low end, but losing some of the balance and clarity throughout the mids into the highs. I don't have the ability to test the Larrivee out and would have to purchase blind.

Has anyone played both and can provide any details on the sound of one vs. the other. Am I hoping for way more than I'm going to get out of the Larrivee?