1996 DV6 vs 2010 F-30. Help me choose please!!!

JadosStradlin

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Hello,

Long time reader, first time poster.

I'm looking to buy my first ever Guild acoustic electric & am having trouble deciding between a 1996 DV6 & a 2010 F-30.

I have played neither yet but am heading out next week to do so. Both have a few cosmetic dings on them but nothing outrageous. The DV6 is listed at half the price of the F-30.

The DV6 will also be an 8 hour round trip drive to even try it out but I don't want that to sway me.

I'm completely torn at this point. Please help me out Guilders!!!
 

gjmalcyon

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Hi! Welcome aboard. Stick around - nice bunch of folks around here.

The only way to answer your question is to play 'em both. Those are two very different instruments from two different eras in Guild's run.
 

midnightright

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I have owned close to a dozen Guilds. Most from the 90’s. I had two Guild DV-6 NT HG’s (one with an ‘E,’ for electronics). They are in the top three or four of those I’ve owned in terms of sound and playability — & were in some of the worst cosmetic condition, due to being played hard. One, the ‘98, was about 10 years old when I got it. The other, a ‘97, was about 15. I don’t know what you’re looking for - a one guitar to do it all - or what have you. Nor what your experience is, but perhaps it would be sort of like deciding in between a 000-18 & a D-18(V)? Though I’m much less familiar with the Martin brand. I don’t know anything about the 2010 example. I have played some F-30’s from R.I. If I could only get one now, that’s what it would be. But! It’d have to be under heavy scrutiny of what my particular tastes would be—which immediately eliminates certain areas. You can play anything on anything, so it kind of just comes down to what you want it to do. And a head to head comparison, even if not side by side (but within a reasonably short enough time span for you to remember), would be good. Good luck!
 

jedzep

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Much of your decision will be volume focused. Bigger is generally louder. Some say you need big AND small in your stash. I'm that way, but I like the intimacy of playing 'small' and don't really have a big strum mode.

I've found the Guild dreads lack a tone complexity compared to Martin and Gibson, but I've always been happy with my F30s, of which I owned 3. I only flat pick, never windmill.
 

HeyMikey

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What type of music do you play?
- Louder, bluegrass, country music might prefer the DV. Fingerstyle, quiet, balanced might prefer the F30
What is your preferred nut width?
- the 2010 Std F30 is 1-3/4, the traditional/valencia F30's are 1-11/16, DV is likely 1-11/16
Will you be sitting or standing?
- F30 size will be much more comfortable sitting than the DV
Will you be playing out?
- If so, will you be solo/duo or in a band?
- - Solo F-30. Band DV. But if electrified properly either should be Ok
 

Rayk

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Dread vrs orchestra ? The F30 from NH is a great sounding guitar but there's a bit of tone difference between the two so .... Me I love orchestras because I mostly finger pick the F30's I played were really nice and balanced and chimy .

One was off the hook good but unfortunately had issue so I sent it back .
 

midnightright

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If I had to buy one of those two sight unseen, it’d be the DV6, hands down. That’s not taking into account everything I know & said before. I actually much like the specs, aesthetics & reviews I’ve read from others on here (on the F30). The ads seem to represent everything I’d want in one.
 

dreadnut

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Both archback 'hogs? Tough decision. You might have to buy 'em both and re-sell the one you don't bond with.
 

Rayk

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I already threw out the Contemporary series to JadosStradlin in a email . Maybe he can get a more comfortable deal . I know many of don't like them in but you know me . Lol
 

JadosStradlin

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Wow. Thanks everyone. That was a really rapid response. All really informative. The other thing I'll say is that I live in Australia & made in USA Guild's are very hard to come by so you just have to grab them when you see them. Unfortunely we get the Chinese models. I'm actually seriously considering buying them both. They're both bargains in my eyes price wise.

The DV6 actually comes with a LR Baggs anthem pick up system too. Is that considered a stock item?
 

JadosStradlin

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What type of music do you play?
- Louder, bluegrass, country music might prefer the DV. Fingerstyle, quiet, balanced might prefer the F30
What is your preferred nut width?
- the 2010 Std F30 is 1-3/4, the traditional/valencia F30's are 1-11/16, DV is likely 1-11/16
Will you be sitting or standing?
- F30 size will be much more comfortable sitting than the DV
Will you be playing out?
- If so, will you be solo/duo or in a band?
- - Solo F-30. Band DV. But if electrified properly either should be Ok

I'm more of a rhythm player in the band I'm in now. I play Izzy in a GN'R tribute band. But we want to try & get an All acoustic set going to mix it up sometimes
 

walrus

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Only you can decide after you play them. Two pretty different guitars. Both well made and will sound great, the size is really a big difference.

...and, welcome!

walrus
 

amnicon

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Now, you didn't say anything about finishes, but to me it's obvious that you should buy which ever one has a sunburst finish!!
 

Antney

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I'm more of a rhythm player in the band I'm in now. I play Izzy in a GN'R tribute band. But we want to try & get an All acoustic set going to mix it up sometimes

GNR tribute band?? Forget the Guild, an Esteban will work fine.
09636362-60E0-497B-8998-EE4A571B2CA6.jpeg
 

midnightright

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Izzy? DV-6; Slahs? F-30! That was easy-/why didn’t you just say so, form the start..;) j/k! I believe the electronics would’ve been an under saddle Fishman originally- if memory serves, which it doesn’t always. . :)the volume and tone knobs on mine were mounted on the side up near the upper bout mid way between the neck and the curve (bass side). But I believe the one that’s in there is a substantial upgrade. Though that’s based on the feedback of others...
 
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