Hi, Guys. I've recently come into possession of a nice D25nat. I've never had a dreadnaught with an arched back before. What do you all think of that configuration? Are they more prone to feedback? Just curious. I don't want to give anyone an earbleed.
Arched back Guilds
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I had an undersaddle pickup put in my F-50 a little while ago, and although I've only used it a few times outside my house, no noticeable difference in feedback than with any of the others I was playing with.
Brad
Brad
Never had any feedback issues with mine, I have an LR Baggs under the saddle pickup in it. Enjoy the D-25!
killdeer43
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My D25, D15, and D4-12 all have arched backs and the only feedback I ever get is, "Man, that guitar sounds great! Those Guilds sure are beautiful!" :wink:
Joe
Joe
plaidseason
Senior Member
At high volumes, I've found the arched back guitars to be slightly more feedback prone - the more volume you have inside, the more likely you are to run into feedback.
But I've also found that one of these http://elderly.com/accessories/items/FBR2.htm will really help.
-Chris
But I've also found that one of these http://elderly.com/accessories/items/FBR2.htm will really help.
-Chris
Thanks for the "feedback". I'm intrigued by the whole arched back idea. Is Guild the only major guitar maker that built them? I wonder what they were trying to achieve? Even without the bracing it's still a very heavy guitar, true to it's Guild roots. It's a good sounding axe, not as loud as my others, but with a very sweet tone.
adorshki
Reverential Member
I think a lot of us D25 owners will have to have them "pried from our cold dead hands". Granted mine's 10 years younger but I personally believe that playing time in terms of number of hours of use is everything for developing the most from these instruments. I've got about 1300 hours on mine, I keep it strung with lights (.012-.053) as per original specs, and my D40's only just starting to be as loud. I always got compliments on its volume. Interestingly it's also very light in my opinion so maybe I just lucked out with a really good one... I got to choose between 3 on display...
I always thought Guild was the only one to make them this way but the more I hang around here the more new stuff I find out...The back is laminated then pressed to achieve the shape...lots of threads around here to bring you up to date. I'm convinced that Guild did many things for very well thought out and tested reasons in the "Westerly Era" and the arched back was one of them. Also the string gauge specifications.
Play it a lot maybe it just needs a little more "loosening up". Also there's differing schools of thought on what string tension will do for the top. Personally I think the lights work better to let it vibrate more.
Enjoy!
I always thought Guild was the only one to make them this way but the more I hang around here the more new stuff I find out...The back is laminated then pressed to achieve the shape...lots of threads around here to bring you up to date. I'm convinced that Guild did many things for very well thought out and tested reasons in the "Westerly Era" and the arched back was one of them. Also the string gauge specifications.
Play it a lot maybe it just needs a little more "loosening up". Also there's differing schools of thought on what string tension will do for the top. Personally I think the lights work better to let it vibrate more.
Enjoy!
Dr. Spivey
Senior Member
Arch back Guilds have major mojo. My D17 has a K&K PWM in it, and I'd say it's only prone to feedback at extreme volumes. I don't know of any other arch back guitar, but there is a lot I don't know.
taabru45
Enlightened Member
Dr. Spivey said:
Hey Doc, I don't own an arch top....yet....but there is also a lot I don't know, maybe we could get together and write a book about it... :roll: :lol: :lol: Steffan
I think our Guild arched backs have two advantages that other flat-backed laminates don't...
1. Most laminated backs absorb much more sound than solid backed guitars. I think the Guild folks found a good compromise to get laminated backs that don't sound dead. I.e., despite the sound loss from the laminations, the archback shape probably does help reflect more sound back through the soundhole than an equivalent flatback. This is pure conjecture on my part, but seems somewhat reasonable.
2. Bracing is unnecessary with the archback because the shape provides good stability without braces. This means less scattering of the sound due to bracing. This plays into the sound reflection mentioned in #1.
Oh, and here's kind of a neat panorama pic of the inside of my Hoboken archback:
1. Most laminated backs absorb much more sound than solid backed guitars. I think the Guild folks found a good compromise to get laminated backs that don't sound dead. I.e., despite the sound loss from the laminations, the archback shape probably does help reflect more sound back through the soundhole than an equivalent flatback. This is pure conjecture on my part, but seems somewhat reasonable.
2. Bracing is unnecessary with the archback because the shape provides good stability without braces. This means less scattering of the sound due to bracing. This plays into the sound reflection mentioned in #1.
Oh, and here's kind of a neat panorama pic of the inside of my Hoboken archback:
killdeer43
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Great interior shot, Chaz. I'm trying to come up with a good name for your mini-photographer, climbing in through the soundhole, past the low E string....my imagination soars on dark, rainy days here! :lol:
Very nice in there,
Joe
Very nice in there,
Joe
killdeer43
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I've got it.....ANTsel Adams! :wink:
Joe
Joe
Bwahahaha.... I'm going to make a label for my camera and put that on it!killdeer43 said:
Unfortunately, I won't be able to take a picture of it to show you.
killdeer43
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You'll think of something. Just remember, you heard it here! :wink:Chazmo said:Bwahahaha.... I'm going to make a label for my camera and put that on it!killdeer43 said:
Joe
southernGuild
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Great observations and shot Chaz....and Joe...always a pearler from YOU :lol: ! I too imagined the little dude taking that photo! ( like that giant guitar Tabby put up! whoa!!!!) Dont think those Hobokin folks EVER imagined such guitar innerds would ever be seen! around the WORLD ! :shock:
The strangest part of the design is that with all the layers (3) being Mahogany, instead of cheap plywood fillers, then considering the time and effort needed to cut, glue, and form into shape, I can see no cost savings.
Consider the cello or bass fiddle, the arch form is for increased forward projection.
Just my theory.
Dale.
Consider the cello or bass fiddle, the arch form is for increased forward projection.
Just my theory.
Dale.
kitniyatran
Senior Member
Gibson also has built some high end guitars with arched laminated backs.
AS others have said, it works well; l play my D25 in front of a mic every Sunday in church, & have played it miked at an open mike, & again, as previously noted, the only feedback was "That Guild sure sounds good!"
GardMan
Enlightened Member
Hans recently cleared up the mis-conception that many of us had that the arched backs were laminated from all tonewood plys... see his comment in this thread... apparently the center ply could be another softer wood such a s poplar or "soft" maple. Doesn't change the way mine sounds, tho'!J45dale said:
Dave