D-15M Questions

[naolslager]

I recently purchased a 1984 D-15M. I'd been looking for a Martin (hiss) D-15 and could never settle in on the right deal. The Guild fell out of the sky on me as I was previously unaware of this model. (Very similar to the Martin?) Anyway I was looking for a mahogany dreadnought born in the USA and the Guild certainly fits this description.

The neck seems narrow. (I haven't measured it.) Is this common to Guilds?
Much debate over the "all-solid" body question. What's the verdict?
What's the difference between the D-15M and the D-25M? (I am a Guild newbie.)
Anyone have anything interesting or noteworthy to say about the D-15M; good or bad? You will not hurt my feelings.

Brand new Guild owner and forum member and first-time poster.
My handle is naolslager but you can call me David or DJ.
Thanks for considering these questions which i am sure have been asked and answered before.

 

[GardMan]

David,
Welcome to LTG!
Your D-15M will have a solid mahogany top and laminated, arched mahogany back. I believe the sides are also solid... but wouldn't bet my life on it. A D-25 would have similar construction, but with a solid spruce top. There also may be finish/binding differences... the 25 is bound top and back, high gloss finish. 15 may just have top binding... don't know if was matte/hand-rubbed/satin finish, or gloss.

As for necks... it is my understanding that necks at Guild'w Westerly plant (where your D-15 was made) were largely shaped by hand... with little in the way of a template. I have 7 Guild dreads, and the necks very quite a lot... from slim and fast to chunky. Similar enought that it is easy for me to go back and forth, but different enough I could tell them all apart blind folded (I think).
Dave

 

[DennisMiller]

I wonder how close in tone the D-25 is to the Martin D-15? Overlooking age differences... Is the Guild D-25 as warm and mellow as the Martin?

 

[Bikerdoc]

First of Dave; welcome to LTG. You're really going to enjoy this place. The "members music" section is totally awesome. And for a guy like me (Red would say, "dumbass"), the technical section has been an invaluable lesson plan. So enjoy your stay here man.

I have (2) Guild 15's and while there is a noticeable difference in the tone of each, I like them both. No. I love them both. The one I bought from Killdeer is my "go to" guitar on every unplugged occasion. I prefer it to every guitar I own. It is so rich and mellow. I have been truly amazed by it's projection, playability, and the way it gets attention from my guitar playing friends. (So many "will you sell that guitar?") I simply love hog. I've played a few Martin DM15's and IMHO they don't sound as good as my Guild.

I don't know what I could compare the D25 to. While the Martin D15 can't compare to my Guild 15, I would say (suggest mind you) the Guild D25 is not as warm and mellow as a Martin D15. My D25 is bright, crisp, and loud; a tone so much different from the 15. But that's not a fair comparison really.

Peace

 

[naolslager]

Update:I am home for the Holidays and playing the Guild as much as possible. I tuned it down a 1/2 step for the heck of it but boy what a sound! Still getting used to the skinny neck though.

 

[killdeer43]

The one I bought from Killdeer is my "go to" guitar on every unplugged occasion. I prefer it to every guitar I own. It is so rich and mellow. I have been truly amazed by it's projection, playability, and the way it gets attention from my guitar playing friends. (So many "will you sell that guitar?") I simply love hog. I've played a few Martin DM15's and IMHO they don't sound as good as my Guild.
Peace

Good morning, Doc.
I have to veer slightly to tell you how good it makes me feel to read how much you enjoy that guitar.

Keep it ringing, my friend,
Joe

 

[AlohaJoe]

If you decide you don't like the skinny neck let me know.