D-25 vs. D-35

[MCharles]

Hi folks,

I wanted to have some people's feedback on the sound of a D-25 vs. D-35 (Guild, not Martin). I'm very familiar with the sound of the D-25, having owned a '74 for about 5 years...typical cherry, arch-back, hog-top model. Mine was very vibrant and balanced. VERY close to the sound of a great '88 Martin D-18 that I had for a while. Balanced sound and warm but not bass-heavy at all.

Not much experience playing 2-piece back hog Guilds like the D-35, but I am thinking of getting one. How does the D-35 sound in general vs. the D-25?

Thanks a lot,
Mike

 

[GardMan]

Mike,
I have a '72 D-35 and a '74 D-25 (arched back, spruce top), and also had a '78 D-35 for many years. Comparing the '72 D-35 and '74 D-25, the D-25 has more bass, more volume and projection, and more sustain than the 35. Although the D-25 does have a nice sparkle to the trebles, they sometimes take a back seat to the bass.

The '72 D-35, on the otherhand, is stronger in the mid-high range... it's bass is a bit understated when strummed, tho' nice when fingerpicked. Mine doesn't have the volume/projection or sustain of the 25... granted it's saddle is pretty low (not that much lower then on my 25, tho').

The '78 D-35 that I sold (it had a neck profile/taper that I never cared for) was louder and more "in-your-face" than my '72... more on par in volume/projection with the D-25. The '78, however, was very mid-rangey, bass was more understated, and trebles didn't have the same sparkle as my '72. It was also noticeably heavier than my '72. Guilds are pretty commonly know for being "built like tanks" (most of my current stable weight in at 5.5-6 lbs) and the '78 was no exception. In contrast, my '72 D-35 is only 4.25 lbs.

I don't kow if the D-25s (arched back spruce topped models) show as much variability thru the years... most folks tend to describe them in very similar terms. But the two D-35s I have experienced were VERY different beasts, and both very different from my D-25. If you are looking for a specific sound/feel in ONE guitar, I think you'll need to try them out. I have adopted a somewhat different approach in the last few years... based on wanting to hear what the different models/woods each soundlike, I have bought w/o any auditions, and then found the music/songs that fit the guitars personality. Although I gravitate to some of my Guilds more than others, there are none in my current stable that I would gladly part with...

Not sure I was much help... if you were in the area, I'd invite you over to play/listen to them all.
Dave

 

[frettedstrings]

Check these LTG User Reviews out:


Guild D-25

http://letstalkguild.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=22759


Guild D-35

http://letstalkguild.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=22765

 

[killdeer43]

I have owned two D25s and three D35s and, all things being equal, if I had to choose, I would opt for a Westerly, arched-back D25 with a spruce top, M or NT.

Joe

 

[adorshki]

Not sure I was much help... if you were in the area, I'd invite you over to play/listen to them all.
Dave

Where do you live? I'm thinkin' of movin out there... :lol:

 

[adorshki]

How does the D-35 sound in general vs. the D-25?
Thanks a lot,
Mike

This seems to be coming up a bit more often lately and I think the real answer lies in "flatback vs archback" characteristics, since your'e asking about generalities.
The most common observation I've seen about the differences are that flatbacks yield better individual note definition/separation. I think this is because the sustain and overtone volume which result from an arched back can actually get almost downright muddy. Great for full rich strumming sound but maybe overwhelming on precise fingerpicked stuff.

 

[taabru45]

I had a 35 once that sounded almost equal to my F50R....My jaw dropped every time I picked it up and played it......had to sell it during hard times......always wish I'd found a way to keep it....very plain looking and played/sounded like a dream....Steffam

 

[frettedstrings]

I have to say that my '75 D35 produces a sound that lends itself to "individual note definition/separation", very well. My '75 D35 also have very balanced highs and lows as well. Maybe, these characteristics are evident on some D35's and not on others, but I am very happy with the sound of my D35. I would, someday, like to play a D25 and see if these two models sound different or not.

 

[adorshki]

I have to say that my '75 D35 produces a sound that lends itself to "individual note definition/separation", very well. My '75 D35 also have very balanced highs and lows as well. Maybe, these characteristics are evident on some D35's and not on others, but I am very happy with the sound of my D35. I would, someday, like to play a D25 and see if these two models sound different or not.

I don't think anyone would here think any less of you if you bought one to try out. :lol:

 

[frettedstrings]

I don't think anyone here would think any less of you if you bought one to try out.

You know, someday I'll find a D25, and that is probably how it will turn out ! I haven't bought a Guitar since last year !

 

[GF60MP]

Dave (Gardman)

I just spent the last 20 mins looking at and drooling over your Guilds. What a nice collection you have.

Now back to our regularly scheduled topic...

 

[plaidseason]

There is a lot to love about an arched back mahogany guitar (D25, D4, DCE1). I owned a DCE1 for many years and I loved the fullness of it. It had amazing projection. And it was strangely suited for recording. The notes rang out, but there weren't so many overtones that it ever seemed muddy.

I now own a Westerly DV4 and it's a somewhat different animal. It's more subtle and it's definitely less boomy in the bass. But if I had to pick, I think I would go with the DV4. It has a subtlety that I really like. The notes seem clearer, and mellower. And while the projection may not be as good as the DCE1, but the sustain is still there and still has a certain boom on an open G chord.