D25 vs D4

[Sats]

Perhaps this is a rudimentary question, but what is the difference between a D25 and a D4? I'm aware that there are different configurations of the D25, and its much longer history, but a D4 is an arched and hog-backed, spruce-top dread - so what's the difference between, say an early-nineties (Westerly) version of each? Thanks! John

 

[killdeer43]

John,

Be patient. Resident historians will be here shortly. You can count on the collective knowledge here to answer any and all Guild-related questions....and how cool is that? :wink:

Cheers,
Joe

 

[taabru45]

D21 :wink: :lol: :lol: Steffan...sorry, couldn't resist..! D4s have a satin finish...

 

[hansmoust]

Perhaps this is a rudimentary question, but what is the difference between a D25 and a D4? I'm aware that there are different configurations of the D25, and its much longer history, but a D4 is an arched and hog-backed, spruce-top dread - so what's the difference between, say an early-nineties (Westerly) version of each? Thanks! John

Hello John,

A D-25 and a D-4 from the early '90s are basically the same guitar. They started out with exactly the same materials but they did get a different treatment, with regard to trimmings and finish, in the ending phase. So I guess you could call the D-4 a 'dressed down' version of the D-25. The introduction of the D-4 enabled Guild to offer a U.S. made guitar at a price point that was more or less reserved for imports. When introduced the D-4 retailed for $ 645.00 while at that time the 'fancier' D-25 retailed for $ 995.00.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[Rich]

My D4 sounds very similar to my singer's D25.

 

[EddieZ]

Hi,
I had a 90's D4 in pristine condition then found an 80's D25 with lots of mojo, read dings. I put the same strings on both, EXP 17's PBs, the D25 sounded cleaner and brighter. I know each guitar is different and has a different voice but the D4 is now gone to a new home and the D25 is a keeper. FWIW, I've had several individuals try to talk me out of that Black D25, dings and all...

http://www.letstalkguild.com/phpBB2/vie ... 36#p160736

Regards,
EddieZ
Austin, Tx

 

[plaidseason]

And to make things even more interesting, Guild also offered a Gloss finish version of the D4.

-Chris

 

[bluesypicky]

And to make things even more interesting, Guild also offered a Gloss finish version of the D4.
-Chris

....which then narrows the difference down to the price?..... :shock:

 

[Taylor Martin Guild]

The biggest difference in them is about 20 years of aging time.

 

[Qvart]

Perhaps this is a rudimentary question, but what is the difference between a D25 and a D4? I'm aware that there are different configurations of the D25, and its much longer history, but a D4 is an arched and hog-backed, spruce-top dread - so what's the difference between, say an early-nineties (Westerly) version of each? Thanks! John

Listen to your friendly neighborhood Hans.

Also, I'm pretty sure there's a thread around here somewhere in which workedinwesterly said they're the same. Ah, here it is.

 

[plaidseason]

And to make things even more interesting, Guild also offered a Gloss finish version of the D4.
-Chris

....which then narrows the difference down to the price?..... :shock:

I've never been sure. Most of the D4 gloss models I've seen had the regular headstock, i.e. no overlay, silkscreened logo, but I've seen at least one with a black overlay. And I'm pretty sure I've seen at least one with a chesterfield headstock.

-Chris

 

[adorshki]

And to make things even more interesting, Guild also offered a Gloss finish version of the D4.
-Chris

....which then narrows the difference down to the price?..... :shock:

I've never been sure. Most of the D4 gloss models I've seen had the regular headstock, i.e. no overlay, silkscreened logo, but I've seen at least one with a black overlay. And I'm pretty sure I've seen at least one with a chesterfield headstock.
-Chris

Hi Johnny and welcome aboard!: I got to choose my D25 when comparing to another D25 and a DCE1(basically a D4 cutaway electric). Yes, the D25 guaranteed has a black overlay with pearloid Guild logo, the DCE1 was silkscreened with no overlay, and it was an HR (hand rubbed ) finish. At that time in '96-97 the catalog didn't mention a gloss finish. The only reason I went with the '25 was it just felt the best, even though I really wanted the "CE", but I think that was just normal variation, no two are ever the same.
Chris, are you sure the one you saw with a Chesterfield wasn't actually a DV4?, that was one of the distinguishing features of the "DV's", or at least DV6's, they also had flat backs. Covered recently in another thread: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=17563&start=15 (yeah I know you're on that one but it might be a handy link for others) Interestingly, the picures of the DV4 and the D4 on the Westerly Guild Guitars website are the same, I'm pretty sure the D4 picture is the correct one, but the DV6 shows the Chesterfield logo.
Interestingly also that '96 catalog refers to the D4 "True American" which was a script on the headstock logo, which I also have on my '25.
Johnny, The more you browse around the more you'll see Westerly as a hotbed of running production variations... :lol:

 

[Guildmark]

Welcome, Newbie.

Post well. Post often.

 

[plaidseason]

....which then narrows the difference down to the price?..... :shock:[/quote]
I've never been sure. Most of the D4 gloss models I've seen had the regular headstock, i.e. no overlay, silkscreened logo, but I've seen at least one with a black overlay. And I'm pretty sure I've seen at least one with a chesterfield headstock.
-Chris[/quote]
Hi Johnny and welcome aboard!: I got to choose my D25 when comparing to another D25 and a DCE1(basically a D4 cutaway electric). Yes, the D25 guaranteed has a black overlay with pearloid Guild logo, the DCE1 was silkscreened with no overlay, and it was an HR (hand rubbed ) finish. At that time in '96-97 the catalog didn't mention a gloss finish. The only reason I went with the '25 was it just felt the best, even though I really wanted the "CE", but I think that was just normal variation, no two are ever the same.
Chris, are you sure the one you saw with a Chesterfield wasn't actually a DV4?, that was one of the distinguishing features of the "DV's", or at least DV6's, they also had flat backs. Covered recently in another thread: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=17563&start=15 (yeah I know you're on that one but it might be a handy link for others) Interestingly, the picures of the DV4 and the D4 on the Westerly Guild Guitars website are the same, I'm pretty sure the D4 picture is the correct one, but the DV6 shows the Chesterfield logo.
Interestingly also that '96 catalog refers to the D4 "True American" which was a script on the headstock logo, which I also have on my '25.
Johnny, The more you browse around the more you'll see Westerly as a hotbed of running production variations... :lol:[/quote]

Actually all the DV4s I've, including mine have all had the regular plain headstock with silkscreened "Guild" logo. Of course as you know, that doesn't mean they're all like that!

-Chris