D25 vs G37

[philr]

Wondering if anyone has had the opportunity to compare a Westerly D25 to a G37?

I realize that one is maple and the other mahogany, but they both are dreadnoughts with laminated arched backs. I guess what I'm trying to determine is whether the differences between the two are only cosmetic.

I know a few people here must have played both or even own one of each. Do the two models have a fundamental difference in tone? I'm guessing that the arched back is a stronger defining factor than the type of laminate used for each, but I'd be interested in hearing what people think.

 

[GardMan]

I have a D-25M and G-37, both made in '74. Structurally, they are very similar, with the exception of the B/S woods and a slight difference in the bracing of the neck block (see here).

However, the difference is more than just cosmetics... they sound very different. The G-37 is smoother, more balanced, and has great note clarity, but (mine) isn't as loud and doesn't project like the 25. I use it mostly for fingerpicking accompaniment to ballads and the like. On the other hand, my 25 is a real "boomer"... great volume and projection, with a bias towards the bass end. I play Jon Pearse 80/20 lights on it, which give a it little more sparkle. Mine lives in DADGAD... sounds great for fingerpicking and when capoed up a few, rings like a 12-string when strummed.

 

[philr]

I have a D-25M and G-37, both made in '74. Structurally, they are very similar, with the exception of the B/S woods and a slight difference in the bracing of the neck block (see here).

However, the difference is more than just cosmetics... they sound very different. The G-37 is smoother, more balanced, and has great note clarity, but (mine) isn't as loud and doesn't project like the 25. I use it mostly for fingerpicking accompaniment to ballads and the like. On the other hand, my 25 is a real "boomer"... great volume and projection, with a bias towards the bass end. I play Jon Pearse 80/20 lights on it, which give a it little more sparkle. Mine lives in DADGAD... sounds great for fingerpicking and when capoed up a few, rings like a 12-string when strummed.

Thanks GardMan. I take it the D25M has a mahogany top and yet it still is louder and projects more than the G37. I never would have expected that. The thread about the neckblock area is excellent. I doubt that I would have found it by searching on my own.

 

[GardMan]

I take it the D25M has a mahogany top and yet it still is louder and projects more than the G37. I never would have expected that. The thread about the neckblock area is excellent. I doubt that I would have found it by searching on my own.

No, my '74 D-25M has a spruce top stained to look like mahogany.

The D-25 came in three variants during the early '70s: (1) the original D-25 was all mahogany with a solid flat back, lasting until ~'73; (2) From ~'74 on, the D-25 had a stained spruce top and arched (laminated) mahogany back... the most common stains were "mahogany (M) and "cherry (CH or C);" and (3) during the flat- to arched-back transition there were a lesser number of D-25s with mahogany tops and arched backs... all I have seen (on eBay) were from '73-'74. These all mahogany arched back D-25s do show up on eBay and in shops occasionally, but less frequently than the flat-backed or spruce topped arched back versions. Each "model" has its proponents... they tend to sell at about the same price point on eBay ($500-750 for one in VG condition).

Added: I have never compared the different D-25 models... but wouldn't be surprised if the differences in construction were mirrored in their tonal qualities. A few folks here have owned two of the three versions, and might pipe in with comparisons...

Dave

 

[dapmdave]

I currently have a D25M, and have owned a D-30, which is basically the same thing as a D-37. Gardman is right on the mark. These guitars are VERY different beasts. The D-25 is kind of loud and agressive in tone. The D-30 (or 37) is very smooth with a glassy and balanced tone. They can project well when pushed.

Dave

 

[philr]

I'm really glad I asked this question. I had a G37 for a short while, but I sold it because it really wasn't as loud as I'd hoped it would be. I'm thinking a D25 might be a better choice for me.

What's the story with the D4 and D5 models? Are they just a D25 by another name?

 

[TonyT]

I have a D-25M and G-37, both made in '74. Structurally, they are very similar, with the exception of the B/S woods and a slight difference in the bracing of the neck block (see here).

However, the difference is more than just cosmetics... they sound very different. The G-37 is smoother, more balanced, and has great note clarity, but (mine) isn't as loud and doesn't project like the 25. I use it mostly for fingerpicking accompaniment to ballads and the like. On the other hand, my 25 is a real "boomer"... great volume and projection, with a bias towards the bass end. I play Jon Pearse 80/20 lights on it, which give a it little more sparkle. Mine lives in DADGAD... sounds great for fingerpicking and when capoed up a few, rings like a 12-string when strummed.

I have both also, and Gard is spot on with everything he said.

 

[kitniyatran]

I'm really glad I asked this question. I had a G37 for a short while, but I sold it because it really wasn't as loud as I'd hoped it would be. I'm thinking a D25 might be a better choice for me.

What's the story with the D4 and D5 models? Are they just a D25 by another name?

I think the diff is mostly a lack of such bling as a D25 has. In other words, the D4& 5 are poor men's D25's. :lol:

 

[adorshki]

I'm really glad I asked this question. I had a G37 for a short while, but I sold it because it really wasn't as loud as I'd hoped it would be. I'm thinking a D25 might be a better choice for me.

What's the story with the D4 and D5 models? Are they just a D25 by another name?

I think the diff is mostly a lack of such bling as a D25 has. In other words, the D4& 5 are poor men's D25's. :lol:

A D4 IS a "poor man's '25". Never heard of a "D5" but I think what's being asked about is actually a "DCE-5" which were cutaway electric dreads with LAMINATED ROSEWOOD back and sides, while '25's and '4's are solid mahogany sides. ALL the arched backs are laminated regardless of what the outside wood layers are. In any case I'd say the DCE5 is the rosewood member of the family, but not shy on "bling", it's got a Chesterfield headstock for one thing.

 

[philr]

I had never heard of a D5 before either until I saw this D5E on eBay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT

It's pretty cool looking. Of course it could be listed wrong.

 

[adorshki]

I had never heard of a D5 before either until I saw this D5E on eBay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT
It's pretty cool looking.

With good reason, that's actually a D25. 'Hog back and sides, no chesterfield, AD04xx s/n just like mine.. 8) And I could be wrong on this detail but I don't think they offered black (on acoustics) on anything other than D25s at that time.
Gotta watch these on-line guys like a hawk!

 

[philr]

With good reason, that's actually a D25. 'Hog back and sides, no chesterfield, AD04xx s/n just like mine.. 8) And I could be wrong on this detail but I don't think they offered black on anything other than D25s at that time.
Gotta watch these on-line guys like a hawk!

Makes sense. The ad says the nut is 1.75. Is that possible?

 

[adorshki]

With good reason, that's actually a D25. 'Hog back and sides, no chesterfield, AD04xx s/n just like mine.. 8) And I could be wrong on this detail but I don't think they offered black on anything other than D25s at that time.
Gotta watch these on-line guys like a hawk!

Makes sense. The ad says the nut is 1.75. Is that possible?

I've never seen anything other than 1-11/16 nut shown for D25. As far as I can tell that was by far the most common nut width on Guilds. 1.75" nut is VERY uncommon in the pre-GAD Guild world, even 12'ers actually had a WIDER nut. More common but still relatively rare is 1-5/8 nut found on just a few models, a couple of electrics and acoustic/electrics.
Note also I corrected the model number I think is being misidentified, it should be "DCE-5". Note that prefix would imply the guitar was only built as a cutaway model. S/n's for DCE5's should start with "FC" According to Guild's website. However it should be noted even those records are not 100% accurate.

 

[GardMan]

The D6 was also a spruce-topped arched mahogany back dread. If you are interested in an all-mahogany dread with arched laminated back, you should also consider the D15/16/17 series. The three differed in finish (satin or gloss) and trim level (binding, etc)... the 17 is a nice looking guitar with mahogany top and ivoroid binding.

 

[kitniyatran]

Yeah, I think in my reply I was thinking D6 when reading & typing D5.

 

[philr]

Here's a D6 that's on eBay right now. It appears to have a flat back rather than an arched one. Is a D6 an all solid wood model?

http://cgi.ebay.com/GUILD-USA-D6-S-West ... 43a060a6c3

 

[Jeff]

I've not committed various model specs to memory, however based on the bracing in the back I'd say it's solid. The Guilds I own with laminated backs have no bracing in the back.

I prefer my G37 to the D25. It's louder, has a live feel & sound that's superior. The D25 is a sweet guitar but my G37 has all that more. Responds well when hit hard, sings out & sustains when played softly, particularly into a mic. Likely as much personal preference on my part, but I fell in lust with the very 1st G37 I played & went on a quest till I found a good one for sale.

My G37 is heavy, I'm sure the most hefty of the lot. Pound for pound a good value.

 

[MojoTooth]

I have played several d25's and one g37. I prefer the d25 as it just seems more balanced to me, the g37 seemed very trebly with a lot of highs. I am guessing this was just a difference in the woods. the d25 just seems a lot more warm and balanced and more smooth sounding to me and I am a relative beginner guitarist. granted, I can only go off what I heard, since both guitars played nicely and were examples of Guild quality.

 

[adorshki]

Yeah, I think in my reply I was thinking D6 when reading & typing D5.

A-HA! WELL I can see I'm in good company! :lol:

 

[adorshki]

I prefer my G37 to the D25. It's louder, has a live feel & sound that's superior. The D25 is a sweet guitar but my G37 has all that more. Responds well when hit hard, sings out & sustains when played softly, particularly into a mic. Likely as much personal preference on my part, but I fell in lust with the very 1st G37 I played & went on a quest till I found a good one for sale. My G37 is heavy, I'm sure the most hefty of the lot. Pound for pound a good value.

Have a friend who's owned his '74 G37 since new. Much like Marcellis he values it for recording. Marcellis believes maple records the truest.