D40 Trad. vs D40 Standard vs GAD40ce

[yettoblaster]

I'm so confused.

For years I thought I preferred Sitka spruce over Englemann or cedar. But I couldn't find an acoustic flat-top I stayed with after growing up on my '61 J-45 (Adirondak spruce top with "bear claw" figures).

Had a perfectly good Larrivee D-05 which I believe was Englemann (but he braces a bit differently I've heard: "double-X?"), that I liked a lot.

When I scored my Tacoma ('06) D40 I thought I was home. It seemed to combine my ol' J-45 and the Larrivee cannon (D-05). And I do prefer it just slightly to my Sitka top D4-NT.

But I can't trust my ears anymore. As I have aged I keep seeking all the highs I figure I'm entitled to, whereas before I definitely preferred a whumpy bass and more fluffy highs.

Now I want a BIG collection with lots of variation. :wink:

'Course, being retired maybe I'll ju$t try different strings...

 

[taabru45]

My 09 D50 has the wide grain similar to the above D40....probably the first one I've had...it steps up mightely when I want it to...huge base that goes right into my chest. I've not had much chance to try different strings yet, might try 'bluegrass' next, right now I've got pb J. pearce lights on. Maybe the red spruce is harder, like maybe a maple top would snap out the sound too......If it opens up over time...wow.......I like the even-ness of the sitca top looks, and it has a lovely balance too, but this one sure does the job...no doubt about that, my luthier friend said my next assignment was to play the heck out of it to help it open up.....well, a guys' gotta do what a guys gotta do, right?.... :lol: Steffan
Here are some comparison pics. one with the D 50, the other one also with an F50 from 77, and the 72 F112.... it would be amazing to hear all 3 of them being played together... :shock: ..ain't they purdy...and the 50 will sound GREAT in NZ too.... :wink: Steffan

 

[yettoblaster]

...Maybe the red spruce is harder, like maybe a maple top would snap out the sound too...

I think I've seen here at GDP that claim. Harder spruce can be cut thinner and still have strength. That + lightness = tone?

My next door neighbor is Jim Patterson, sort of the "father" of guitarmaking here in Santa Cruz (Richard Hoover and Bruce McGuire, et al, all picked his brains when they were starting out).
Right now he has an unspoken for OM pattern finished in his shop I've played, in all maple. It does sound spanky and immediate! I like it because it has the highs. Otherwise it doesn't really have that "drier" maple sound like you'd expect. It's kind of well balanced but with a good midrange snap to it. I'd say it sounds like YOU'D expect, Steffan!!! 8)