Guild DV52 compared to D50 Bluegrass

[Moose Dog]

Well, I did a search of the archives, but I am not sure a got a clear picture on this one. As you know, I am looking for a Bluegrass special...but the DV52 has some followers and I am wondering if there is much difference between these two in terms of bass response, neck profile and note clarity. Any input?

Thanks, Mike

 

[6L6]

Since the D-50BS has an Adirondack Spruce top (vs the DV-52's Sitka top), I would expect more of a cutting edge tone from the D-50BS. This would make it more of a flatpicker/bluegrass player's guitar.

Both are GREAT guitars!

6

 

[Pike]

Hi Mike, I've owned two DV52's and played a Tacoma built D50 Bluegrass. The D50 sounded considerably better to my ear...

 

[fungusyoung]

Which era D50? I think Guild has used the "Bluegrass" tag for a while at least sporadically.

If it's between a DV52 & a Tacoma built D50, of the D50's I've played (about a half dozen or so) & the DV52 I owned there was no contest. DV52 by a landslide. For what it's worth, I always thought the Tacoma D40's were the true gems of that era. Each time I played one up against a D50, I'd put the D50 aside quickly & continue hacking away on the D40.

The DV52 is a wonderful spruce top/rosewood back/sides dread... Guild's gold standard, IMO... though I really like the Westerly era D55's & the pricier DV62, 72 & 73's.... but that's a whole different price range.

 

[West R Lee]

I previously owned a DV52, getting rid of it was the biggest guitar mistake I've ever made. I'd rate the tone and playability right up there with my DV72/73, and I think they are the finest guitars on earth (I'm a bit biased). The DV52 had a slightly different tone, but my gosh that thing had an incredible sound. It's been years since I've played a D50 from any era.

West

 

[Scratch]

DV-52 gets my vote, hands down. Two six strings I just can't keep my hands off of... The Westerly DV52 and Tacoma D-40 Richie...

 

[CelticJam]

This is my first real post so, "Hello!"

I have a Tacoma D50 BS and had the opportunity to compare it side by side with a DV52. I came home with the D50. It seemed to have a little bit more power and bass than the DV52, but it was a close race. I guess it's one of those personal choice things.

When I think of a comparison I would say the D50 is like dark chocolate with 70% cocoa and the DV52 with about 55% cocoa, more balanced maybe. Both are great, milk chocolate is good too!

I think the Adirondack top is the kicker for me. Enjoy the struggle!

Cheers,
Kevin

 

[dreadnut]

Being the proud owner of a DV-52, I should probably be more biased, but I've said it here many times before, the Tacoma D-50BS is one of the finest sounding acoustics made, and the only one reminded me of my DV-52. You would not be disappointed in either one of these. However, the DV-52 has a bit more candy, and you can probably get one for less than a D-50BS.

 

[chazmo]

This is my first real post so, "Hello!"

I have a Tacoma D50 BS and had the opportunity to compare it side by side with a DV52. I came home with the D50. It seemed to have a little bit more power and bass than the DV52, but it was a close race. I guess it's one of those personal choice things.

When I think of a comparison I would say the D50 is like dark chocolate with 70% cocoa and the DV52 with about 55% cocoa, more balanced maybe. Both are great, milk chocolate is good too!

I think the Adirondack top is the kicker for me. Enjoy the struggle!

Cheers,
Kevin

Welcome aboard, Kevin. Nice analogy. I sure miss chocolate -- dang diabetes.

 

[bluepen]

I have a new D-50BS and had a Westerly (90's) Dv-52. The big problem here is comparing a new guitar to a broken in guitar, but here's my thoughts.
The DV-52 was mellower and "richer". The D-50 is definitely louder and, as someone else here once said, "in your face". I didn't own both at the same time, but I have A/B'ed them simultaneously in a shop that had a bunch of Guilds.
You can get a DV for a great price if you look around. D-50s are still pricey (at least the Tacomas with the Adirondack tops).

I can only dream of what my D-50 will sound like in 15 or so years...

My take: D-50 for bluegrass, DV-52 for acoustic rock.

You'd probably love both.

 

[Pike]

DV52's sound great, I enjoyed playing them while I had them. The Tacoma built D50 as well as the D40 are awesome. I played them both at Apple Music in Portland, as well as a Tacoma built D55 and F50. They were all impressive.

 

[bluepen]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_Lkg7Gs ... re=related

This is most likely a Tacoma D-50 BS, otherwise a boomy D-40BJ. (Stolen from another post on this forum).

 

[dreadnut]

Aw, what the heck, just get one of each

 

[Moose Dog]

Great responses..thank you! I am really getting the impression that the DV52 is much more in the family Of a D55 than the newer bluegrass models.

 

[Graham]

Great responses..thank you! I am really getting the impression that the DV52 is much more in the family Of a D55 than the newer bluegrass models.

That's where I would put it.