Information request on recent D55 purchase

[John]

Hello folks,

First post. I recently acquired a new/used D55. A beautiful guitar. It's Tacoma, Washington made and the serial number is TL107xxx (not sure of the last 3 digits). I'm curious about the specs of the instrument, especially year made and materials used. I suppose I'm most interested in the type of spruce used for the top and the wood used for the fretboard and bridge. Also, material of saddle, nut and bridge pins. Any other info will be helpful.

At one time, I had a Westerly made D55, made in the late 70's. I wish I had the two side by side to compare. There are definitely differences between them.

The older one was quite alot heavier and I believe made of a finer grade of materials. It may have had a slightly more resonant tone, but I think the newer one plays more easily as of now; I hope to improve it even more by having it professionally set-up as the action is a tad high, even with the neck angle being spot on.

I appreciate any help with my inquiry.

John

 

[Dadaist]

John,
Welcome to LTG....

I own an '81 D-55 SB, and your observations are on par with what I've experienced.

The older, Westerly guitars are a lot heavier than the newer Corona, Tacoma and New Hartford instruments. And to my ears they do sound different, though this might have to do with thirty years of playing....expanding and contracting...then the quality of the materials.

I'm sure someone will pipe in with the info you need regarding woods and specs.

David

 

[Scratch]

Welcome aboard, John. Specs on a Tacoma D-55:

AAA Sitka Spruce top
Indian Rosewood back and sides
3-piece mahogany neck
Ebony bridge and fretboard with mother-of-pearl and abalone block-position inlays
G-shield headstock logo
Abalone rosette inlay
Nut and Saddle are bone.

Not sure about the pins...

Hope this helps...

 

[twocorgis]

Hello folks,

First post. I recently acquired a new/used D55. A beautiful guitar. It's Tacoma, Washington made and the serial number is TL107xxx (not sure of the last 3 digits). I'm curious about the specs of the instrument, especially year made and materials used. I suppose I'm most interested in the type of spruce used for the top and the wood used for the fretboard and bridge. Also, material of saddle, nut and bridge pins. Any other info will be helpful.

At one time, I had a Westerly made D55, made in the late 70's. I wish I had the two side by side to compare. There are definitely differences between them.

The older one was quite alot heavier and I believe made of a finer grade of materials. It may have had a slightly more resonant tone, but I think the newer one plays more easily as of now; I hope to improve it even more by having it professionally set-up as the action is a tad high, even with the neck angle being spot on.

I appreciate any help with my inquiry.

John

Welcome here John!

Scratch has already given you the particulars on the specs (I think it has bone pins, too).

As for the serial number, "TL" means it was manufactured in 2008, the last year of operation in Tacoma ("TK" would translate to 2007). "107" translates to April 17, the 107th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. The last three digits represent where the guitar was in the manufacturing matrix that day.

D55s are wonderful guitars no matter where they're made, and there's a lot of love for them here. 8)

 

[killdeer43]

Welcome, John.
You've come to the right place for all things Guild.
Enjoy yourself and stay in tune! :wink:

Joe

 

[John]

Well, thanks very much. It is a lovely sounding and playing guitar, even though it's positively gigantic. My other guitar is a Tacoma parlor, a PM28, also a fine instrument. The Tacoma is more comfortable to play but does not have the depth (or amount), of tone that the Guild has.

I suppose it's possible they were both constructed by the same luthiers...?

 

[GardMan]

Welcme to LTG!
D

 

[evenkeel]

Welcome to LTG land. Can't belive no one has said this but...

pics please :wink: :!:

 

[chazmo]

Hello folks,

First post. I recently acquired a new/used D55. A beautiful guitar. It's Tacoma, Washington made and the serial number is TL107xxx (not sure of the last 3 digits). I'm curious about the specs of the instrument, especially year made and materials used. I suppose I'm most interested in the type of spruce used for the top and the wood used for the fretboard and bridge. Also, material of saddle, nut and bridge pins. Any other info will be helpful.

At one time, I had a Westerly made D55, made in the late 70's. I wish I had the two side by side to compare. There are definitely differences between them.

The older one was quite alot heavier and I believe made of a finer grade of materials. It may have had a slightly more resonant tone, but I think the newer one plays more easily as of now; I hope to improve it even more by having it professionally set-up as the action is a tad high, even with the neck angle being spot on.

I appreciate any help with my inquiry.

John

Welcome here John!

Scratch has already given you the particulars on the specs (I think it has bone pins, too).

As for the serial number, "TL" means it was manufactured in 2008, the last year of operation in Tacoma ("TK" would translate to 2007). "107" translates to April 17, the 107th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. The last three digits represent where the guitar was in the manufacturing matrix that day.

D55s are wonderful guitars no matter where they're made, and there's a lot of love for them here. 8)

Could very well be one of the last D-55s built by Tacoma.

Welcome aboard, John!

 

[DrDavid]

Welcome, John.

Would love to see some photos of your D55!

 

[Treem]

Welcome to the fold! :mrgreen:

 

[Dr Izza Plumber]

Welcome aboard!

 

[bluesypicky]

Belated welcome John!
The D55 is a beautiful dread... can't wait for the pics! :mrgreen:

 

[Brad Little]

Welcome to the Guild zoo, John. D-55s are nice instruments, enjoy. Of course,as somebody hinted, it's not official until you post pics.
Brad