Taylor Martin Guild said:
What are the differences between a DV52 and a D50?
I know that newer D50's have an Addi top but what about the Westerly era guitars?
As far as I know, Adi tops weren't introduced until the move to Tacoma. I think most Westerly-era spruce-topped dreads had sitka tops. I have heard that spruce-topped D-25s might have Englemann... my D-25 top does have less figuring/silking than my others.
Differences between the Westerly D-50s and DV-52s:
The major cosmetic difference is the abalone (later) or herringbone (earlier) rosettes on the DV-52, while the D-50 has a "plainer" ring (decal?). The DV-52 has the newer "tapered" headstock... as do Westerly D-50s made after the mid-80s (up 'til then , D-50s had the "center-raised" or "domed" headstock).
Structurally/sonically, the DV-52s have scalloped bracing. I don't know that Westerly D-50s ever had scalloped bracing (maybe later, in the '90s?), tho' there was a short-lived D-52 in the 80s with scalloped bracing. I don't know if I have ever seen one of those sell... it's confusing because some of the early DV-52s were "mis" labeled as D-52s (I think Hans said there was some miscommunication between the production floor and marketing dept).
I'd be curious to know what the bridge plate of the DV-52 (and newer D-50s) is made of (anyone?). My '76 D-50 has a rosewood plate, while my '92 D-55 has maple. That certainly could affect the tonal qualities.
TMG, we'll have to get together this winter (after the holidays) and compare our D-5Xs!
Dave
