Compare DV-6, GAD-50 and DV-52 Rosewoods

[calstang66]

New Member here...
I experienced some passion many years ago for some Guild guitars and then forgot about 'em, then about 10 years ago some passion again for the Guild 12 Strings. 2 weeks ago I discovered the Guild rosewoods - I played GAD-50 and was very surprised with the amazing beautiful chords and extreme fabulous bass. The store also had a D-55 that was even better. I mostly either sing alone with a guitar may lead worship with 2 or 3 singers.

The problem is, there just aren't enough Guild guitars around to play before you buy. I don't mind buying off ebay, if I've become convinced a product or guitar is what I want. Thus, this thread...

Many of our comments might be more helpful to readers if we mention our primary style of play. For example, you might read raving-great comments about a certain guitar and all the comments are from bluegrass players or from follks who use their acoustic for lead, runs, flatpicking etc. and for me, that does not apply because I prefer a more mellow, smooth, warm sounding acoustic to back up my folk style singing.

I'd really like to hear some comparison and discussion about Guild 6 String Spruce top with rosewood back & sides guitars, regarding whatever tone characteristics you wish to decribe. I listed only these 3 because they are in my price range.
At the present, I think my next guitar purchase will be a Guild DV-52. What do you think?
In order of price (I think)
GAD-50
DV-6
DV-52

 

[Yoko Oh No]

Re: Compare D-50, D-55, DV-6, GAD-50 and DV-52 Rosewoods

hey calstsang66,

every guitar is different, even within models...even strings can make a huge difference in sound

find one you can play, and if it speaks to you buy it

mine did

 

[jazzmang]

Re: Compare D-50, D-55, DV-6, GAD-50 and DV-52 Rosewoods

DV-52 is always a good choice. The D-55 and DV-52 are nearly identical (when comparing latter Westerly models), so many people feel the DV-52 as the unsung hero

Obviously theres a huge variability between individual guitars, so you'll definitely have to try before you buy.
I've owned my share of great Guilds, but I've also owned a few duds. They exist. Just keep that in mind.

 

[bluesypicky]

Re: Compare D-50, D-55, DV-6, GAD-50 and DV-52 Rosewoods

Welcome calstang!
I cannot speak for the GAD as I never touched one before, but as everyone here (and elsewhere) will tell you, they're all great guitars, sharing the very top of the Dreadnought category, all brands included.
My all time favorite is the DV-52, but I've also been impressed with every D-50 I had a chance to play.

 

[Geo]

Re: Compare D-50, D-55, DV-6, GAD-50 and DV-52 Rosewoods

Welcome to LTG.

If you scroll down towards the bottom of the Board Index page you’ll find reviews on different rosewood models.

My favorite Dread is my DV-52. The best deal as far a cost goes is my Corona D-50. My DV-6 is mahogany so I can’t help you there.

The DV-52 is every bit as good as my Martin HD-28 at half the cost and the D-50 is close at a third of what I paid for the Martin.

George

 

[Taylor Martin Guild]

Re: Compare D-50, D-55, DV-6, GAD-50 and DV-52 Rosewoods

Guild has made changes in their guitars over the years.
Some D-50 Guilds have Sitka Spruce tops. These were made before the move to Tacoma in about 2005.
Tacoma and New Hartford D-50 Guilds have Adirondack tops.
Adirondack is known as the choice for Bluegrass playing. Sitka is a better all purpose wood.
The D-55 and the DV-52 both have Sitka tops.
My guess is that for your style, either the DV-52 or the D-55 would suit you best.
If you can find a used Westerly built D-50, that would also be a good choice.

You would have a great guitar in any of these models.
The one thing to watch out for in buying used is the neck angle.
Many guitars that are over 20 years old are a candidate for a neck re-set.
Guilds are known to be hard to do a reset on so they can cost up to $500.00 to have it done.

I own a Tacoma built D-55 and it is a great all purpose guitar.
I play with Bluegrass musicians a lot and the D-55 can get lost in the crowd.
I now think that a D-50 with Adirondack top would be a better choice for my style.

 

[gjmalcyon]

Re: Compare D-50, D-55, DV-6, GAD-50 and DV-52 Rosewoods

I play a 2008 Tacoma DV-6, and it sounds wonderful, particularly at its under-$800 price point.

I believe Guild subsequently moved DV-6 manufacturing to Mexico, and reviews are mixed on products coming from there.

There may still be "new old stock" ("NOS") Tacoma DV-6's lurking in retailers - I bought mine about a year ago from 8th Street Music, where it had been hanging on the wall for a couple of years.

In any event, you've got to play 'em to know.

 

[killdeer43]

Re: Compare D-50, D-55, DV-6, GAD-50 and DV-52 Rosewoods

If you can find a used Westerly built D-50, that would also be a good choice.

Stay tuned to that frequency because I believe there might be one coming up for sale in the next day or so. 8)

*If so, check the FS/FT section of the Board index for details.

Joe

 

[adorshki]

Re: Compare D-50, D-55, DV-6, GAD-50 and DV-52 Rosewoods

If you can find a used Westerly built D-50, that would also be a good choice.

Stay tuned to that frequency because I believe there might be one coming up for sale in the next day or so. 8)
*If so, check the FS/FT section of the Board index for details.
Joe

Are you emancipating a foster guitar again, to make room for yet another foster guitar?

 

[killdeer43]

Re: Compare D-50, D-55, DV-6, GAD-50 and DV-52 Rosewoods

If you can find a used Westerly built D-50, that would also be a good choice.

Stay tuned to that frequency because I believe there might be one coming up for sale in the next day or so. 8)
*If so, check the FS/FT section of the Board index for details.
Joe

Are you emancipating a foster guitar again, to make room for yet another foster guitar?

Just can't slip one past you, can we?
There is some movement in that direction, so stay tuned, as I know you will. 8)

Joe

 

[calstang66]

Re: Compare D-50, D-55, DV-6, GAD-50 and DV-52 Rosewoods

Thank you to all, for your helpful, timely and kind responses.

I might simplify this thread a bit, by just asking for a comparison of the DV-6 and DV-52 because these are the 2 I am most likely to buy, because the D-50 and D-55 are above my pocket book, and the D-150 and GAD-50 don't have as much bass and balance as the DVs (I think).

It seems Guild owners are quite loyal to Guild, or maybe just enlightened, judging from the dominance of Guild guitars displayed in all of your signatures. Guild guitar have a tone/sound character that is not only unique, but seems finer and prettier to me than other top brands. Like some have said on this forum, I knew after 2 or 3 chord strums, that these were great guitars.

 

[Ridgemont]

Well, you haven't edited you title yet so I will give my opinion on all 3. I have played some GAD50s over the years and haven't been all that impressed. You could claim that they would open up over time, but given the polyester finish on them, that will be another topic for another day.

I have played some DV-6s out of Mexico and one USA made DV6 (all rosewood). They were new and pristine, but were lacking resonance and just were not as loud as you would think a dread should be.

I have played a friends DV-52. That was a magical experience. It was full and resonant. It had sustain that would last even after you put the guitar back on the stand. The DV52s are approaching ~15(?) years so age is definitely on their side. Comparing to HD28s, I have only played them new in the store so they sounded pretty tight by comparison.

I have played new D50s and a nice older one as well. The older one sounded similar to the DV52.

Of the Guild dreads I have tried over the years, I don't think you could go wrong with a higher end used model. They sound the way dread guys claim they should sound.

 

[Ridgemont]

Re: Compare D-50, D-55, DV-6, GAD-50 and DV-52 Rosewoods

If you can find a used Westerly built D-50, that would also be a good choice.

Stay tuned to that frequency because I believe there might be one coming up for sale in the next day or so. 8)

*If so, check the FS/FT section of the Board index for details.

Joe

What kind of foolishness are you up to?

 

[adorshki]

Re: Compare D-50, D-55, DV-6, GAD-50 and DV-52 Rosewoods

Thank you to all, for your helpful, timely and kind responses.

I might simplify this thread a bit, by just asking for a comparison of the DV-6 and DV-52 because these are the 2 I am most likely to buy, because the D-50 and D-55 are above my pocket book, and the D-150 and GAD-50 don't have as much bass and balance as the DVs (I think).

Calstang I'm assuming you're specifically referring to late Westerly versions ('95 through 2001) of these, especially since modern DV-6's aren't anything like that period's guitars.
Essentially if ya want 'hog back take the DV-6. The DV-52 has rosewood, but it's also got scalloped bracing while the '6's had shaved. Dv-52 had a bit more bling being a more upscale guitar. According to the winter '97 catalog, all the DV's had specially sanded backs and sides for lightness, and specially selected necks and heelblocks for lightness/strength. The DV's were intended to sound llike vintage guitars when new.
DV-52's in particular have acquired a reputation for possibly being the best overall "value" in a Guild dreadnought, talking quality for price.
Oh, btw, welcome aboard!

 

[adorshki]

Re: Compare D-50, D-55, DV-6, GAD-50 and DV-52 Rosewoods

Stay tuned to that frequency because I believe there might be one coming up for sale in the next day or so. 8)
*If so, check the FS/FT section of the Board index for details.
Joe

What kind of foolishness are you up to?

These serial owner/sellers make it kind of hard for us regular folks to stand pat with what we already got, and not have to deal with GAS, don't they? :lol:

 

[Ridgemont]

Re: Compare D-50, D-55, DV-6, GAD-50 and DV-52 Rosewoods

Thank you to all, for your helpful, timely and kind responses.

I might simplify this thread a bit, by just asking for a comparison of the DV-6 and DV-52 because these are the 2 I am most likely to buy, because the D-50 and D-55 are above my pocket book, and the D-150 and GAD-50 don't have as much bass and balance as the DVs (I think).

Calstang I'm assuming you're specifically referring to late Westerly versions ('95 through 2001) of these, especially since modern DV-6's aren't anything like that period's guitars.
Essentially if ya want 'hog back take the DV-6. The DV-52 has rosewood, but it's also got scalloped bracing while the '6's had shaved. Dv-52 had a bit more bling being a more upscale guitar. According to the winter '97 catalog, all the DV's had specially sanded backs and sides for lightness, and specially selected necks and heelblocks for lightness/strength. The DV's were intended to sound llike vintage guitars when new.
DV-52's in particular have acquired a reputation for possibly being the best overall "value" in a Guild dreadnought, talking quality for price.
Oh, btw, welcome aboard!

Al,

I believe he is referring to the current build of the DV6 since he is interested in rosewood. As an FYI to the OP, DV6s from the Tacoma plant were rosewood as well and the current batch from Mexico.

 

[West R Lee]

Re: Compare D-50, D-55, DV-6, GAD-50 and DV-52 Rosewoods

Thank you to all, for your helpful, timely and kind responses.

I might simplify this thread a bit, by just asking for a comparison of the DV-6 and DV-52 because these are the 2 I am most likely to buy, because the D-50 and D-55 are above my pocket book, and the D-150 and GAD-50 don't have as much bass and balance as the DVs (I think).

Calstang I'm assuming you're specifically referring to late Westerly versions ('95 through 2001) of these, especially since modern DV-6's aren't anything like that period's guitars.
Essentially if ya want 'hog back take the DV-6. The DV-52 has rosewood, but it's also got scalloped bracing while the '6's had shaved. Dv-52 had a bit more bling being a more upscale guitar. According to the winter '97 catalog, all the DV's had specially sanded backs and sides for lightness, and specially selected necks and heelblocks for lightness/strength. The DV's were intended to sound llike vintage guitars when new.
DV-52's in particular have acquired a reputation for possibly being the best overall "value" in a Guild dreadnought, talking quality for price.
Oh, btw, welcome aboard!

Al,

I believe he is referring to the current build of the DV6 since he is interested in rosewood. As an FYI to the OP, DV6s from the Tacoma plant were rosewood as well and the current batch from Mexico.

Yes Al....the legendary DVSeis.

West

 

[adorshki]

Re: Compare D-50, D-55, DV-6, GAD-50 and DV-52 Rosewoods

I believe he is referring to the current build of the DV6 since he is interested in rosewood. As an FYI to the OP, DV6s from the Tacoma plant were rosewood as well and the current batch from Mexico.

Yeah, thats's why I qualified the time period, because I don't think it's worth comparing a later DV6 to a DV52...I must admit, though, I don't know if Tacoma actually did what Westerly did with the DV6's before construction moved to Mexico.
Since the OP's new to the brand I thought a little reinforcement of Geo's note that early DV6's were 'hog would be helpful.

 

[calstang66]

From me the OP...thank you again for your helpful responses......

Yes I am only interested in a rosewood guitar, for mellow singing backup. I am truly tight financially, and wil probably only have 1 or 2 guitars in my home (public school teacher) so it seems that a Guild DV-6 would be risky, compared to a DV-52, because reality is, I will have to buy without playing first. Where and when this or that guitar was made, gets confusing. I can clarify to make sure a DV-6 is not a mahagony guitar, but the DV-52 is only a little more money, for a guitar that generally has quite better reviews, etc., right? And it seems to me that the DV-52 is generally considered to be a notch (or 2?) above the DV-6 also a notch (or 2?) above the GAD-50. I know each guitar is unique, but, most knowledgeable Guild guitar owners would agree that most DV-52s are a notch above most DV-6 guitars, correct? I'm ah thinkin right now to wait for a guitar I really want, a DV-52 Sunburst, what do you think? (I would love to have a D-55 used Sunburst, but....the money ain't there. :shock:

 

[dayuhan]

Unless you've already absolutely decided on a dread, do consider the jumbos. Many a dedicated dread-head has gotten one taste of a Guild Jumbo and never looked back...

It's always best to play before you buy, but it's not always possible. I came up against that situation on my last buy and solved it by buying from a small and highly reputable shop... in my case Spruce Tree Music in Madison, WI, but there are many others. The guitar was advertised on their website. I called them up, the guy who answered the phone (Will) turned out to be very pleasant and very knowledgeable, and very patient with repetitive and highly subjective questions. When the guitar arrived it was exactly as described and I was (and am) very happy with it.

I probably spent a little more than I might have from an unknown e-bay seller or a megastore, but I think the extra was money well spent and it wasn't a half bad deal in any case. Knowing the guy you're talking to gets it and has earned a reputation for honest dealing makes a difference. I have no doubt at all that if the guitar had issues of any kind he'd have been completely up front about them.