D-15 vs D-17

[adam79]

What's the difference between a D-15 and D-17? I play alot of dark, creepy riffs; a mahogany acoustic would be a good fit. Isn't there also a D-16 (all mahogany body)? I want one of these or a Martin D-15 or 000-15, which is also all mahogany.

Thanks,
-Adam

 

[GardMan]

I think the only significant difference was the trim. Matte/Satin (early D-15; later were glossy?) vs glossy (D-16 and D-17) and unbound (D-15 and 16) vs bound in white (D-17). All were mahogany tops and arched mahogany backs, if I remember correctly.

 

[Dr. Spivey]

All three are the same guitar with various levels of trim. D15 is satin finish, unbound body. D17 is full gloss finish with a bound body. The D16 is IIRC, gloss top with binding, satin back and sides.

The 15 series Martins are very nice sounding guitars, the Guilds in my opinion, are louder and project better. The Martin D15 is built on the light side, the Guilds are heavy.

I love my D17. 8)

Edit : Gardman had it, D16 is full gloss, no binding.

 

[Jeff]

Here's a D16 that came up on Seattle's Craigslist a few days ago. Sorry, no pictures.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/msg/1256794740.html

 

[adam79]

The 15 series Martins are very nice sounding guitars, the Guilds in my opinion, are louder and project better. The Martin D15 is built on the light side, the Guilds are heavy.

I love my D17. 8)

Edit : Gardman had it, D16 is full gloss, no binding.

sorry if this sounds stupid, but what is "binding?" how's the neck on the d17?

thanks,
-adam

 

[Dr. Spivey]

sorry if this sounds stupid, but what is "binding?" how's the neck on the d17?

thanks,
-adam

Adam, binding is the trim on the edges of the guitars body, it keeps the wood from chipping if it gets bumped. Look here http://www.westerlyguildguitars.com/index.htm and you can see photos of a D17 and a D15.

The neck is very similar to that of the Martin D15, to my hand, almost identical.

 

[fungusyoung]

I've owned both as well as a Martin 000-15 (which I still have).

The 15 and 17 are both very cool guitars. The 15 just looks a little more plain (no binding & satin finish vs. the 17's ivory binding & gloss finish). They both sounded & played great. The Martin 15 series in comparison is a much lighter guitar. Those Guilds are built like tanks.

All mahogany guitars are pretty sweet sounding. I just didn't need 3 of them, and my wife bought me the Martin as a 35th birthday present so there's no way that was going anywhere!

Honestly, you cannot go wrong IMHO with any of these options.

 

[adam79]

I've owned both as well as a Martin 000-15 (which I still have).

Honestly, you cannot go wrong IMHO with any of these options.

in the case of the Martin models, what's the difference between auditorium (OOO-15) and a dreadnought (d-15)? are they just different shapes? do they sound different?

-adam

 

[Dr. Spivey]

The 000 is smaller than a dread. The 000 will be about an inch narrower across the lower bout, and have close to an inch less depth to the body. Martin's website http://www.martinguitar.com/ has a ton of info, although I don't know that they give the exact body dimensions.

There is quite a difference in sound between a dread and an 000. In general the dread will have more bass and overall volume. Play them both and decide what you like.

In the Guild lineup the F30 http://www.guildguitars.com/instruments/search.php?partno=3806500821 would be close in size to the 000 Martin, however it is a spruce/mahogany guitar.

 

[adam79]

does anyone know the bluebook (if there is such a thing) value of a near mint 80s Guild D-15?

thanks,
-adam

 

[GardMan]

Can't say I know the BB value... but I think the D-15s I have seen sell on eBay have sold for $400-600.
D

 

[killdeer43]

Adam,

The most recent BB numbers I've seen for D-15s are 650-800 for 'excellent condition' and 525-625 for 'average condition.'
Mine is still here!

Joe