D-25 question

[creeksideguy]

Do the earlier D-25s with braced flat backs sound much different from the later laminated arched backs? Is there much difference in the weight? Also what about the spruce tops compared to the mahogany tops?

Thanks,

Lee

 

[Ankaret]

Hi LTG!

My first post. Just bought a 1986 Guild D25 NT on the bay and was also wondering what people thought about the various versions of the D25 and how they relate to one another in terms of sound. I read a lot of praise for the arched backs?

Was wondering why I don't see a lot of talk or see as many D25s from the '80s, are they generally considered lesser quality even if they're still Westerley than 70's? Were less of this model made in the 80's?

Anyways, glad to be a part of the community!

 

[West R Lee]

Hey guys, I'll do my best, but fully expect someone to come along and correct me. I've owned a D25 since '79. I just can't say enough good about the guitar.....just incredible, anyway, I feel somewhat qualified to speak for the arched back spruce topped model. The arched back design of the D25 just puts out tons of projection, and I think that opinion is virtually unanimous.

Here's where it gets dicey. I think Guild went to the arched back in the early 70's. I think they had been flat backed and were origionally mahogany topped. I've played a couple of hog topped flat backs, and haven't personally been impressed. Nor have a couple of other guys who have owned them. There for a while, the flat backed, hog topped D25's were in big demand on eBay and brought top dollar.....sometimes over $1000, but that interest seems to have wained the past couple of years. I'm sure there are guys that love their flat backed models.

Now this is where I could be really wrong, but I think there were some spruce topped flat backs built, but no hog topped arched backs ever built. Again, I could be wrong. As far as the 80's models being inferior, I've never heard that and would guess they'd be on par with the 70's or the 90's models. I do know a lot of Gruhn models were built in Westerly in the 80's....no D25's and the Gruhn models are considered among the best by some.

I hope this helps you guys, and if it didn't, maybe someone that knows what they're talking about will come along and be of assistance.

West

 

[dreadnut]

Not to pick an argument with Westie, but there were some archback hog-top D-25's made during the transition from flat back to archback, they're just kind of a rare bird.

D-25's are one of the most sought after Guilds, which is ironic because for quite a while it was their entry-level, low end model. I bought mine new, and it's still singing sweetly after 33 years

I think the arched back with no bracing makes it kind of a parabolic device that focuses all the sound to the sound hole. At least that's my theory, and I'm stickin' with it.

By the way, the arched back is made from laminated mahogany plys, no cheap stuff in the inner layers.

In the early 80's, the D-25 wasn't the sole model of this design, they came out with the D-15, 16, and 17, which were less expensive and consisted of an arched mahogany back and a solid mahogany top. I'm still hoping to add one of these to the stable

 

[Ankaret]

Thanks guys,

So it sounds like laminated backs on these D25s are a good thing mostly? Its a little ironic given the "solid wood" preference of high end manufacturers/consumers, but I am definitely looking forward to getting my '86 D-25 soon. Just seem to see a lot more of the 70's models around and Im just curious as to why.

 

[Ross]

I am completely happy with my 1982 D-25.

 

[West R Lee]

Not to pick an argument with Westie, but there were some archback hog-top D-25's made during the transition from flat back to archback, they're just kind of a rare bird.

D-25's are one of the most sought after Guilds, which is ironic because for quite a while it was their entry-level, low end model. I bought mine new, and it's still singing sweetly after 33 years

I think the arched back with no bracing makes it kind of a parabolic device that focuses all the sound to the sound hole. At least that's my theory, and I'm stickin' with it.

By the way, the arched back is made from laminated mahogany plys, no cheap stuff in the inner layers.

In the early 80's, the D-25 wasn't the sole model of this design, they came out with the D-15, 16, and 17, which were less expensive and consisted of an arched mahogany back and a solid mahogany top. I'm still hoping to add one of these to the stable

No argument here Marc......I needed help with this one. :wink:

West

 

[Ankaret]

Another question, I read someone talking about 70's D25 being lighter than 80's? This having to do with Guild starting to have them "overbuilt"? What does overbuilt mean/entail beyond what one would guess simply by the name? How has this affected the sound and other factors? Hope that's not a dumb question.

 

[fungusyoung]

Hi LTG!

My first post. Just bought a 1986 Guild D25 NT on the bay and was also wondering what people thought about the various versions of the D25 and how they relate to one another in terms of sound. I read a lot of praise for the arched backs?

Was wondering why I don't see a lot of talk or see as many D25s from the '80s, are they generally considered lesser quality even if they're still Westerley than 70's? Were less of this model made in the 80's?

Anyways, glad to be a part of the community!

If you bought the one that just sold within the past day or two, congratulations... because it was a BEAUTY (at least going by the photos).

I can attest that Guild was making stellar guitars during that era. I owned a 1985 D15 and D17. Both were fabulous playing and sounding guitars that I only gave up last year because I had too many guitars & couldn't take care of them all. I also owned a '92 D25 that I gave to a friend, and I still play it now & again. Sweet sounding box!

D25's were probably not made in as great of numbers after the 70's because (as others mentioned) that advent of the D15, D16, D17 (in the 80s) and later the D4, D6, DV4 and DV6 (90's).... all of which were quite similar to D25's depending on which 70's model you're talking about.

I suspect you will be very, very pleased with yours.

 

[Ankaret]

I think it is the one you're referring to, this one here is on it's way to me now!:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0314004058

What do you guys think? It looked good to me, and I had good contact with the seller seems like a good guy, said he bought it from a guy 8 years ago who described it as "mint" and has been taken care of very well. Im so excited to get it! My first "real" Guild.

Any thoughts on the "overbuilt" phenomenon?

 

[plaidseason]

I think you did freakin' awesome. That's a great guitar, from a great era (the Gruhn-Walker years) at a great price. Congratulations!

-Chris

 

[Ankaret]

Oh man you guys are not helping control my excitement right now haha. Nice to get some affirmation on this purchase since it was a GAS vs. Credit Card boxing match that made the decision. What is Gruhn-Walker era? Are they builders/owners of a factory or something (of that time period)? I actually initially registered here to get opinions on this guitar before buying it but could not wait long enough to get my account activated before pulling the trigger. Glad I did though!

 

[dreadnut]

yeah, I saw that one too. She's a beauty. "Ya done good, son..."

 

[West R Lee]

I think it is the one you're referring to, this one here is on it's way to me now!:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0314004058

What do you guys think? It looked good to me, and I had good contact with the seller seems like a good guy, said he bought it from a guy 8 years ago who described it as "mint" and has been taken care of very well. Im so excited to get it! My first "real" Guild.

Any thoughts on the "overbuilt" phenomenon?

I think you did very, very well. An outstanding deal. Just a little inside joke around here.....truss rod cover is on upside down :wink: . I wouldn't send it back for that though. Looks like an absolute gem to me.

And by the way, I agree totally with Dread.................we've scientifically studied these arch backed D25's for decades, and the arched back shoots the little sound waves right back through the soundhole.......only bigger than when they started at the shaking strings.

West

 

[marcellis]

Check my 1972 flat-back hog top in my sig.

I've played both. I prefer the flat-back hog tops.
But I would certainly buy a hog top hump back too.
I don't care much for Hog/Spruce. My D-40 was a big
disappointment. It sounded like a D-25 Hog/Spruce --
but not nearly as loud or resonant, unless you pounded on it
like Richie Havens.

My ratings:

The hump backs are louder. Good.
They are heavier. Bad.

The difference between a Spruce top and a Hog top is audible.
I don't care much for the sound of Hog/Spruce guitars. I love the sound of all hog guitars.

I like the tight-focused mid-range of a Hog top. A Spruce top detracts from
exactly from what I like about the Mahogany sound. It adds clarity, brightness
and volume.

If you want to hear what the solid hog flat-back D-25's sound like
and can't find one - go play a Martin D-15. Magnificent tone, but not very loud.
They remind me of my 1972 D-25's tone. But they don't sound as great as the old
D-25's.

 

[Tony Burns]

I just put a new set of Gotohs on my '79 D-25CH ( as well as Ebony pins ) plus a new set of EXP's 80/20's in custom light - last week. -the Gotohs just popped in- with no drilling etc- They really give the guitar a big step up -those old open backed plate tuners that came with the guitar really where getting to be a PITA .

 

[fungusyoung]

I think it is the one you're referring to, this one here is on it's way to me now!:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0314004058

What do you guys think? It looked good to me, and I had good contact with the seller seems like a good guy, said he bought it from a guy 8 years ago who described it as "mint" and has been taken care of very well. Im so excited to get it! My first "real" Guild.

Any thoughts on the "overbuilt" phenomenon?

Yup, that's the one I was watching out of sheer fascination. Looks GORGEOUS. In fact, I started a thread about it in the Ebay section of this forum. I think you done real good.

 

[JerryR]

Hi Ankaret - even if I've said hi already elsewhere. Can't add to the erudite comments of my colleagues on th eD25 - I've played one but don't own one - I have it's close cousin the D35 which is a flat-back :mrgreen:

 

[dreadnut]

my old open back tuners are still ok

I dressed mine up with a set of abalone inlaid tusq pins The only other mod is an LR Baggs under-saddle passive pickup.

 

[marcellis]

If we're talking mods to D-25's - I've got y'all beat.

New finish (my luthier couldn't duplicate the cherry red). New tuners.
Cracks repaired, missing pieces replaced. I even put a G-shield on this baby.

She earned it.

1972 D-25. Purchased new in 1973. Neck reset 2003. Completely restored 2006.