Br1ck
Senior Member
I have a 1968 D-55 TV Spec with BrazilIan Rosewood back and sides. I also have a 1970 F-512 Spec with solid Brazilian Rosewood (not arched plywood) back and sides. However, my 1968 F-50R has Brazilian Rosewood sides with Indian rosewood back. My 1973 D-55 and my 1973 F-512 are Indian rosewood back and sides.
If anyone knows Guild’s progression from the mid 60s through the 70s on the size and material for bridge plates and bridges, the thickness of the tops, the neck woods (my 1970 F-512 is all mahogany with a stacked heel), and the thickness and shape of the braces that might help explain differences in tone and volume I perceive from the late 60s and very early 70s from the 1973 and later guitars.
I hate you. Now that is out of the way, I'll tell you that my 70 D 35 has a Brazillian fingerboard and bridge. I think much changed between 72 and 73. Beefier everything from what I understand. My limited experience with later 70s Guilds is that they immediately feel heavier. Still, I played one D 55 from this era that I really liked. Did they figure D 55 owners would take better care of their guitars and lighten them up a bit? I can tell you from my more extensive experience with Martins of the 70s is there can still be some really good guitars and you can't really account for it.
Damn, you have a D 55 from the special order only era. I hate you.