D15 vs D25

[dreadnut]

So I've always wanted to compare the "Hog top vs. Spruce top" mahogany archback guitars. Now that I have my D15 I would like to offer the following analysis.

Boy, is the D15 ever nice for fingerpicking! I probably won't even install a pickup in this one, if necessary I will mic it with my cardoid mic. Very nice, even tone across all 6 strings, a delight to sing along with. I'm gonna baby this one, it is in showroom condition, and I'm not gonna drag it all over the place so it doesn't get beat up.

On the other hand, I have to give the nod to my old D25m, which has been dragged all over the place, and beat to $hit, LOL. I spent some time playing her down in the music cave today, and it really made my ears happy. Either straight acoustic or plugged into my Fishman Loudbox Mini, this old Guild dread continues to deliver.

I love my two entry-level Guild dreads. Quite a bargain in the total scheme of things.

I love all the bling on the higher-end Guilds, but it doesn't make 'em sound any better. I also gave the nod to my D25M over my DV52.

 

[D30Man]

Guild did a really good job of getting the recipe right across all models base and blinged out.

D25’s are just really amazing guitars. Period. Those two are lovely examples sir.

 

[D30Man]

My ‘78 D35 is another stellar example of a base level Guild that just sings. I did a shootout for my wife between the D35 and my Oxnard F55 and picked the D35 hands down.

 

[beecee]

I also gave the nod to my D25M over my DV52.

Wow!!

 

[Rambozo96]

I think my next Guild is probably gonna be either the mahogany topped ones or perhaps one with the maple back and sides just as a change of pace with the spruce and mahogany combo I seemed to always have had. My 86’ D-25 has a deep projecting sound whereas my 74’ D-35 seems to be bright and punchy.

 

[D30Man]

Bonneville has an early 2000’s Corona built flat back / hog top D-25 up for sale on the forum.

 

[dreadnut]

I also gave the nod to my D25M over my DV52.

Wow!!

Overall sound-wise that is. The D25M is deeper and boomier, but the DV52 is clear and even across all the strings.

 

[cupric]

D15s are so under rated. It's amazing that you can purchase them so inexpensively. And they are such high quality instruments. I bought mine new in 1986, on sale for 375.00 and 50.00 for the case. It really never appreciated in value. But, it will hold its own with any guitar out there. It can do anything. It's very comfortable and has never needed anything more than a setup.

 

[Grassdog]

I've played Dreadnut's D25M and I can attest to the fact it is a CANNON. There is just no substitute for a guitar that has been played so much over the years. I'll take "players condition" guitars any day over a new one, as long as it's been cared for.

Glad to hear you're enjoying the D15 Dread.

 

[dreadnut]

Thanks, Roger, I am enjoying the D15 immensely. I hope you have an opportunity to visit again soon and play it. Once we get the other side of this contagion, I'm still going to host a big Prinefest in my back yard.

 

[dreadnut]

Another night in the music cave with my D15 and D25M, and I still have to default to the old D25 for the best sound - loud and clear. The D15 has its own sound and is a bit mellower, but also rings very nicely.

I detailed the D15 today, not that it needed much - it's like a brand new guitar, what's not to like about that? I polished it up and inspected all the mahogany, geez they used some really nice mahogany. Beautiful grain. The rich looking mahogany was what first drew me to my old D25M too.

I will take some more photos and post them, but I'm loving the looks of "no binding" on the D15, because the joining of the top and the bottom to the sides are absolutely flawless, impeccable workmanship.

 

[JohnW63]

I don't need another guitar. I almost posted a my GAS is gone. But, low end models that kick butt get my attention. Stop IT!