Does D4 = D25, or Vice Versa

[ladytexan]

Somewhere along the way, I remember reading the a. D4 = D25, or b. D25 = D4. Again, it's been a while since I read the article, so I'm posing the question here. If one of these two models wasn't 'up-to-snuff' during production, were they switched to the other model? If so, what was the sequence, a. or b. OR c. none of the above?

 

[Ridgemont]

Structurally, they are the same. The D25 has nitro and other appointments and the D4 has a satin finish and is stripped down a tad. However, people who have both or played both say they do not sound the same. All prefer the D25.

 

[TonyT]

Agreed. I have both, and there's no contest.

 

[Scratch]

Agreed. I have both, and there's no contest.

+2 I've had both and the D-25 was the better instrument. As I recall, the D-25 felt heavier...

 

[ladytexan]

So, Guys, based upon your answers, there was no switching either model to the other (or c. none of the above). Gosh.............

 

[TonyT]

I think, and I may be wrong, that the D25's that we all love so much are mostly from the 70's and 80's. I don't remember many, if any, post about D4'S from that era. I know my earlier statement is based on comparing a 70's D25 to a late 90's D4. Still Westerly, but clearly not apples to apples.

 

[Ridgemont]

I wonder how a D4 would stack up against my '97 D25.

 

[taabru45]

I'm going to check out a D4 this weekend, made in Tacoma...and it has braces, and I believe scalloped braces... don't know what to expect but I'm curious cause I thought the D4s were arch back....Steffan

 

[Ross]

I've played a couple of D4s. Both were very nice guitars - great sound and good value.

Compared to my 1983 D25, both had more emphasis in the midrange. The bass was not as defined as in the D25; it was definitely there, but not as prominent.

I'd say that a D4 would be a good purchase (at the right price)

 

[adorshki]

I'm going to check out a D4 this weekend, made in Tacoma...and it has braces, and I believe scalloped braces... don't know what to expect but I'm curious cause I thought the D4s were arch back....Steffan

Tacomas were Dv4's, that's why.

 

[adorshki]

So, Guys, based upon your answers, there was no switching either model to the other (or c. none of the above). Gosh.............

IN FACT they all started with the same bodies. Even the serial number sequence is shared (AD04xxxx) from '95 onward.
The point about receiving upgraded finish and appointments to become D25's is correct.
Note the D4 was introduced in the early '90's to be the most economical american built guitar Guild could offer. AS such it could ONLY Be done by stripping down a D25 which was already fairly bare-bones. So a comparison between anything other than a post '87 D25 and a D4 is not equal. The bracing by the neck and the heelblocks are different for one thing. Biggest differences are the "handrubbed" finish (gloss was avilable later on) and the absence of headstock overlay on D4, which had silkscreen logo as opposed to MOP on D25.

 

[TonyT]

What he said.

 

[killdeer43]

What he said.

Well stated!
You still have a way with words. :wink:

Joe

 

[TonyT]

I think I've proven that I'm not much of a detail guy.

 

[adorshki]

I think I've proven that I'm not much of a detail guy.

I'm just a bit of a fanatic.
It was a good catch to mention that certain eras of D4's/D25's aren't a fair comparison.
There do seem to be more early vintage D25's around here, but man, my '96 is a featherweight in my opinion, which I think is one of the reasons it sustains so well. Got a skinny neck which I love too.

 

[taabru45]

I'm going to check out a D4 this weekend, made in Tacoma...and it has braces, and I believe scalloped braces... don't know what to expect but I'm curious cause I thought the D4s were arch back....Steffan

Tacomas were Dv4's, that's why.

So would the DV4 be more like a D35

 

[adorshki]

I'm going to check out a D4 this weekend, made in Tacoma...and it has braces, and I believe scalloped braces... don't know what to expect but I'm curious cause I thought the D4s were arch back....Steffan

Tacomas were Dv4's, that's why.

So would the DV4 be more like a D35

I do believe that'd be the appropriate comparison (Spruce top/hog flatback). I think archbacked dreads were dropped in Corona when they brought back the flatback D25.
In fact the DV4 and DV6 are still listed on Guild's website, I didn't realize they were actually both still current.

 

[TonyT]

No need for I learn a bunch from you. Don't stop.

 

[adorshki]

No need for I learn a bunch from you. Don't stop.

Aww shucks, yer too kind.

 

[ladytexan]

Thanks to everyone for your comments and thoughts...and, Al, you're da man! 8) It's safe to say that, at some period of time, a guitar that started-out as a D25 might have become a D4? ....using lots of wiggle-room words here for a reason, because one could, also, say that there is no comparison to a D25 and a D4 in other quality areas, i.e., sound, playability, etc. and are two, distinctively different models.

Again, thanks.......if I ever find that doggone article (of which I have been lookin' for today), I'll reference it here on this thread.